Why Did Ronaldo Leave Barcelona?

By Robert Palmer

Football fans around the globe were left in shock when Ronaldo, one of the most iconic footballers of all time, left Barcelona. The move was unexpected and raised several questions.

Why would a player leave a team that was so successful? What led to Ronaldo’s departure? Here’s a closer look at why Ronaldo decided to leave Barcelona.

The Early Years

Ronaldo, born in Brazil in 1976, started his professional football career in 1993 playing for Cruzeiro. He quickly caught the attention of European teams and was signed by PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands. After just one season, he moved to Spain to join Barcelona.

The Glory Years at Barcelona

Ronaldo’s time at Barcelona was nothing short of exceptional. In his first season, he scored 34 goals and became the top scorer in the league. He went on to win two consecutive FIFA World Player of the Year awards and helped Barcelona win several titles including the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup and the Spanish Super Cup.

Why Did Ronaldo Leave?

Despite his success at Barcelona, there were tensions between Ronnie and some members of the team’s management. One of the most significant differences was over his contract negotiations. Ronaldo felt that he wasn’t being paid what he deserved and that there was a lack of support from Barca’s board.

Moreover, an injury-plagued season made him miss several games which led to rumors that he wasn’t taking proper care of himself off-the-field. The media even reported that he was spotted partying late into the night on several occasions.

The Move to Inter Milan

In 1997, Ronaldo shocked everyone by moving from Barcelona to Inter Milan for a then world-record transfer fee of $27 million. It is believed that Ronaldo’s relationship with then-Barcelona president Josep Lluís Núñez had become so strained that he was looking for a way out.

The Aftermath

Ronaldo’s move to Inter Milan was met with mixed reactions. Some fans were disappointed to see him leave Barcelona, while others were excited to see him play for a new team. He went on to have a successful spell at Inter Milan, eventually moving to Real Madrid in 2002.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ronaldo’s departure from Barcelona was due to several factors including contract negotiations, tensions with the management and rumors about his personal life. While it may have come as a surprise at the time, Ronaldo’s move to Inter Milan paved the way for him to become one of the greatest footballers of all time.