topics
tools
Expatica countries
Index Last Var.(%)
BEL 20 2130.24 0.51
DAX 6387.02 0.74
IBEX 30 6477.8 -1.00
CAC 40 3066.39 0.61
FTSE 100 5390.4 0.73
AEX 295.21 0.84
DJIA 12454.83 -0.60
Nasdaq 2837.53 -0.07
FTSE MIB 13151.9 -0.02
TSX Composite 11576.47 0.09
ASX 4120.2 0.96
Hang seng 18800.99 0.47
Straits Times 2787.55 0.53
ISEQ 20 503.13 0.44
You are here: Home News European News Real swoop for Ronaldo in world record bid

European News

archive
Enlarge font Decrease font Text size


12/06/2009Real swoop for Ronaldo in world record bid

Real Madrid has reportedly bought Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United for a world record 80 million pounds.

Manchester -- Manchester United have agreed to sell Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for a world record 80 million pounds (130 million dollars, 94 million euros), the club said Thursday.

"Manchester United have received a world-record, unconditional offer of 80 million pounds for Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid," said a statement on its website, under the headline "Reds accept £80m Ronaldo bid."

The statement continued: "At Cristiano's request - who has again expressed his desire to leave - and after discussion with the player's representatives, United have agreed to give Real Madrid permission to talk to the player. Matters are expected to be concluded by 30 June. The club will not comment until further notice."

Real confirmed they had approached United with a bid for Ronaldo but gave no indication of the fee involved.

"The club hopes to reach an agreement with the player in the coming days," a statement on the club website read.

Ronaldo's United and Portugal teammate Nani admits his compatriot will be missed, but he believes the English champions have enough quality to guarantee more success in the future.

"Cristiano's departure is not impossible to fix," Nani said. "He will be missed but United have other players who can replace him."

Ronaldo has long been a target for the Spanish giants, whose recently-returned president Florentino Perez vowed earlier this week to do "everything possible" to take the 24-year-old to the Bernabeu.

The news comes just days after Real clinched the 56 million pounds transfer of Brazilian playmaker Kaka from Italian side AC Milan as they look to compete with arch-rivals Barcelona on the domestic front and such as Manchester United and Chelsea in the Champions League.

United fans have repeatedly been told no deal had been agreed for the sale of FIFA's world player of the year in the face of regular statements from Spain the former Sporting Lisbon star was bound for the Bernabeu.

There was no immediate statement from Real Madrid, but it has been reported in England that Ronaldo, who is currently in holiday in Los Angeles, earlier this year had agreed a pre-contract with the Spanish club worth 8.3 million pounds a year over the next five years.

He has been keen to join Real for 18 months and it took a last-ditch plea from United boss Sir Alex Ferguson to persuade him to stay at Old Trafford last year.

Ronaldo, who joined United for 12 million pounds in 2003, had made it clear he wanted a new challenge after winning the Champions League in 2008. But Ferguson flew to Lisbon and talked him into one more year with United before reporting Real to FIFA for an illegal approach.

However, Ronaldo, who is contracted to United until 2012, was never fully embraced by fans or teammates after his flirtation with Real.

His name was sung less at Old Trafford and there was a noticeable drop-off in his performances. Although he scored 18 league goals and helped United to the Premier League title, Ronaldo was often an uninterested bystander for long periods in matches.

Cracks in his relationship with Ferguson began to show when Ronaldo reacted angrily to being substituted against Manchester City and then criticised the United manager's tactics after the Champions League final defeat to Barcelona.

He clearly feels he is in danger of growing stale and the chance to be part of Real's new galaticos project will appeal to a player never shy of playing on his star quality.

Ferguson had previously insisted he "wouldn't sell that mob a virus" when asked about the possibility of allowing Ronaldo to join Real.

But the Scot has run out of patience with Ronaldo's hankering to move to Spain and has finally decided to cash in on his prize asset. United's debts of 700 million pounds must also have played a role in the club's decision to accept the offer.

Ronaldo scored 118 goals for United, including 42 in 2007-08 alone, and it will hard for Ferguson to replace the star.

Moves for one or more of Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery, Wigan's Antonio Valencia and Lyon forward Karim Benzema would go someway to filling the void.

Real's cash could allow Ferguson to keep Carlos Tevez, who had appeared close to leaving after United refused to meet the 32 million pounds price tag set by his economic rights holders, although the two parties remain apart on the Argentine's wage demands.

AFP/Expatica


0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment

General rating: Not rated yet

Rate article:    Add my rating



0 reactions to this article

Be the first person to add a comment
Discussion Forums

Technology in Spain

Sat phones/internet links

English in Spain

What is the best travel insurance cover to Spain?

American in Spain

U.S. citizens, plan to vote in 2012? Did you know...

Relocation to Spain

thinking of moving to madrid

Jobs in Spain

Job Agencies or how to find work.

participate in the forums

Inside Expatica
Editor's Guide: Getting Started in Spain

Editor's Guide: Getting Started in Spain

Expatica's Getting Started section will provide practical information on how you can open a bank account, exchange your driving licence, improve your Spanish, and more.

Groups and Clubs in Madrid

Groups and Clubs in Madrid

Here's a guide to an extensive list of groups and clubs in Madrid for expats, from sports groups to social and family gatherings.

Groups and Clubs around Spain

Groups and Clubs around Spain

A brief introduction to our Tax section for Spain, from help with inheritance tax to accounting advice.

Groups and Clubs in Barcelona

Groups and Clubs in Barcelona

Here's a short introduction to our Banking section for those living in Spain, from what to ask the experts to opening a Spanish bank account.