Blatter defends Ronaldo fee

Published: 13 Jun 2009 - 08:09:00

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Real Madrid's world-record bid to bring Manchester United midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo to the Bernabeu has been defended by FIFA president Sepp Blatter. Speaking in South Africa ahead of the Confederations Cup, which kicks off on Sunday, the football supremo dismissed any fears over the Spanish giants' £80million bid for Ronaldo, insisting it proved the game's ever-improving popularity. "We are in a very sensitive market nowadays because there is an economic crisis," he said. "But in football, if we are in a good market, it means football is a good product, not just to buy or sell but a product that gives people what they want, which is emotions. "This is the game of the people and they need stars. Okay, it is a lot of money, but he is performing."