Florentino Perez has decided to sell Cristiano Ronaldo at the end of the season. The Portuguese forward, at almost 31 years old, is in the final straight of his career as a world crack, and the Madrid president wants to replace him, both in sporting and marketing terms. Neymar is his chosen man. The Madrid president wants to strengthen his squad with the second best footballer in the world, and at the same time weaken his arch-rivals, FC Barcelona.

Lluís Mascaró

Perez has taken account of the grave error he commited of letting Barcelona beat Madrid to Neymar three seasons ago. Sandro Rosell helped sign him for Barcelona, although afterwards there was a kerfuffle over the contract legalities. Neymar and his father feel harassed by the state and this is a key for Perez to try and convince him to "do a Figo". Perez wants Neymar to sign for Madrid by paying the 190 million euro release clause and lure him by helping him get legal impunity and extraordinary economic conditions. Moreover, he wants to capitalise on Barcelona not yet agreeing a new contract for the star.

Perez, per sources close ot the president, will offer Neymar 35m a season, more than double what he currently earns, and a conteact for five years. He would also weakn his father's will by paying a sign on bonus of 30m. We are talking about an operation that would reach a record 400m euros. The Madrid president's bet to rob Barcelona of their star of both the present and the future.