Cristiano Ronaldo has never been one to discard any possibilities, maintaining throughout his time at Real Madrid that he could leave the club. Normally pundits suggest that CR7 is most likely destined for his former club Manchester United or a David Beckam style move to the MLS to spend the twilight of his career.

This season however a couple new contenders for Ronaldo’s signature have appeared. Paris Saint-Germain have emerged as a possible destination, and now Madrid’s bitter rival Barcelona has been mentioned as a possibility.

In an interview with the Associated Press Thursday, the Portuguese star said that he could not count out the possibility of moving to Barça, or any other team in any league for that matter.

“There are things that you kind of already have an idea, that to play one day for Barcelona would be almost impossible, or to play for another English club other than Manchester, it’s very complicated,” he said. “But that’s not 100% guaranteed. As I said before, there are no certainties in football.”

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This weekend in Spanish football is one not to be missed. No it’s not the second edition of El Clásico, but Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are all facing formidable opponents.

On Saturday, Barça host sixth-place Deportivo La Coruña, who if they can steal three points at the Camp Nou, could force a tie for fourth, and a Champions League spot. Depor have traditionally played the big teams very tough, and even managed to avoid relegation last year by playing to a 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou last season.

Making things even more difficult will be the absence of Balon D’Or finalist Neymar. The 23-year-old Brazilian has been ruled out with a groin problem.

Atletico face the always tough Athletic Bilbao at the Vicente Calderon in Madrid Sunday, riding a high after their Champions League win against Benfica in Lisbon.

Athletic are also riding some momentum into Madrid as they finished atop their group in the Europa League. Complicating things for Atletico is Bilbao hitman Aritz Aduriz, who is tied for fourth in La Liga with 10 goals. Atletico don’t have anyone even inside the top 10.

To wrap up the weekend’s action Real Madrid travel to Villarreal who are never to be over looked. Madrid has not looked good against any above average opponent this year, foreign or domestic and Villarreal has an amazing defense.

The Yellow Submarine as they’re known has survived on defense, as they sport a slim goal differential despite sitting fifth. They’ve scored only 18 all year and Madrid is coming in on an impressive run, scoring 12 goals in their last two matches.

If Real is able to get any fluidity in attack, it’s game over for Villarreal.

While the Premier league may get on the tube out here, it’s been Spanish teams that have won the last two Champions League titles, demonstrating the league’s prowess top to bottom. Therefore it is a league to seek out if you can.

Photo: Flickr