Luis Figo insists Ronaldo is 'not indispensable' to Real Madrid amid speculation of summer exit

Luis Figo has insisted that Cristiano Ronaldo is not “indispensable” to Real Madrid amid speculation that the forward is set to leave the Bernabeu this summer.

Ronaldo’s future at Real has been thrown into question after the 32-year-old was accused of defrauding the Spanish authorities out of € 14.7m, prompting the forward to make the “irreversible” decision to leave the club.

Although reports now suggest the player is rethinking his position, Figo has hit out against the spectacle.

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Speaking to Gol regarding the speculation surrounding his compatriot, the former Real Madrid and Barcelona player said that “nobody is indispensable” at the Bernabeu – not even Ronaldo.

“I hold the opinion that nobody is indispensable, not just Cristiano Ronaldo,” he said.

“Clubs can't depend on anybody. The history of these clubs is above everyone, even the president or whoever.”

Despite his comments, Figo, who played at the Bernabeu between 2000 and 2005, believes Ronaldo will remain a Real Madrid player for the new season.

He added: “A lot of things would have to happen for him to leave.

“It is a person decision and if a person really wants something to happen then it will end up happening, but I see it as unlikely.”

The Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez, has similarly publicised his belief that Ronaldo won’t be leaving the club.

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Perez, who was re-elected unopposed this week, defended the player in a full-length interview with Onda Cero in which he claimed the tax issues were simply a "misunderstanding" and denied that Ronaldo would ask to leave in an attempt to have any fines paid by the club.

"Cristiano has a contract and he is a Real Madrid player,” Perez said. “I have not talked with Cristiano.... but they tell me has been treated badly in this country. I have found everything out through the newspapers.

"The last time that I talked with Cristiano was in Cardiff, after the game. What happened with the tax authorities was after the game.

"Life throws up unexpected situations but one has to take them on and find a solution."

Ronaldo is currently on international duty with Portugal at the Confederations Cup and was named man of the match after heading home his side’s winning goal against the hosts Russia.