Ronaldo Real link slammed
05 Jan 2008 - 12:25:27
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed as fabrication reports linking Cristiano Ronaldo with a world record move to Real Madrid.
The 22-year-old Portugal ace has been a major success since his arrival from Sporting Lisbon in the summer of 2003 and has been in sparkling form this term, netting 18 goals already.
That prompted renewed talk of an approach from Real, but Ferguson says that such stories are without any basis.
He told the club's official website: "I anticipated this. The thing about this story is that it has been claimed that David Gill has been speaking to Real Madrid.
"That is a complete lie, we have never spoken to them. The story depends on agents and their imaginations.
"At best it's mischievous, but I just dismiss it because it's nonsense. But, who wouldn't be interested in Ronaldo? That's why we bought him."
Ronaldo has scored 68 goals in 213 appearances for United in all competitions, as well as becoming a pivotal figure for the Portugal national team.