Manchester United are not the only ones who wish Cristiano Ronaldo would stop making eyes at Real Madrid.
Sensing an escalation of the diplomatic stand-off which has already seen Sir Alex Ferguson allude to Real's affinity with Franco, the Portuguese football federation's press officer Onofre Costa tried to intervene last week when a Spanish journalist upstaged a press conference at the national team's training camp at Viseu, northern Portugal, by presenting the player with a Real team poster and telling him: "I am here to say one thing: 'We want you with us.'" Ronaldo waved away the official's protestations and insisted on receiving the poster from AS.com's Jose Luis Gerejo. "It's a present for me. I want it," he said, taking the gift.
Even Gerejo was surprised. "I didn't expect that," he tells me. It's the kind of incident which is contributing to the current antagonism felt by the the Portuguese media contingent which has already decamped to Austria, for Cristiano Ronaldo. "We don't like him. He only wants to talk to the Spanish," says one of their number.
Ronaldo is also taking Sir Alex Ferguson for a fool. "It's a game they (Real) play all the time David," he has just told Sir David Frost. "In the past they've done it with Beckham, they've done it with Van Nistelrooy, they've done it with my fitness coach last summer, they took him away from us, so we're used to it."
Ferguson would have been on the ceiling if Beckham had conducted himself like Ronaldo and his apparent willingness to tolerate the Portuguese's conduct is odd. Ronaldo might not have started the flirtation but he has become as much the problem as the suitor.
The word around the Portuguese camp – unsubstantiated as it is - is that Ramon Calderon has made it clear that if Ronaldo does not sign now he will not be pursued again during his presidency - and that has made the player think deeply about his future direction.
Calderon says United have asked him to state publicly that he will not try to sign Ronaldo. The club would be better advised to tell the player to state publicly that his affinities lie with United – or else leave, for everyone's good.
You really do not like Ronaldo, do you? It seems you can't resist any opportunity to criticise his attitude.
Posted by: dan | 03 June 2008 at 05:23 PM
can someone please tell me what the attraction is in watching 22 overpaid men chasing a ball ?
Posted by: william r donley | 03 June 2008 at 05:33 PM
ronaldo to madriiiiiid ! loll the guy has the chance to mark history as the highest transfer and most expensive player of all time !!! beating the legend zinedine zidane. i was him i would take it hehe.
now william r donley u know nothing about football do u...? some football players and most of them are not overpaid. if u watch a game recreativo huelva vs levante nobody is overpaid. worst levante players have not been paid this year. so wrong statement about football. the big clubs and they are not many, have highly paid players. But these players are not overpaid. they are paid their due because they help teams win trophies (trophy = money) they attract crowds, and boost merchandising and publisicty for the clubs because of their talents, skills, image and so on. so they have to be remunerate for all the financial goods they attract for their clubs. u undretsnad ? so their salary is not only for their sproting contribution is also a valuation (pricing) of their marketing value (cause thay are like marketing asstes like brands for example) thats modern football baby loll. but dont forget they can get injured and stop carreer prematurely, and even they usually stop around 35 and retire (very very young) these players would live until 75 so they have 40 years as retired they have to get themselves a head start loll
Posted by: leo | 03 June 2008 at 05:47 PM
ronaldo ? horrible little creep. his head has at last
got too big for his pretty red boots.
he would look more convincing in pantomime !!
Posted by: t.c.hames | 03 June 2008 at 05:50 PM
For all the media hysteria, the attitude among United fans is that if any player doesn't want to play for you, let him go - see if he's as successful at Madrid as Beckham was...er...oh.
Obviously when you've got the best player in the world you want to keep him but he's not prepared to give 100% for United after everything the club has done for him, let him go.
No-one's bigger than the club - and with Nani, Anderson, Tevez, Rooney and however many millions Madrid would throw around for Ronnie, we'll survive. Big players have gone in the past and they'll go in the future.
I just wish they'd sort it out one way or the other cos these transfer soap operas are really boring.
Posted by: Andy | 03 June 2008 at 06:15 PM
Roanldo Sucks man.. i mean there are soo many players out there who are far better than him..
queresma, rooney,shevchenko,ballack, beckmah
Posted by: Shevchenko | 03 June 2008 at 06:16 PM
Ronaldo has served his time, he has achieved what he first set out to do; which was a) replace Beckham as Utd's superstar, b) win the European Cup, and C) increase his value.
Real Madrid will make him the highest earning star in History.
For all Fergies whinning and implicit threats by invoking the Glaziers, believe me, it is a done deal. Ronaldo's next missive will be to construct a very public rebuke to Fergie for threatening to leave him on the bench, followed by a bigger argument via the media, and then he will get his dream move. Bye Bye Ronaldo!!
Posted by: Itsadonedeal | 03 June 2008 at 06:17 PM
Ronaldo is an amazing player built up by amazing support on the pitch. His attitude is spot on and his team mates fully understand where he wants the ball and what he can do.
If he wants to go, let him and get £100 million for his adios.
Abrigado Ronaldo, I hope you REALise what you are giving up.
Posted by: John Cee, Sunderland Fan | 03 June 2008 at 06:29 PM
OK, lets put the peices of the puzzle together:
He hates English weather;
He hates the EPL's "rough" style;
He hates speaking English;
Madrid is a 7 hour drive from Lisbon (not that he would drive);
His mother`s favourite club team is Real Madrid;
Oh, did I mention that his girlfriend is Spanish?
In England he is a great player, in Spain he will be Prince.
Let's face it, as much as I think that it is not the right career move, I think Madrid will be his new home.
Posted by: Charles Dawn | 03 June 2008 at 07:04 PM
Fergusson is right. Let him rot in the stands if thats how its got to be. He signed a four year deal a year ago, whats wrong with honouring a contract? No one held a gun to his head when he signed so sod him and let him rot away. Maybe then other players would think twice about jumping ship. He, like all players, had the option of asking for a years contract. He should have done so and would now be a free agent.
Posted by: alan | 03 June 2008 at 07:19 PM
I hate how sir Alex ferguson thinks that he owns ManU he is just a coach and he is not Ronaldos owner. He is one of the best coachs in the world but that doesnt give him the right to talk like he does sometimes. Ronaldo is free to go if he wants. And Real Madrid fans all love him and we will support him %100. He can make history he might even become as great as zidane and Raul at Real. HALA MADRID.
Posted by: Hermes | 03 June 2008 at 07:22 PM
No, Ronaldo is NOT free to go if he wants, that is what a contract is for. He signed a 4 year deal, plain and simple.
Posted by: K | 03 June 2008 at 07:34 PM
If he goes he goes...no one player is bigger than the club. Great players leave, United march on. How many players have left United to go on to better things. None. I think he'll stay for one maybe two more season to show his respect for the world's biggest and most famous football club...he'll pick up his European and World Player of the year award then possible become a Madrid 'player' soon after. The previous poster commenting about Fergie being merely a 'coach' does not know too much about football, the guy is an instition. Ronaldo wouldn't be half the player he is without Fergie and Ronaldo must surely appreciate that. He'd now be in the same category as someone like Reyes or Quaresma if it wasn't for Ferguson's depth of knowledge. If he does go to Real it will be interesting to see how he gets on being stuck on the wing and told to stay there, that's how they do things at Real...when the White hanky brigade come out, Ronaldo will not be too impressed. Ruud and Ronaldo...a great combination that never won the league together...an ageing Ruud, ageing Raul, team of mercaneries, manager after manager...but a massive pay packet, Ronaldo has a lot more intelligence than the media give him credit for. Ultimately the best player in the World is playing for the best club in the World (on and off the pitch)...he will never be as good or as popular as he is now. Oh, yeah but it's sunny in Spain!
Posted by: Hugh Carrol | 03 June 2008 at 07:44 PM
ummm I disagree ruud has been an excelent player for real madrid, and yes manchester united is a great club but not as great as Real Madrid 9 european cups. enough said about that.
besides remember ronaldo is a real madrid fan, is his childhood dream to play for madrid besides he already won everything he can win in england, why not go?
Posted by: Javo | 03 June 2008 at 08:13 PM
look people, it makes all the sense in the world that ronaldo wants to leave as Charles Dawn and Itsadonedeal have explained. Ronaldo has won the EPL WITH MAN UTD,Ronaldo has won the European league WITH MAN UTD. Furthermore he has proven his worth and talent within the EPL. So why should he not move on.
I am not a MAN UTD SUPPORTER and to be honest i really dont like the EPL that much either(personal opinion),BUT,Ronaldo is truly a great player and for those of you that think not, well then obviosly you have never played a football match in your lives. The man can play and im not trying to say he is the best player ever but by no means is he an AVERAGE footballer. He has scored ridiculous amounts of goals and proven to be a key player in his side. So come on, give him his due. Peace Y
Posted by: Nubs | 03 June 2008 at 08:13 PM
So True ^
Posted by: umesh sanky | 03 June 2008 at 08:20 PM
Spot on Hugh, it is nice and sunny in Spain aint it! What a joke players basing their future moves on climate and their mother's wishes. Where's their balls now a days, they get paid millions of dollars, you'd at least expect some professionalism from them. Let's be honest Ronaldo will never reproduce the same form that he displayed this year. The lad's getting older which means his speed is somewhat declining, he's not as agile as he used to be and he scores many goals because of his supporting cast and right to roam the pitch. He will flop at Madrid trust me, he's no Zidane and Madrid are not nearly the team they used to be. Signing Ronaldo will put a huge dent financially to Madrid, but earn Calderon praise from the public!(what a circus) If ManU is smart they will cash in on Cristiano's value at the moment(he's shining brightest now)and reconstruct and fortify the team. Viva Manchester
Posted by: jimmy | 03 June 2008 at 08:27 PM
it is very true i am a manchester united fan, and i realy dont want him to leave because he has proven to everyone in england what a great player he can be, he has became an icon just like david beckham, real madrid are throwing huge amounts of money in order to lure ronaldo and i say let them do it, it is just showing how great he is, besides he is on a new 4 year contract, the Glazers would gladly let him sit and rot in the stands than let him go to them. and for people to say he is crap then i think you realy can't have a clue what you are on about, he brings a but of sparkle into the premier league which has been missing since thierry henry left arsenal, who ever left the comment above about jumoing ship i think you ae 100% correct, what did beckham acheieve at madrid? nothing!!
Posted by: dayle | 03 June 2008 at 08:36 PM
a little while ago i can rember ronaldo saying that united is his 2nd home, like other people have said he signed a four year contract not 1 year not 2 year but 4 year he shud be loyal to the club for everything they have done, they have increased his value, made him worlds best player and he has won everything he can in england. all though real madrid is a massive club ronaldo should stay at the club that brought him fame and money. it dont matter about the money it is all about respect and he shu respect the club like the other players have done, if rooney signed a four year deal last year and got the chance to play for madrid i think that he would turn it down it is wrong to sign for another club after agreeing a four year deal. and it dont matter if he is a real madrid fan if tht was the case dont u think he would of just signed for united for 1 more year instead 4 years, if he goes then he wont be half as good i dont think, if any 1 wants to speak 2 me about it thn feel free to e-mail me at gibbo_05@hotail.co.uk
Posted by: adam | 03 June 2008 at 08:50 PM
to the above comment my e-mail adress is gibbo_05@hotmail.co.uk feel free to speak to me about it wether u think it is right or wrong
Posted by: adam | 03 June 2008 at 08:55 PM
Sir Alex Ferguson did not make what Ronaldo is today, in fact he delayed his development by taking awhile to realize that the team played better without Van Nistleroy. I'm perplexed to hear comments stating that at 23 he is slowing down and is on the decline; He won't reach his prime for another 2 or 3 years. If he moves to Spain he will require a period of adjustment because the style of play is different.
I don't think going to Madrid is the best career move for him, but after reading all the British articles written by journalists with an agenda to trash him I don't blame him at
all.
Posted by: Guerra | 03 June 2008 at 09:08 PM
The man can play! He's my favortite player to watch. Anyone who says he's average or declining either doesn't know football or they are probably jelous because deep down they want to be him. I will be a Ronni fan no matter who he plays for. I would perfer EPL since there matches are televised more often in the U.S.
Posted by: Cope03 | 03 June 2008 at 09:46 PM
Its funny how MAdrid fans & their Coach speak about Ronaldo...!! They speak as if they own him..and they are his biggest fans!So..who wud Manchester United fans be of Ronaldo? 2nd class fans?
He is bonkers if he wants to move to Spain..we ve got 75,000 fans singing for him every week and Calderon has openly stated that one reason he wants Ronaldo to sign is to sell shirts..so that they get the transfer fee back!!
But NO Player is bigger than the Club..if he doesnt honor his Contract...he can go!!United will never Die!!
Posted by: Red_devil_03 | 03 June 2008 at 10:00 PM
i dont think christiano ronaldo should leave. i know he is being a ball hog and he does not like england and all that b.s. but common its not like manu is a training place where provide real madrid to take our stars that we trained and brought them up there why does real madrid have to put the nose into every manu player. thats why i hate real madrid all they want is readymade stuff those lazy butts.
Posted by: Aj 007 | 03 June 2008 at 10:12 PM
All you that have nothing but bad things to say about ronaldo are just jealous. You wish you could have a player of his caliber on your squad. You all seem to forget that he is only 23 years old. He is still a kid. So what if the kid's dream is to play in madrid. So what if he wants to be the highest paid player. Wouldn't you if you had his talent? I think all the Ronaldo haters out there are just jealous cause 1) he is not from their country and 2) he is not from their club. I support ronaldo on whatever decision he makes. Personally, i would much rather watch him play ball at Man U (though i am a chelsea fan). I would much rather him continue to brake records so that all you ignorant jealous people out there will continue to say more negative jealous comments.
Posted by: FC_PORTO1 | 03 June 2008 at 10:19 PM
He hasn't slown down? Listen I'm not trashing him, as ManUntd supporter I think he's the best in the world at the moment, which in a business sense is the best time to reap the rewards of an asset. Think about how slow and lethargic his play has been coming to the close of the season, not even capable of beating defenders one on one. Was he tired? Yes from the long campaign. And what is the Euro campaign going to do? Tire him even more and if he has a poor showing his value drops. He will never have a season like the one he just had plain and simple. Plus he's not being very transparent about his commitment to the club, so disloyalty like that should be dealt with properly. You wanna see speed and flair, look at how threatening Messi looked on attack against United.... Reminds me of how Ronaldo used to look on attack.
Posted by: jimmy | 03 June 2008 at 10:23 PM
We will miss you Ronaldo! However, since 1958 I have known Manchester United to keep on existing. MU will still exist. Players do perish. We will find others much as we got you for David B.
Good bye Ronnie and thank you.
Posted by: ROBERT C MWAIMU | 03 June 2008 at 10:24 PM
Ronaldo should clear the air one way or the other.
Posted by: Tom | 03 June 2008 at 10:28 PM
If Keano,Beckham,Van Nistelrooy left the club because they saw themselves bigger than the team then Ronaldo should be allowed to go if not kicked out of the team for not standing up for the team. What has prevented him from stating definately his desire to stay at OT. Is Fergie softening up now because it is Ronaldo. Fergie did not soften up on Keano,Beckham, and Van Nistelrooy and shouldn't go easy on Ronaldo. Ronaldo is only playing the way he is today because of the teachings of the United trainers and we can have another Ronaldo anytime. Ronaldo will loose his appeal within 2 years after leaving OT. Ronaldo is not bigger than United. Lets sell him to the highest bidder and bring in Quaresma for less. Quaresma is a fantastic player already and with the master touch of the United training staff and Fergie, he will be bigger than Ronaldo within 2 years. We all saw Ronaldo when he first came to OT. Stars will come and go but United will always be the best team in the world. Anyone who wears the United 7 jersey is will be a star. UNITED FOR LIFE!
Posted by: The One | 03 June 2008 at 10:54 PM
As a manchester united fan it is difficult for me to admit that ronaldo's departure is inevitable but that is the simple truth of the matter. Whether its this summer or next, he will invariably go to Real Madrid despite Calderon saying this is his only opportunity. Many draw the comparison with Kaka but I think the reason he hasnt been approached again this season is because AC blew their season both in Italy and on the European stage which left Kaka with little to show. Real are notorious for playing a FIFA game with their club (selecting the best players from the best clubs) and it hasnt done jack all for them in the past 6 years in terms of champions league success. Bottom line is if Ronaldo knows whats good for him he will stay with united but alas money and greed go hand in hand with a success and power. The doorway to united obviously isnt large enough to accomodate his ballooning head.
Posted by: JayT | 04 June 2008 at 06:44 AM
also just to add, I think Fergie is going easy on Ronaldo because in hindsight what did going hard on players ever do for him? Becks, Keane and van N all left in part to do with Fergie, so perhaps he is trying to take the opposite approach so as to not scare Ronaldo off?
just a thought
and personally i reckon he's stupid for not flying to the portugese camp to set ronnie straight.
Posted by: JayT | 04 June 2008 at 06:49 AM
Ronaldo had a great season but it was the whole squad of Manchester United that finished on top - Kings of Europe and English Champions. So, moving to Real Madrid means moving to a second (maybe) rated team. I cannot see that as any form of achievement! Also, Ronaldo must never forget that his team mates baled him out of his misery in the Final of the Champions League with his missed penalty and another one against Barcelona! Ronaldo is still showing how immature he is. Careful Ronaldo because the bigger your head becomes the bigger your fall!
Posted by: Manuel | 04 June 2008 at 09:43 AM
I think that Ronaldo is 100% out of order. After the Champions League final he was asked whether he will stay at United to which he replied "I'll stay". He should stand by what he has said and show some respect for the team that has made him what he is. Imagine the feeling of your name being sung by 75,000 fans every week......he isn't going to get that at Real, sure he is a outstanding player why wouldnt Real want him? But the main reason they want him is to boost the image of the club and start selling more merchandise. If Ronaldo decides to leave after signing a new 4 year contract just one year ago then i think he has betrayed his team mates and the ever supporting fans of United.
Posted by: Timo | 04 June 2008 at 09:57 AM
football season
is
OVER
seriously, can we not just forget about the ill-mannered, ill tempered, cheating millionaires for a couple of months.
Posted by: datsun | 04 June 2008 at 09:57 AM
Im a mun u fan and I reckon he should go. I dont understand why Fergie is allowing him to go on in this way, if it was anyone else, say Beckham, then they would be out the door already! Theyll be able to get £70-80m for him and can buy a slick winger and a proper out and out striker with the dough. Im not fussed to be honest we didnt lose a single game that he didnt play in last year and he cant do it against the big teams consistently, hell never do as well at Real.
Posted by: damien | 04 June 2008 at 10:39 AM
I am thoroughly insulted that one of the comments above insinuated that Ronaldo can even be compared to Zinedine Zidane, who is a GOD amongst men. Ronaldo will fade into insignificance as soon as he touches down into Madrid International Airport. Another ploy by the Real Madrid mafia to "sell shirts" and nothing more; the same tactic used with Beckham and many other before him. Real Madrid is a business only venture, as can be seen by their lack of results on the pitch. Manchester United is young and talented, and we will dominate the next decade of European football, whether Ronaldo is on the pitch helping us, or at home in Madrid watching United win the UCL final on TV year after year.
Posted by: jsad | 04 June 2008 at 01:07 PM
I dont think he should b 'coz he still have 2 finish up his contract. but still lets face the fact , life is what u make it, one should always make decisions by him self. He should think twice b4 he decides what 2 do.
Posted by: sharif | 04 June 2008 at 07:21 PM
To me, if he wants to leave, then go. Fergie is smart. He is playing a game. Trying to get R.Madrid to come back with a humongous offer (is that a real word?) which includes Robinho, Sergio Ramos + lots of money.
If Ronaldo doesn't go now, he'll go later. Fergie should be smart and maximise the return on him.
Posted by: William | 05 June 2008 at 01:11 AM
o the guy that said Real Madrid are a GREATER side than United with 9 european trophies...... Thats your past thats your history....When was your last Champions league final win? How far have yous come in the CL In the past 4/5 seasons as stated above. AS Roma knocked you out last season and no disrespect to Roma fans but your side is not very good ,which would put Real madrid in the last few years as DIRT. Slow moving boring football you have no pace about your game, which potentially will damage Ronaldo as a player.
Real Madrid would not have won la liga if Barca were in top form,Real madrid is a club showing progress of going backwards than forwards.
Im must declare now im a man utd fan true and true and ronaldos discipline is outrageous.Noones bigger than man u. ut at the end of the euros if he says "im happy at man untied" then al is good i,ll take his word!But my main point was man utd are a truley world class side, and if ronaldo wants to peg away his career for money so be it, we'll grow stronger as per normal.
Treble next season with or withyou!
man utd fc 4life.
Posted by: dublin08 | 17 June 2008 at 06:14 PM
TELL HIM 2DO AWAY BECOUSE HE IS PRAYING NOTHIG NOW
Posted by: EMEKA | 11 July 2008 at 04:08 PM
PLS I'M FANS FROM LIBYA I LIKE MUN/ UNITED .
I'M OLD FOOTBALL PLYEAR IN MY CITY TOBRUK - LIBYA
I STOPED 1986 I IALSO IGOES REFRY FOR 17 YEARS FROM 1986 TO 2003 AFTER I HAVE WORKED IN YOUTH COTCH I'M NOW WORKING IN SICOUND DIVISON FOOTBALL CLUB IN MY CITY SINCE 2006 INTEL NOW I LIKE THE BEST PLYER CRISTIANO RONALDO
PLS KINDLY REGARDES FOR CRISTIANO PLS I NEED E-MAIL FOR HIM
CAN I GOT HIS E-MAIL PLS GIVE ME E-MAIL ADDRE MR CRISTIANO
REGARDES FROM MR ALI FROM TOBRUK LIBYA
TOBRUK LIBYA IS VERY FUMOUS CITY FOR THE BRITSH PEPOLE
IN ALL G.B.
THANKS ALOT
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