My ten year old daughter has been inconsolable for days now and tonight she came into our living room and threw a bag on the floor containing all the Ronaldo pictures and t shirts/caps we have bought her.She said for me to sell them or bin them as she hates him now,i told her that he is not leaving for sure yet.She said to me that even if he stays she will not like him as he has not been loyal to Man Utd and been horrible to Fergie.Funny how kids see things and i for one hope this sorry saga is sorted one way or another as a long drawn out affair is no good to us as a club as it will hinder our chances or attempting to replace him should he go.
ALL Ronaldo's future/comments/speculation
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Pretty much how kids in my family feel.
I'm sure they'll have new heroes come the new season.
Top Red me.
Seriously, though, why bring it up if you had no intention of elaborating? It's pointless, time-wasting and stupid.
That's a bit off Count, and creating a division that the likes of Sultan have actually helped to close up. There's a lot of resentment around OT in many areas about out of town / overseas supporters, when local folk have been priced out. Shouldn't be having a pop at Sultan for something of that nature
He simply noticed a trend that has occured during this Ronaldo saga. I can back him up with my personal experiences of talking to Mancunian (/based) supporters and regular ticket holders. It's not a question of saying their opinion is more worthy, and its not true in all instances, but I'd back up Sultans observation 100%, and previously in this thread I suggested some possible reasons why
When people are so touch about this OOT aspect of their support, they seemingly bring on problems for themselves and cause agro that simply wasn't necessary
What is OOT?
Out of Towner I think.
rio's the best hero.
going to be next united captain, ice cold nerves, total class on the ball, does tons of charity work, funny, not a boring git.
its funny, i don't buy many united kits. the ones i buy, i make sure that the players' whose kit i get are going to not dissapoint me in the future.
never bought a single shred of ronaldo appareal.
however, i spulurged on a rio kit (probably one of the few to have a ferdinand number 6 kit) when he first came to united. always felt he'd be at united for life since he signed....i was so worried when he was chatting it up with kenyon two years ago. that saga to me was a 10000 times more nervewracking than this ronaldo one.
Meh, I'm just in a bad mood, I guess. Everything's pissing me off at the moment.
I take that back about the OOT bit, Sults, you're not like that at all. But I still maintain my stance on what you said about your "insider information" on what Ronaldo was doing the night before the Champion's League final. If you had no intention of elaborating then don't bring it up since it offers nothing to the argument in its present state.
But, Brad's right, you've done a lot to help us OOT'ers.
Damn lads you eat, sleep or fecking enjoy your days?
You are working like ants with this thread, i cant even read one page when its another one around? FFS
You are working like ants with this thread, i cant even read one page when its another one around? FFS
It has been a while since this interview but I thought it was worth digging up again. Doesn't sound like someone who wanted to leave the club
I hope so Sultan,she absolutely adored him and is a fragile kid emotionaly.I have told her i will buy her a Rooney top tomorrow and she has cheered up a bit.
get her a ferdinand one!
My son has a Ferdinand top as he is his hero,with a Rio and Wazza top for them both i can't go wrong apart from being about £90 quid light
My son has a Ferdinand top as he is his hero,with a Rio and Wazza top for them both i can't go wrong apart from being about £90 quid light
haha true.
you should get her into shirts from http://www.tshirtsunited.com/
much cheaper, more comfortable to wear, no money to the glazer twats, and top class prints on a lot of them.
You're actually right CD, I should have engaged my brain before typing, something I cannot openly say on an internet forum.
I know you can't say what info you have Sults, and that is fair enough. But could you possibly give an idea of how 'bad' this behaviour was, maybe on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the worst)?
He've something very bad Sults ?
Is that sarcasm? I genuinly can't tell this late at night.
All I'm saying is don't tease us, it's not very ethical or useful.
But I'm going to assume that Ronaldo spent the night with some high class Russian hookers.
believes , unofficial agreement , eventually
is that a serious article
now they are just making shit up
http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/49333
the worlds greatest newspaper my arse
He spent the night with Mijatovic, I just knew it.
I wouldn't necessarily assume high class, last time it was just local shop assistants wasn't it?!
Whatever he did, doesn't matter. He's shown enough during this current transfer sage for us to not respect him. He certainly hasn't respected us
The thing I just can't understand though... he doesn't seem to care about our relationship with us? And it's been one, we've supported him through a major time in his life, with great problems and issues, support he'll never have at a club like Madrid. You look at Tevez and how he treats West Ham when we play them - Ronaldo when he plays against Sporting too, so it shows the lad has some feelings of respect in him. Shall simply have to accept he doesn't give two shits!
Somewhere in between? It'll be true enough not to be libelous but out of context or out of proportion enough to be what the reporter wants to say.
I think what I'm dreading over the next few weeks aren't the negotiations - I'm confident that United will either get the money or keep Ron - it's the thought of all these stories of Ron encounters of the depressing kind.
Every autograph hunter scorned, every club official snapped at, every girl who didn't get offered breakfast, every training ground squabble. Character assassination by column inches. I'm sure there's plenty of material - nobody as obsessive or as much of a perfectionist as Ron will ever be an easy coworker or customer.
And the flipside, the reason why his teammates stuck by him, why Roo ran an audio message from Ron at his wedding reception, why Scolari described him as "gentle with people" and why someone like Crerand would say: "Sir Alex Ferguson loves him. I know that because he has told me himself. So does Sir Bobby Charlton. They think the world of him and we are blessed at United to have him." That flipside will all go missing and United won't look too pretty either as they get accused of tolerating the intolerable.
Can you draw it in MS Paint for us then?
I don't think it merits a back page story, not at the time, I can understand why something like that in the circumstances would go unprinted. It's quite common for stuff like that to be known about someone by the media but not published
Is it true? Well its not like this recent case, where Ronaldo successfully sued, for a made up story the paper in question probably didn't think would be challenged. You can bet your bottom dollar Ronaldo's lawyers are on this already. The reporter has evidently gone to press at this time because it now fits in with the prevailing mode / agenda. But I'd be astonished if it isn't true (although not so astonished if some of the details have been 'enhanced' a tad), I don't think his paper would run with it. If true, it's a pretty steller line up of witnesses the paper in question could call up to defend their observations...
237 feckin pages
237 feckin pages
Where you here when Tevez signed? I think we had 100 pages in 2 days or something.
A Pointless Rant
An amazing thread this has become. I almost feel obligated to contribute, yet since this post isn't breaking news or a new quote from the player I'm sure it will be skipped over entirely. I just thought I'd throw my two cents in...
I honestly never really became that attached to Ronaldo. He always seemed the type to leave and never truly seemed committed to the club itself.
Yes, he scored goals and dazzled opponents. Yes, he was a major part in our success this season. Yes, it was enjoyable watching him develop as a player from a step-over pre-Madonna to a multi-faceted attacking superstar. BUT... it always seemed to be motivated by a desire to be personally recognized for the player that he was, and not by a genuine desire to help the club move forward.
At this point I am all but resigned to losing him this summer, but see it as an opportunity to see what Nani has to offer. Of course, we'll bring in players to offset the departure of our most prolific goal-scorer, and they will naturally be less talented than Ronaldo (since he is the best player in the world). This however may not be a bad thing.
We have an array of attacking talents that were overshadowed by Ronaldo's brilliance and, in my opinion, hindered by his dominance. Should he leave, his absence may just be the motivation that is needed for players such as Rooney, Anderson, Park, and Hargreaves (who I felt underachieved last season) to step up and play to the potential that we all know they possess. **Much of that for Park and Hargreaves was injury related, I know**
In addition, a Manchester United without Ronaldo may be more inclined to play a more balanced, team-oriented game. A type of football that led to goals such as Tevez's against Boro, which was a joy to watch and really highlighted the quality that we have throughout the team.
Then again, he may just stay.
Now back to the muppetry!
An amazing thread this has become. I almost feel obligated to contribute, yet since this post isn't breaking news or a new quote from the player I'm sure it will be skipped over entirely. I just thought I'd throw my two cents in...
I honestly never really became that attached to Ronaldo. He always seemed the type to leave and never truly seemed committed to the club itself.
Yes, he scored goals and dazzled opponents. Yes, he was a major part in our success this season. Yes, it was enjoyable watching him develop as a player from a step-over pre-Madonna to a multi-faceted attacking superstar. BUT... it always seemed to be motivated by a desire to be personally recognized for the player that he was, and not by a genuine desire to help the club move forward.
At this point I am all but resigned to losing him this summer, but see it as an opportunity to see what Nani has to offer. Of course, we'll bring in players to offset the departure of our most prolific goal-scorer, and they will naturally be less talented than Ronaldo (since he is the best player in the world). This however may not be a bad thing.
We have an array of attacking talents that were overshadowed by Ronaldo's brilliance and, in my opinion, hindered by his dominance. Should he leave, his absence may just be the motivation that is needed for players such as Rooney, Anderson, Park, and Hargreaves (who I felt underachieved last season) to step up and play to the potential that we all know they possess. **Much of that for Park and Hargreaves was injury related, I know**
In addition, a Manchester United without Ronaldo may be more inclined to play a more balanced, team-oriented game. A type of football that led to goals such as Tevez's against Boro, which was a joy to watch and really highlighted the quality that we have throughout the team.
Then again, he may just stay.
Now back to the muppetry!
Never seen so many caf members making "intelligent " posts
Seems like such a long time ago now...
'Man Utd fans have just found themselves a new hero" Sir Alex Ferguson.
but, (stating the obvious) the fact still remains he has agreed to play for United for 5 years and signed a contract to that effect. Surely that carries some weight.
it was in the midst of the euphoria of becoming champions of Europe.
dunno mate - I find the Guardian first in the queue to print anything negative about United. I'm hard pushed in recent years to recall a positive piece that they've run on United and the author of this is one of the main protaganists in delighting in any discomfort at OT. As I said earlier though, I couldn't, hand on heart, deny any surprise if this did occur. It could be any number of present day footballers though.
Excellent article. More knives out.
Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid: Sour Grapes or Bad Apples?
By Oli Dinsmore ⋅ June 21, 2008 ⋅
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Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Real Madrid appears inevitable
Cristiano Ronaldo has brought months of speculation to a head by confirming that he wishes to complete a ‘dream’ move to Real Madrid. Whatever happens in the next few days and weeks, the realists will assert that the gifted Portuguese has indeed played his last game for Manchester United – for now at least.
However much United try to hold on to their star player, Sir Alex Ferguson will ultimately succumb to the fact that it’s virtually impossible to hold players to their contracts anymore. There is of course the chance that the Red Devils’ boss will once again charm Ronnie into staying for one more season, but even that seems unlikely at this moment.
This may just be ‘sour grapes’ but I think that Cristiano is on a dangerous path. The implied irreverence in his comments about making ‘a step forward’ by moving to Spain really sums up the descent of his integrity in recent times. Outside influences have skewed his young mind.
Two years ago, when Portugal were eliminated from the World Cup, Ronaldo’s tears were real. He lived for football and everything else came a distant second. But by the time his side played Germany at Euro 2008, he seemed more interested in checking himself out on the big screen in the stadium than winning a football match. And after the game he almost immediately revisited speculation about his own club future. I still haven’t read any quotes from him referring to his disappointment about crashing out of the tournament. Two good seasons and several love letters from Madrid have apparently turned Ronnie into an egomaniac.
And this complacency could yet prove his undoing. Does he really believe he is moving to a better club than the incumbent European champions?
When the dust settles and Ronnie moves to Spain, let’s see how he feels about playing in the second biggest league in the world, where all the players talk obsessively about the Premiership. Let’s see how he copes in a club that is almost as notorious for animosity and arguments as the Dutch national team – the pioneers of petty squad squabbles.
Ronaldo doesn’t know what he’s got because he doesn’t have anything to compare it to, bar a couple of formative seasons in Portugal. He doesn’t realise how much he needs the stability that United offers. Perhaps these subtle luxuries will become apparent to Ronaldo when he has to deal with a new manager each season and an impatient crowd whose team still have too many other weaknesses to win the Champions League.
I never thought I would say it, but I think it’s time for Ronaldo to leave Manchester. However much he has done for the club, it’s small change compared to the impact of the manager over two decades. In overlooking the debt he owes to Sir Alex, Ronaldo has gone too far.
Improbable as it seems, United can actually improve without Ronaldo, for at least three reasons.
Firstly, United can and will buy two world-class players to replace him. There may be a dearth of top and available quality at the moment, but the manager’s recent transfer record suggests that the money is in safe hands. Any two of Benzema, Berbatov and Ben Arfa could be prized from their clubs with the sort of cash United would be able flash. Stunning talent. And focused rather than preoccupied talent.
Secondly, if United lose Ronaldo, they will be even more desperate to prove there is no better club in the world. There was a definite feeling that United lost their way after the unprecedented treble success of ’99. They never really got near to winning the Champions League again until last season, by which time the squad had been almost entirely renovated. Ronaldo’s departure could well prevent another such hangover.
And finally, Ronnie’s absence will allow others greater opportunity to shine. Nani has improved with every game and was arguably the best player on the pitch during his limited minutes for Portugal at Euro 2008. He’s a player that could be as good as Ronaldo and will now play a full compliment of games next time out. The extra birth in the attacking midfield area will also mean more exposure for Anderson who perhaps has even greater potential to make the departed Portuguese a distant memory. Many in football circles would also venture that Wayne Rooney has a better chance of kick-starting his upward spiral without United’s current No.7. He does, at times, appear to have a slight inferiority complex regarding Ronaldo.
Sadly, Cristiano Ronaldo has become a man who believes the hype. He tries to disguise his ever-growing opinion of himself by talking about the importance of the team, but in my opinion this is fake humility. He now seems to believe he only has to walk onto the pitch to be the star man. And this is borne from his lack of appreciation of what United and Ferguson have given him - namely the protection and consistency to prosper.
Although the circumstances are different, this situation reminds me of the departure of David Beckham in 2003. By moving to Madrid, Beckham cemented himself as a global sports icon but his football never reached the heights again. And it’s no secret that, more than anything, Becks would have loved to pull on the United jersey again at least once . That’s where he played his best football, where he felt happiest and where he was most adored. I wonder whether, in a couple of years, Ronaldo might also look at his time at United as his halcyon days and yearn for the chance to return. But like Becks, Ronaldo’s perceived irreverence might have closed that particular door forever.
Of course, if Ronaldo can sacrifice his tan for nine more months, he could go some way to appeasing his current employers and followers by giving United and Sir Alex one more season – a parting magic show by way of gratitude. At 24 he could then fill his boots in Spain and still be welcomed back with largely open arms should he ever decide that United is his true football home. This is, of course, the most prudent path but youth and impatience will probably prevail. Kids these days eh?
Whether you believe that United’s response smacks of sour grapes or that Ronaldo is truly a bad apple, you can’t escape the fact that the whole saga has left a really bad taste in the mouth.
Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid: Sour Grapes or Bad Apples?
By Oli Dinsmore ⋅ June 21, 2008 ⋅
Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment
Cristiano Ronaldo has brought months of speculation to a head by confirming that he wishes to complete a ‘dream’ move to Real Madrid. Whatever happens in the next few days and weeks, the realists will assert that the gifted Portuguese has indeed played his last game for Manchester United – for now at least.
However much United try to hold on to their star player, Sir Alex Ferguson will ultimately succumb to the fact that it’s virtually impossible to hold players to their contracts anymore. There is of course the chance that the Red Devils’ boss will once again charm Ronnie into staying for one more season, but even that seems unlikely at this moment.
This may just be ‘sour grapes’ but I think that Cristiano is on a dangerous path. The implied irreverence in his comments about making ‘a step forward’ by moving to Spain really sums up the descent of his integrity in recent times. Outside influences have skewed his young mind.
Two years ago, when Portugal were eliminated from the World Cup, Ronaldo’s tears were real. He lived for football and everything else came a distant second. But by the time his side played Germany at Euro 2008, he seemed more interested in checking himself out on the big screen in the stadium than winning a football match. And after the game he almost immediately revisited speculation about his own club future. I still haven’t read any quotes from him referring to his disappointment about crashing out of the tournament. Two good seasons and several love letters from Madrid have apparently turned Ronnie into an egomaniac.
And this complacency could yet prove his undoing. Does he really believe he is moving to a better club than the incumbent European champions?
When the dust settles and Ronnie moves to Spain, let’s see how he feels about playing in the second biggest league in the world, where all the players talk obsessively about the Premiership. Let’s see how he copes in a club that is almost as notorious for animosity and arguments as the Dutch national team – the pioneers of petty squad squabbles.
Ronaldo doesn’t know what he’s got because he doesn’t have anything to compare it to, bar a couple of formative seasons in Portugal. He doesn’t realise how much he needs the stability that United offers. Perhaps these subtle luxuries will become apparent to Ronaldo when he has to deal with a new manager each season and an impatient crowd whose team still have too many other weaknesses to win the Champions League.
I never thought I would say it, but I think it’s time for Ronaldo to leave Manchester. However much he has done for the club, it’s small change compared to the impact of the manager over two decades. In overlooking the debt he owes to Sir Alex, Ronaldo has gone too far.
Improbable as it seems, United can actually improve without Ronaldo, for at least three reasons.
Firstly, United can and will buy two world-class players to replace him. There may be a dearth of top and available quality at the moment, but the manager’s recent transfer record suggests that the money is in safe hands. Any two of Benzema, Berbatov and Ben Arfa could be prized from their clubs with the sort of cash United would be able flash. Stunning talent. And focused rather than preoccupied talent.
Secondly, if United lose Ronaldo, they will be even more desperate to prove there is no better club in the world. There was a definite feeling that United lost their way after the unprecedented treble success of ’99. They never really got near to winning the Champions League again until last season, by which time the squad had been almost entirely renovated. Ronaldo’s departure could well prevent another such hangover.
And finally, Ronnie’s absence will allow others greater opportunity to shine. Nani has improved with every game and was arguably the best player on the pitch during his limited minutes for Portugal at Euro 2008. He’s a player that could be as good as Ronaldo and will now play a full compliment of games next time out. The extra birth in the attacking midfield area will also mean more exposure for Anderson who perhaps has even greater potential to make the departed Portuguese a distant memory. Many in football circles would also venture that Wayne Rooney has a better chance of kick-starting his upward spiral without United’s current No.7. He does, at times, appear to have a slight inferiority complex regarding Ronaldo.
Sadly, Cristiano Ronaldo has become a man who believes the hype. He tries to disguise his ever-growing opinion of himself by talking about the importance of the team, but in my opinion this is fake humility. He now seems to believe he only has to walk onto the pitch to be the star man. And this is borne from his lack of appreciation of what United and Ferguson have given him - namely the protection and consistency to prosper.
Although the circumstances are different, this situation reminds me of the departure of David Beckham in 2003. By moving to Madrid, Beckham cemented himself as a global sports icon but his football never reached the heights again. And it’s no secret that, more than anything, Becks would have loved to pull on the United jersey again at least once . That’s where he played his best football, where he felt happiest and where he was most adored. I wonder whether, in a couple of years, Ronaldo might also look at his time at United as his halcyon days and yearn for the chance to return. But like Becks, Ronaldo’s perceived irreverence might have closed that particular door forever.
Of course, if Ronaldo can sacrifice his tan for nine more months, he could go some way to appeasing his current employers and followers by giving United and Sir Alex one more season – a parting magic show by way of gratitude. At 24 he could then fill his boots in Spain and still be welcomed back with largely open arms should he ever decide that United is his true football home. This is, of course, the most prudent path but youth and impatience will probably prevail. Kids these days eh?
Whether you believe that United’s response smacks of sour grapes or that Ronaldo is truly a bad apple, you can’t escape the fact that the whole saga has left a really bad taste in the mouth.
Thanks mate i'll check the site out tomorrow with the kids,might even save enough money to go for a few cold ones down the pub
How very true.
Wantaway winger says his loyalty deserves reward
RONALDO: I DESERVE TO GO
by DAVID HARRISON
CRISTIANO RONALDO will this week demand Manchester United sell him to Real Madrid — as reward for his LOYALTY.
The Portuguese winger, 23, claims he deserves to be released from his contract for his displays over the past five years.
Ronaldo, who still has four years left on his current deal, will release a statement inside the next 48 hours. He is returning to Manchester to make his public appeal to the club after weeks of speculation about his future.
Dream
A source close to the player said: “Cristiano will make an impassioned plea to United and claim he deserves to be allowed to follow his dream of playing for Real Madrid.
“He’ll try to persuade them that the commitment he has shown, the level of performances he has produced and the trophies he has won are more than enough to allow him the opportunity to leave.
“Cristiano does not want to leave under a cloud. He wants to leave on good terms with United’s blessing.”
But Ronaldo’s shameless attempt to force his departure is certain to be ignored by United. Boss Sir Alex Ferguson is away on holiday in France and is not due to return until June 30.
We understand the United manager has no intention of interrupting his break to discuss Ronaldo’s future.
Chief executive David Gill is also on holiday which means no one will be available if Real want to open negotiations over the proposed £75million transfer.
United insist that they will refuse to cave in to Ronaldo’s demands.
Confines
But it promises to be a long and bloody battle and threatens to cast a shadow over United’s preparations for the new season.
If Ronaldo persists with his demands, they will ask him to make a formal written transfer request.
They will also tell him to explain to fans why he should be allowed to walk away.
But Fergie hopes that once he gets Ronaldo back within the confines of the club’s Carrington training headquarters he can work his magic.
Sir Alex still believes the player has been wrongly influenced and badly advised over his future.
Once back in the United fold, Fergie reckons he can persuade his 42-goal star there is nothing to be gained from moving to the Spanish capital.
But as a safeguard, Ronaldo could be made a discreet promise that if he remains at United for another season they will not stand in his way if he still wants to join Madrid.
http://blogs.notw.co.uk/sport/2008/06/ronnie-i-deserv.html
RONALDO: I DESERVE TO GO
by DAVID HARRISON
CRISTIANO RONALDO will this week demand Manchester United sell him to Real Madrid — as reward for his LOYALTY.
The Portuguese winger, 23, claims he deserves to be released from his contract for his displays over the past five years.
Ronaldo, who still has four years left on his current deal, will release a statement inside the next 48 hours. He is returning to Manchester to make his public appeal to the club after weeks of speculation about his future.
Dream
A source close to the player said: “Cristiano will make an impassioned plea to United and claim he deserves to be allowed to follow his dream of playing for Real Madrid.
“He’ll try to persuade them that the commitment he has shown, the level of performances he has produced and the trophies he has won are more than enough to allow him the opportunity to leave.
“Cristiano does not want to leave under a cloud. He wants to leave on good terms with United’s blessing.”
But Ronaldo’s shameless attempt to force his departure is certain to be ignored by United. Boss Sir Alex Ferguson is away on holiday in France and is not due to return until June 30.
We understand the United manager has no intention of interrupting his break to discuss Ronaldo’s future.
Chief executive David Gill is also on holiday which means no one will be available if Real want to open negotiations over the proposed £75million transfer.
United insist that they will refuse to cave in to Ronaldo’s demands.
Confines
But it promises to be a long and bloody battle and threatens to cast a shadow over United’s preparations for the new season.
If Ronaldo persists with his demands, they will ask him to make a formal written transfer request.
They will also tell him to explain to fans why he should be allowed to walk away.
But Fergie hopes that once he gets Ronaldo back within the confines of the club’s Carrington training headquarters he can work his magic.
Sir Alex still believes the player has been wrongly influenced and badly advised over his future.
Once back in the United fold, Fergie reckons he can persuade his 42-goal star there is nothing to be gained from moving to the Spanish capital.
But as a safeguard, Ronaldo could be made a discreet promise that if he remains at United for another season they will not stand in his way if he still wants to join Madrid.
http://blogs.notw.co.uk/sport/2008/06/ronnie-i-deserv.html
Sir Alex is running out of time as Madrid close in
FERGIE'S LOSING BATTLE
by DAVID HARRISON
IT started as an attempt to make Cristiano Ronaldo the highest-paid footballer in the world.
It will end in the bloodiest battle Old Trafford has witnessed.
Not that Ronaldo cares. His behaviour throughout has been tainted by greed, underhand tactics and a sneering contempt for a club and manager who have helped shape a stellar career.
His mealy-mouthed plea for Manchester United fans to respect his desire to leave after five years unstinting service will cut little ice among the faithful . . . and even less with boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
Saga
Because Fergie recognises the departure for Real Madrid for what it is.
Nothing more than a grasping attempt to line the pockets of both Ronaldo and the people who have driven the move.
That is why the United boss will do everything to make life as difficult for Ronaldo as possible.
And when you delve into the background of a saga which started back in January, it is easy to understand why Ferguson’s infamous temper has been stoked quite so ferociously.
He has always been on good terms with Jorge Mendes, the man who has guided Ronaldo since he was a teenager and helped smuggle him away from Sporting Lisbon.
So when Mendes gently floated the idea of an improved contract for a player who was performing so majestically, he felt he would have an ally in Ferguson, even though Ronaldo (left) had only signed a £110,000 a week deal months earlier.
Although Ferguson was not against a new contract, the call was not completely his.
Chief executive David Gill immediately baulked at the prospect of another £30,000 a week for Ronaldo, as did club owners the Glazer family, who began to wonder what price loyalty.
A source close to the Mendes camp said: “Initially, the only thought was for a new deal, nobody was even contemplating Cristiano leaving because he’d been so accepted at United and was playing so well.
“When it became obvious United were reluctant to even discuss an improvement, the situation changed.
“There was a little bit of anger and disappointment among Ronaldo’s people.
“Inevitably, Madrid got to hear about it and that’s when the whole thing snowballed.”
Snowballed is probably an understatement.
What began as a ploy for more money developed a life of its own as Madrid, desperate for a new superstar and cash cow rolled into one, decided to make their own move.
Mendes was told that if there was even the slightest chance of attracting Ronaldo to the Bernabeu, Madrid would do everything in their power to get the Portuguese superstar.
History
After all, having lost David Beckham, they needed somebody who could sell shirts throughout the world — one whose face would be as familiar in Macau, Moscow or Mozambique as it was in Madrid. Ronaldo fitted the bill to perfection.
And it was only a matter of time before Madrid got their hooks into the 23-year-old, convincing him Spain and the glamour of Real’s white shirt was his destiny.
The Mendes source added: “It wasn’t just the £300,000 a week wages that turned Cristiano’s head.
“Real sold him the whole story. They talked about history, about Real being the most glamorous club in the world and how he would be the man to lead them back to Champions League glory.
“His mother Dolores was behind the move from the start and she is a very influential voice in his life.
“It took a little while, but Cristiano bought into the idea and from then there was no turning back.”
Not that United saw it that way. Ferguson believed Ronaldo had found his spiritual home at Old Trafford while the club did not believe he would be so disloyal as to manufacture a move.
They were both wrong — and that will stick in Ferguson’s craw.
He has underestimated the lengths to which Ronaldo will go to force an exit strategy.
For once the Scot may just have been out-manouevred to the point where even his famed fighting qualities will not be able to win the battle.
And in the background, Madrid have got every base covered.
Real’s directors see the signing as secured.
They have been using the expression ‘the cat’s in the bag’ — language they use when a player is virtually signed, sealed and delivered.
Bernabeu president Ramon Calderon is also said to have told people close to him ‘everything is working as planned,’ mainly because Real have all the necessary financing in place.
Meeting
Calderon met with the president of Banco Santander to agree the financing package for Ronaldo’s purchase, bolstered by the best financial figures in Real’s history, a profit of 100million euros.
According to Real sources, the contract with Ronaldo is agreed, he will be paid £10m a year net over the course of a five-year deal and will be given his overseas image rights, with Madrid taking a percentage of his Spanish rights.
Several Real directors had an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the situation following Portugal’s exit from Euro 2008.
They included vice-presidents Amador Suarez and Vincente Boluda as well as director Pedro Trapote.
They decided that calm and discretion were necessary and agreed to avoid making any further public declarations until Ronaldo completes his move.
Jose Angel Sanchez, the club’s director general, is the man that Real are using for negotiations.
He is an expert in making deals and has a good relationship with United, having conducted the Beckham transfer.
Real’s team of lawyers, led by Jimenez Blanco, are ready to fly to Manchester to talk to United as soon as they receive the order.
Whether that will be any time soon is open to debate, given Ferguson and United’s stance.
What seems certain is that the fight will be long and vicious.
With nobody escaping unscathed.
http://blogs.notw.co.uk/sport/2008/06/madrid-sharks.html
FERGIE'S LOSING BATTLE
by DAVID HARRISON
IT started as an attempt to make Cristiano Ronaldo the highest-paid footballer in the world.
It will end in the bloodiest battle Old Trafford has witnessed.
Not that Ronaldo cares. His behaviour throughout has been tainted by greed, underhand tactics and a sneering contempt for a club and manager who have helped shape a stellar career.
His mealy-mouthed plea for Manchester United fans to respect his desire to leave after five years unstinting service will cut little ice among the faithful . . . and even less with boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
Saga
Because Fergie recognises the departure for Real Madrid for what it is.
Nothing more than a grasping attempt to line the pockets of both Ronaldo and the people who have driven the move.
That is why the United boss will do everything to make life as difficult for Ronaldo as possible.
And when you delve into the background of a saga which started back in January, it is easy to understand why Ferguson’s infamous temper has been stoked quite so ferociously.
He has always been on good terms with Jorge Mendes, the man who has guided Ronaldo since he was a teenager and helped smuggle him away from Sporting Lisbon.
So when Mendes gently floated the idea of an improved contract for a player who was performing so majestically, he felt he would have an ally in Ferguson, even though Ronaldo (left) had only signed a £110,000 a week deal months earlier.
Although Ferguson was not against a new contract, the call was not completely his.
Chief executive David Gill immediately baulked at the prospect of another £30,000 a week for Ronaldo, as did club owners the Glazer family, who began to wonder what price loyalty.
A source close to the Mendes camp said: “Initially, the only thought was for a new deal, nobody was even contemplating Cristiano leaving because he’d been so accepted at United and was playing so well.
“When it became obvious United were reluctant to even discuss an improvement, the situation changed.
“There was a little bit of anger and disappointment among Ronaldo’s people.
“Inevitably, Madrid got to hear about it and that’s when the whole thing snowballed.”
Snowballed is probably an understatement.
What began as a ploy for more money developed a life of its own as Madrid, desperate for a new superstar and cash cow rolled into one, decided to make their own move.
Mendes was told that if there was even the slightest chance of attracting Ronaldo to the Bernabeu, Madrid would do everything in their power to get the Portuguese superstar.
History
After all, having lost David Beckham, they needed somebody who could sell shirts throughout the world — one whose face would be as familiar in Macau, Moscow or Mozambique as it was in Madrid. Ronaldo fitted the bill to perfection.
And it was only a matter of time before Madrid got their hooks into the 23-year-old, convincing him Spain and the glamour of Real’s white shirt was his destiny.
The Mendes source added: “It wasn’t just the £300,000 a week wages that turned Cristiano’s head.
“Real sold him the whole story. They talked about history, about Real being the most glamorous club in the world and how he would be the man to lead them back to Champions League glory.
“His mother Dolores was behind the move from the start and she is a very influential voice in his life.
“It took a little while, but Cristiano bought into the idea and from then there was no turning back.”
Not that United saw it that way. Ferguson believed Ronaldo had found his spiritual home at Old Trafford while the club did not believe he would be so disloyal as to manufacture a move.
They were both wrong — and that will stick in Ferguson’s craw.
He has underestimated the lengths to which Ronaldo will go to force an exit strategy.
For once the Scot may just have been out-manouevred to the point where even his famed fighting qualities will not be able to win the battle.
And in the background, Madrid have got every base covered.
Real’s directors see the signing as secured.
They have been using the expression ‘the cat’s in the bag’ — language they use when a player is virtually signed, sealed and delivered.
Bernabeu president Ramon Calderon is also said to have told people close to him ‘everything is working as planned,’ mainly because Real have all the necessary financing in place.
Meeting
Calderon met with the president of Banco Santander to agree the financing package for Ronaldo’s purchase, bolstered by the best financial figures in Real’s history, a profit of 100million euros.
According to Real sources, the contract with Ronaldo is agreed, he will be paid £10m a year net over the course of a five-year deal and will be given his overseas image rights, with Madrid taking a percentage of his Spanish rights.
Several Real directors had an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the situation following Portugal’s exit from Euro 2008.
They included vice-presidents Amador Suarez and Vincente Boluda as well as director Pedro Trapote.
They decided that calm and discretion were necessary and agreed to avoid making any further public declarations until Ronaldo completes his move.
Jose Angel Sanchez, the club’s director general, is the man that Real are using for negotiations.
He is an expert in making deals and has a good relationship with United, having conducted the Beckham transfer.
Real’s team of lawyers, led by Jimenez Blanco, are ready to fly to Manchester to talk to United as soon as they receive the order.
Whether that will be any time soon is open to debate, given Ferguson and United’s stance.
What seems certain is that the fight will be long and vicious.
With nobody escaping unscathed.
http://blogs.notw.co.uk/sport/2008/06/madrid-sharks.html
Very good read, thanks Bahama Red
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