Real Madrid have quite publicly been chasing Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo all summer, with many people bounding figures like £60million or £80million about. However, Real have made a move to distance themselves from their “best talent at all costs” image in the press.
President Roman Calderon has played down rumours that they are willing to obliterate the world transfer record for the Portuguese star, whilst reiterating that nothing will happen without United’s consent:
We are very happy with the declaration of the player [that he wants to join Real]. But it does not depend on him, it depends on United.
Right now he’s a United player – we’ll not interfere or create any problem.
In any case, Real Madrid will never pay €100million (£80million) for anybody.
Zinidine Zidane, the current world record transfer holder, disagrees with Calderon’s claim, and he should know more than most:
Every time Madrid want good players they get them.
If he goes to Madrid, it will be a big amount, but Madrid is ready to pay far more than they paid for me [£45.8million]
The Ronaldo-Real saga has taken a very similar path to the one that proceeded Zidane’s world record move from Juvenus in 2001. Real declared an interest in the player, Juventus brushed off the talk, Zidane stated he dreamed of a move to the Santiago Bernabéu, Juventus were adamant he was not for sale, 12 days later Zidane was the most expensive player on the planet.
The same thing has happened with Ronaldo, with just the ending to come.
United have taken the most hostile approach possible in terms of trying to keep their 42-goal winger at Old Trafford, by always refusing he is for sale and even reporting Real to FIFA. Yet, with the player wanting to move and rumours of offers of £63million including Sergio Ramos and Robinho, both United targets, could we see both teams change stance and the saga finally end?