Former Real Madrid manager shares truth about Ronaldo’s departure to Serie A – ‘There was no hope’ | OneFootball

Former Real Madrid manager Fabio Capello has offered insight into one of the most talked-about exits in the club’s history, which is the departure of Ronaldo Nazario.

The Italian coach revealed that the Brazilian’s attitude and lifestyle ultimately pushed the club to make a tough decision.

Notably, Capello joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2006, returning to the club under president Ramon Calderon after a three-year title drought.

His arrival marked the beginning of a new phase at the Santiago Bernabeu, signalling the slow end of the Galacticos era.

That same summer, Madrid brought in Ruud van Nistelrooy from Manchester United, despite already having Ronaldo in the squad.

Reflecting on his time managing the two strikers, Capello recalled the internal challenges he faced. He shared,

“Ronaldo is the best player I’ve ever coached. He was a guy who loved to go out partying every night; he was crazy, weighing 94 kilos and not wanting to lose weight.

“At one point, I told the president that we had to let him go. There was no hope of moving forward. And so we let him go. But, I repeat, he’s the best I’ve ever coached.”

The end of an era at the Bernabeu

Ronaldo left Real Madrid in January 2007. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Following Capello’s decision, Ronaldo left Real Madrid during the winter transfer window to join AC Milan.

The Brazilian legend, who had once dazzled the Bernabéu with his flair and finishing, was struggling for minutes under the Italian manager.

Capello preferred the more disciplined Van Nistelrooy, who went on to become one of the key figures in Madrid’s title-winning season.

That campaign ended successfully with Real Madrid winning La Liga, but it also marked a moment of change.

Despite lifting the trophy, President Calderon decided to dismiss Capello at the end of the season.

Within a year, both the Italian coach and Ronaldo were gone, closing a dramatic and defining chapter in the club’s modern history.

Source: AS