Our former charge Cristiano Ronaldo has caused an almighty stink in Spain by suggesting he isn't happy. Pundits the world over are suggesting this means he is moving here, there or everywhere. He isn't.

The immediate theory is that he's angling for a more lucrative contract. It seems to be a natural reaction nowadays to assume a footballer is being greedy. If you stuck a microphone in anybody's face several times a week, especially at stressful times at work, they would not come across as lovely as you think they are.

Still, Ronaldo's comments do perhaps lack sensitivity, considering the present, poor economic climate in Spain. The resulting furore suggests his comments will now need clarifying. But should they?

First of all, several of Ronaldo's teammates have recently been awarded new contracts, whereas his talks have been delayed. He has scored 150 times in 149 games for them, it is fair to say he is doing his job properly.

It is not his fault that footballers wages are so blown out of proportion that this week the Premier League are even considering a salary cap. He is simply the best, and should be paid accordingly.

Secondly, this may not be about cash at all, but genuinely a personal issue that is making him feel "sad". As one commentator has pointed out, if this is a depressive issue, it should be treated with the utmost respect -- especially after the tragic suicide of German goalkeeper Robert Enke.

The real issue, of course, is that people are getting at Ronaldo because they think he is arrogant. Fair enough. But each person should be afforded personal space and a bit of civil respect. That is something footballers don't always get when their every move is scrutinised by the news media.

However, if he wants to move back to Old Trafford, he is more than welcome.

Follow Mark on www.twitter.com/markjpayne

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