Raul Albiol hoping ‘world’s best’ Cristiano Ronaldo will sign new deal to stay with Real Madrid

Albiol, who described his team-mate as the best player on the planet, was responding to a story in Spanish newspaper AS yesterday which claimed that the £80 million forward would not be signing a new contract with the Spanish giants.

His current deal runs out in 2015.

Ronaldo’s future with Madrid has been under the spotlight since the Portugal international admitted earlier this season he was “sad” for professional reasons.

This, coupled with the latest rumours, has led to suggestions Madrid could be forced to cash in on their star forward to avoid losing him on the cheap, with former club Manchester United and big-spending French side Paris St Germain touted as possible destinations for the 27-year-old — but Albiol is keeping his fingers crossed that scenario does not come to pass.

“I don’t know if he’s going to renew his contract or not,” he said.

“But Cristiano Ronaldo is the best in the world and we want him by our side as long as possible.”