CAPETOWN, South Africa, July 20 (Agencies): Star Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has accepted the punishment of a two-year suspended prison sentence and a fine of 12.1 million pounds in a tax evasion case in which he was found guilty by the Spanish authorities, Sports24 reported.
The 33-year-old has already paid 12.1 million pounds and will pay a total of 16.8 million pounds to evade the prison sentence.
According to the Spanish rule, a sentence of two years or less than that do not carry jail term and can be served on probation.
The striker was accused of consciously evading the tax of 12.1 million pounds on earnings he had generated out of his image rights between 2011 and 2014.
Ronaldo, who recently left Spanish club Real Madrid, started a new journey with Italian club Juventus in a deal that cost over 100 million Euros.
Meanwhile, Spain's high tax rate was a contributing factor in Cristiano Ronaldo's decision to join Juventus, according to La Liga president Javier Tebas.
Ronaldo ended his nine-year association with Real Madrid when he agreed a switch to the Serie A champions worth €112 million (£100m/$130m), signing a four-year contract.
The Portuguese forward released a statement via Madrid's website to explain his reason for requesting to leave, citing the need for a "new cycle" at this stage in his career.
However, Tebas believes the move was also partially motivated by money, noting that the player will able to earn more in Italy.
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