Sneijder Blames His Ex wife for Not Becoming ‘Better’ Than Ronaldo and Benzema at Real Madrid

• Dutch legend Wesley Sneijder has lamented about the impact of his divorce on his career
• Sneijder split with actress Yolanthe Cabau during his spell with Real Madrid
• He believes he could have reached the heights of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema

Wesley Sneijder has opened up about the impact of his divorce on his career during his time with Real Madrid, one of Spain's top football clubs.

Sneijder's spell with Real Madrid encompassed both triumphs and obstacles. He joined the prestigious club in the summer of 2007, leaving Ajax Amsterdam amidst high expectations and ambitious goals.

In his initial season, the Dutch midfield maestro celebrated La Liga success. However, the following years were plagued by setbacks, which Sneijder has attributed to his separation from actress Yolanthe Cabau.

“My only regret was when I divorced my first wife in Madrid. That period seriously impacted me and I had to leave the club," he recounted as quoted by MadridXtra.

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He reckons: "If I had been in good shape mentally, I could have stayed at Real Madrid for many years like Ronaldo and Benzema.”

Following his transfer to Inter Milan, Wesley Sneijder successfully revived his career, swiftly emerging as a dynamic presence in the midfield and making substantial contributions to Inter's remarkable treble-winning campaign in 2009-2010, per All Football.

Despite facing challenges in maintaining consistent form due to his 'love' for life, Sneijder left an indelible mark in the history books.

His exceptional performances earned him prestigious accolades, including the FIFA Club World Cup Silver Ball, UEFA Club Midfielder of the Year, and recognition in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season. Sneijder's undeniable talent and impact solidified his place among football's elite.

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Earlier, Sports Brief reported that ex-Netherlands midfielder Wesley Sneijder believes he could have reached the same level as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

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The Inter Milan legend, who played a key role in Inter Milan's treble-winning campaign in 2010, confessed he could have mirrored the aforementioned duo, but his preference to enjoy living his life derailed that prospect.

In a glittering career which saw him feature for some of Europe's top clubs, the former Dutch attacking midfielder narrowly missed out on the Ballon d'Or to Barcelona trio Xavi, Iniesta and Lionel Messi, who eventually won the coveted diadem.