Real Madrid forward and Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo has responded to tax evasion allegations, telling a Spanish judge Monday that he has “never tried to avoid taxes.” The current balon d’or holder was questioned to determine whether he committed tax fraud worth almost 15 million euros ($17.5 million) and spent more than 90 minutes answering the questions of investigating judge Monica Gomez.
“I have never hidden anything, and never tried to avoid taxes,” the 32 year-old mega football star said. Spain’s Tax Office knows all the details about my sources of income because we have reported them,” Ronaldo told the judge, according to his statement. I always file my tax returns because I think that we should all file and pay our taxes.”
“Those who know me know that I tell my consultants that they must have everything in order and paid up to date because I don’t want trouble.”fine of “at least €28m”($41m AUD) and a prison sentence of three-and-a-half years.”
In June, a state prosecutor accused Ronaldo of four counts of tax fraud from 2011-14 worth 14.7 million euros ($16.5 million). The prosecutor accused Ronaldo of having used shell companies outside Spain to hide income made from image rights. The accusation does not involve his salary from Real Madrid.
If Ronaldo’s case is sent to trial and he is ultimately found guilty, the Gestha union of experts at Spain’s Inland Revenue has said he could face a fine of “at least €28m”($41m) and a prison sentence of three-and-a-half years.