SAF: Ronaldo going nowhere
Debunks a lot of the stories going around...........
United on the warpath for Real but Sir Alex insists: Ronaldo is going nowhere
By
Bob Cass and
Joe Bernstein Last updated at 9:34 PM on 07th June 2008
Sir Alex Ferguson, away at his usual retreat in the south of France, has no plans to interrupt his holiday to make personal contact with Cristiano Ronaldo at Portugal's Swiss training camp during Euro 2008.
Sources close to the United manager have ridiculed reports that he has been barred from a private meeting with Ronaldo at the Portuguese base in Neuchâtel, insisting that Ferguson never had plans to break his family holiday.
Stick with me: Sir Alex Ferguson doesn't doubt that United will keep Ronaldo
As United stepped up their conflict with Real Madrid by letting it be known they will formally complain to FIFA about the Spanish club's pursuit of Ronaldo, both Ferguson and United chief executive David Gill remain convinced the player will stay at Old Trafford.
Both dismissed Ronaldo's reported comments on a Brazilian website that he would like to join Real Madrid in a world record £80 million transfer as irrelevant, as it is impossible to verify whether the player actually said the words.
A source close to Ferguson said: 'He will be making no further comment about the situation. He and (chief executive) David Gill have made it quite clear: Ronaldo will not be leaving in the foreseeable future.
'He has four years left on a contract he signed last year and, as far as anybody at Old Trafford is concerned, he is fully committed to United. Sir Alex is on record as saying he fully understands that things could be different in two or three years' time, but that will be dealt with if and when it arises.'
Although Ferguson and Ronaldo are unlikely to meet face to face during Euro 2008, it is inconceivable there would be no telephone contact between the manager or his Portuguese assistant, Carlos Queiroz, and the player if it were thought to be necessary.
Gill, meanwhile, is intent on formalising the previously indirect attacks on Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon, by making a complaint to FIFA's disciplinary committee.
Though FIFA are almost powerless in these cases, the lodging of a complaint would further sour relations between the clubs in what has become a increasingly bitter battle that Calderon appears unable to control.
Gill will send a letter to FIFA tomorrow demanding the Spanish club end immediately their 'sustained campaign' to unsettle United's star player.
Patience at Old Trafford finally snapped after Calderon said his club were honoured that Ronaldo wanted to play for them.
A United source said: 'Calderon's words were the straw that broke the camel's back. United didn't want to get FIFA involved but feel there is no other option now. David Gill has been away (for a meeting of Premier League chairmen) but he is angry about this. He'll be back on Monday and the first thing he's going to do is make our feelings official.
'The letter will say that Real Madrid are running a sustained campaign to try to unsettle our players to precipitate a transfer.'
The 23-year-old double Footballer of the Year has done nothing to dampen the speculation about his future, despite winning the Premier League and Champions League last season.
But United are sceptical that quotes attributed to Ronaldo last week, in which he said he wanted to play for Real Madrid, came directly from him. With four years of his £110,000- a-week contract left, United are determined he sees it out and Ferguson has warned they would rather he sit in the stands than go to Madrid.
Real Madrid have promised Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes a record-breaking £200,000- week deal
