Cristiano Ronaldo & Generation Y Footballers

The soap opera surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo has been going on, according to many including this author, for too long. In fact, people tend to get fed up with those things in life that are never ending (mmm ok, at least most things). However, the length of this saga as well as the fact that Ronaldo is possibly the best footballer in the world at the moment, has meant that few people have not expressed an opinion on the issue. Nevertheless, one thing that has become apparent to me is the lack or twisting of many facts by many so-called "experts" which is why I hope to dissect and settle the issue once and for all in this article.

FACT 1. On the 13th of April 2007, Ronaldo signed a 5 year contract, valued at 120,000 pounds a week, making him Manchester United's highest ever paid player. This means that Ronaldo committed to playing for United for 5 years and accepted a handsome salary for the privilege. Any desire to break this contract is completely unfair to United, not just because of the money they're paying him, but because of his commitment to stay and help them win trophies. Any breaking of the contract throws United's plans into chaos. Culprit: Ronaldo Victim: United

Another thing that has to be mentioned are the rights to the player which are transferred to the club purchasing the player. This essentially implies that the clubs are the ones who decide whether a transfer goes ahead, not the player. This has been compared to slavery both in the past and more recently, but nowadays if the player's wishes are not being fulfilled, then they can at any time stop playing, effectively forcing the club to comply with their wishes.

Nevertheless, just because a player no longer wants for a club does not give him the right to break his contract. Signing a contract implies a commitment, a strong commitment, and this must be honoured. Unless the club has done something to harm the player, then yes, the player does have an argument to leave the club. But what harm has United done to Ronaldo? None. In fact, they've given him the world. Culprit: Ronaldo Victim: United

FACT 3. There is no legitimate reason for changing clubs. No racism such as what Etoo has suffered for many years from the fans in La Liga. No rift with the coach Sir Alex Ferguson, in fact, it is largely due to Sir Alex that Ronaldo is one of the best footballers on the planet. No rift with management or owners, well, at least none that is going around media circles. However, most importantly, there has been no lack of success. Ronaldo has been so successful at United, so why would you want to leave a successful organisation? Culprit: Ronaldo Victim: United

There is no doubt that Ronaldo would not be the player he is today if it wasn't for the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson and his decision to purchase as a youngster 5 years ago. Ronaldo should then be mindful of what the club has given him and should repay their faith in him all those years ago, but this doesn't seem to be happening.

The lack of respect and loyalty shown by Ronaldo towards United is despicable and should be greatly condemned. It does not set a good example to young players around the world who idol Ronaldo. The fact that he has won so much at United does not justify one bit his desire to leave United. Also, the fact he's signed a 5 year contract in the last 18 months shows his supposed loyalty to the club and he must respect this even when tempted to do otherwise.

Put simply, Ronaldo is just a representative of today's generation of players where loyalty and respect take a back seat and where egos and personal rather than team motives take precedence. The era of club loyalty shown by players is gone and Ronaldo is the result of that. Money and personal success seem to be more important to him rather than respecting the club that has nurtured him. This isn't really surprising because it is simply part of the Generation Y syndrome that has affected the rest of society.

The lack of loyalty and respect among young players in football is reaching epic proportions to the point that I expect more cases like Ronaldo's to be appearing in the upcoming season. The problem with the loss of club loyalty is that clubs will forever be affected because players will not spend enough time at a single club to become an idol. The fans and the club will be the biggest losers in this situation. Football cannot afford to lose fans and clubs anywhere in the world. This is why young players must be taught more about club loyalty and respect today.