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Platini embarrassed by fees

02 Jul 2009 - 12:10:18

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UEFA president Michel Platini has again spoken out against the escalation of transfer fees after admitting he is "embarrassed" by Cristiano Ronaldo's £80million move to Real Madrid.

World and European player of the year Ronaldo is the headline signing made by the Spanish giants this summer after joining from Manchester United for a world record fee.

However, Real have not stopped there as they have spent a combined £200million on Ronaldo, Brazil star Kaka, Valencia defender Raul Albiol and Lyon and France striker Karim Benzema.

Fellow France forward Franck Ribery has also been linked with a £35million move to the Bernabeu and Platini is concerned at the massive outlay made by Real so far in the close season.

"Ronaldo's transfer stood out for me, but if Real have guarantees from the banks," he told L'Equipe.

"On a personal note, I don't understand how anyone can spend 90million (euros) on a player. I'm embarrassed.

"But I remember the Maradona transfer from Barcelona to Napoli (in 1984). This would be the equivalent of £6.5million and I found that vulgar. I think there is something wrong there.

"I don't like that and even less given the fact that today players sign contracts only to then go and break them.

"But, as I said, if clubs have the money, what can I do?"