Real still sweet on Ronaldo
07 Jul 2008 - 15:00:28
Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has launched one last attempt to land Cristiano Ronaldo after suggesting Manchester United should be 'proud' to take part in the 'transfer of the century'.
The 23-year-old Portugal international has been linked with a move to Madrid throughout the summer despite United warning their Spanish rivals that he is not for sale.
Ronaldo will be sidelined for the next six weeks after undergoing surgery on a long-running ankle problem, but that has not prevented Calderon from suggesting he would be willing to pay a world record transfer fee of around 85million euros for the winger.
"It is not our fault if nearly every player wants to play for Real Madrid. If I was Manchester United, I would be happy and proud to be able to negotiate such a transfer with one of my players," he claimed.
"Things would be a lot easier if Manchester United realised that they could be involved in one of the transfers of the century.
"We have not thought of an exact figure. We have established a precedent with (Zinedine) Zidane. He cost 75million euros at the age of 29.
"If Zidane, who was the best in the world, cost that in 2001, then it would be logical that Ronaldo, who is younger and now we are a few years on, could perhaps cost 5million or 10million more, although not much more than that.
"If Ronaldo wants to leave Manchester United, then he will. Just like if he wants to stay then he will stay.
"I do not believe that you can keep anyone anywhere where they do not want to be, not even if they are family.
"But as I have said, in order for formal talks to start Manchester United need to open the door."