Benzema denies Ronaldo 'sadness'

Posted Monday, September 10, 2012 by ESPNSTAR.com

Karim Benzema claims he has seen no evidence of the supposed "sadness" that has gripped Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo sparked frenzied speculation over his state of mind last week when he failed to celebrate his two goals in a 3-0 win over Granada.

The former Manchester United forward claimed post-match that he was "a little sad", but declined to offer any further explanation.

The revelation gave way to a slew of media stories speculating on the root cause of Ronaldo's unhappiness, but France international Benzema indicated on Sunday that his team-mate was not cutting a dejected figure around the club.

"I don't know why Ronaldo is sulking," Benzema told a press conference. "I haven't really followed the story but I haven't seen him unhappy."

The Spanish media were quick to suggest that Ronaldo, who has scored 150 goals in 149 matches for Madrid, was eager to leave the Bernabeu, with free-spending Paris St Germain mooted as a possible destination.

Other theories bandied around suggested he had been left unhappy with the progress of talks over a contract extension.

On Tuesday Ronaldo took to Twitter to reassure his fans that he remains fully committed to the Spanish champions' cause, and rejected accusations that his current issues were motivated by money.