Reds talk tough as Ronaldo mulls exit

Source: Agencies  |   2008-6-21  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

MANCHESTER United defiantly vowed to block Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Real Madrid after the Portugal winger stated his desire of leaving Old Trafford.

Ronaldo said there was a "great" possibility that he will move to Real, and plans to give more details about the "dream" move over the weekend. But United responded by issuing a statement - described on its Website as a "defiant message" - stressing that its prized asset won't be sold. It was an additional setback for Ronaldo, who said he needed surgery on his right foot.

"Further to Friday's press speculation about where Cristiano Ronaldo's future lies, the club has moved to reiterate its stance on the matter: United are not listening to offers," United said yesterday.

Ronaldo implied that United would find it difficult to reject a windfall from Real, which would have to better the world record fee of US$65 million (now 41.9 million euros) it paid for Zinedine Zidane in 2001.

"It is always difficult," Ronaldo said. "It is not only one person deciding, it is many people, but it can be a very good thing for everybody."

But almost four years remain on his United contract and manager Alex Ferguson has said the team's American owners, the Glazer family, would prefer to banish players like Ronaldo to the stands rather than sell them.

Ronaldo has also risked fermenting a feud between Ferguson and Luiz Felipe Scolari by disclosing that the Portugal coach, who takes charge at Chelsea on July 1, was the inspiration behind his transfer decision.

"It is a dream, a step forward," Ronaldo was quoted as saying yesterday on Spanish journalist Guillem Balague's Website. "For me it is a great opportunity, and as Scolari says, that train passes by only once, and we have to take advantage of it. That is why, he took advantage of his change, that opportunity, and other people have to take advantage of opportunities too."

Ronaldo hasn't spoken to Ferguson but has no qualms about it. "I don't know what I have to say to (Ferguson), I have to say what I want and what I think," Ronaldo said on Thursday. "It is my opinion, that is why I don't mind if people get upset. It is my decision. It is what I want."