TAX TRIAL: I have never hidden anything, says Ronaldo

Real Madrid and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo has released an official statement after appearing in court on Monday morning to answer claims of unpaid tax.

Ronaldo did not directly speak to the media after appearing in court, in a statement, the 32-year-old has denied any wrongdoing, and is confident that 'justice will be served'.

"I have never hidden anything, nor did have I ever had the intention of evading taxes. The Spanish Treasury knows the details of all my income because we have given them it," read a statement from Ronaldo.

"I always do my tax returns voluntarily because I think we all have to declare and pay taxes according to our income. Those who know me know what I ask my advisors: to have everything up to date and properly paid because I don't want problems.

"When I signed for Real Madrid, I did not create a special company to manage my image rights, but kept the same one that managed them when I was in England.

"Lawyers recommended by Manchester United created it in 2004, long before I thought of coming to Spain. The one used was usual in England and was verified by the Treasury and ratified that it was legal and legitimate.

"It is time to let justice work. I believe in justice and I hope that there is a fair decision. In order to avoid unnecessary pressure, I have decided that I will not comment further on this matter until the decision is made."

Spanish prosecutors have alleged that the four-time Ballon d'Or winner owes €14.8m (£12.9m) in unpaid taxes between 2011 and 2014. Meanwhile, they have accused Ronaldo of using a shell company in the Virgin Islands to "hide" €28.4m (£25m) of income earned from image rights.

Various reports in Spain have claimed that Ronaldo had told the judge: "I am only here because I am called Cristiano Ronaldo."