Jun 07
Breaking the Silence on Ronaldo
[Warning: Long article.]
It’s been one hell of a week. I finally get to break my self-imposed silence on Ronaldo. So I’ll start without too much of an elaborate prologue.
The story so far
Ever since the Champions’ League final Ronaldo has been constantly linked with Real Madrid, and the link, which last season was tenuous at best, has become ever so heavy with each passing day. It has now been whipped up to a crescendo of deafening proportions — thanks to the Great Spanish Hype machine also cheerfully fellated by the likes of the Sun and the Mail (even the Telegraph and the Guardian.) But let’s get back to these trifles later and talk about the person in question.
Ever since the Champions’ League final we’ve been treated to a range of quotes: “I’ll stay”, “I am going to stay but you never know in future”, “I always like to play in Spain someday”, “I will make my decision in two-three weeks” and finally, “I want to play for Real Madrid but only if they match United’s valuation”. About the last quote, don’t come up with a “how can we rely on that one?” It’s a direct quote attributed to Ronaldo. Mind, I haven’t talked about quotes from his agent, or Calderon or United or “undisclosed sources”. All the above quotes have been, at some stage, made by Ronaldo. And if this was not said by him someone would have come forward and rubbished it already. If Ronaldo didn’t say this, though, then it’s even worse that he hasn’t found the need to come forward and clear the air — so there you have it.
So what do I think of Ronaldo, now?
I have always loved Ronaldo, the player. I’ve never bothered for the arrogance because at United we’ve seen how having a bit of the arrogance can actually work to your benefit as long as you have your game foremost in your mind. I felt Ronaldo was robbed of the young player award in the World Cup because of one act of waving the invisible card. I’ve also been someone who has always respected his desire to join Spain some day because it’s his dream; I don’t debate that and I take him on his word. So when these rumours first started catching steam, I said to myself: Ok, he wants to leave, but let’s hope SAF convinces him to stay for just one more season so we can plan for a Ronaldo-less United.
But then slowly things changed.
Ronaldo made noises in the press that were uncertain at best. Whilst one could feel sorry for him initially when the press badgered him ceaselessly to get a word out of him, there comes a time when you’d have to say, wait, this doesn’t seem right. Ronaldo, it’s obvious to me now, is playing the press into his advantage to most likely get a bigger pay packet. But I am not disappointed in his asking for a bigger contract [he's had a phenomenal season]. What I am terribly disappointed in is the way he’s shown scant respect for the club and the fans.
Now I’ve seen many who say that he didn’t say anything to elicit such a response from us fans — which is exactly my point. Him not saying anything clearly makes things all the worse. The rules for a player looking for a move — or at least the right way — would be to discuss with the club first before making statements. It’s obvious the club want him to stay. He’s signed a five year contract just a year ago and the club have also issued a statement expressing ire over the way Real Madrid are making their moves.
If Ronaldo had an iota of respect, he would surely see the underhanded and illegal nature of Real’s pursuit of Ronaldo. Instead he sets deadlines about making his decisions when United have said, he’s going nowhere. Who does he think he is? The club don’t want to sell, the player doesn’t have the bottle to even make a clear cut statement that is not ambiguous in anyway. Just say that you want to leave for Madrid, period. Or say that you will stay for another season at United. Say something concrete. We obviously know United will sell if Madrid meet their valuation. [Fun fact: United have not set a valuation for Ronaldo. They just don't want to sell him.]
So he is playing the media into his own hands, and shockingly, a lot of people haven’t seen that. He enjoys being at the centre of it all and he is holding out for a bigger contract from either parties. I’d still like to think that he genuinely wants to play for Madrid because it was his dream, but I can’t do so anymore because it doesn’t seem like that.
Again, I am not going into what Ronaldo’s mother said, nor have I gone into what Calderon said because I don’t rate them at all. I rated Ronaldo and thought despite the cosmetic preening and arrogance he had a good head on his shoulders. The adulation he got from our fans in the midst of everything that was hurled at him, the way he was protected by SAF and Queiroz into becoming the man that he is now is not something he will have anywhere.
United made him the player that he is. We got two really good seasons out of him which is a good return on our investment. I am not for one moment thinking that he owes us another season — I do think he could stay for another season, but I won’t hold that against him. But his prima donna act by diverting the entire press from our greatest season after ‘99 and the general lack of class and professionalism has burned my bridges with him forever.
Regulars on here, would know that I am not one for jumping onto a players’ back that easily. This was a painful one. I was frustrated with Rio Ferdinand when he delayed his contract negotiations, but in my heart I thought hey, let’s give him a chance. He took a while and redeemed himself over the last two seasons. But even if Ronaldo stays for another season at United I will only cheer him because it helps the club win. Nothing will change my opinion of him from now on barring extraordinary circumstances. Staying for one more season would be alright, but it won’t be any different to me if he moves on. So what if our season suffers? Is that all this game is about? I’m sorry, but I think we went 26 years without a title — that did not diminish the enthusiasm from our fans. And as long as Sir Alex is at the helm, I think we can punt safely on us doing alright with or without him. We may have a few hiccups without him next season, but it’s a small price to pay if you think about it. It’s better having players who want to play for the club, rather than having some half arsed performers.
I am embarrassed to be honest, and it certainly is a kick in the teeth for Manchester United fans. If you think otherwise, then let’s agree to disagree.
So will he stay? What do I think?
I think he will stay for another season. Real Madrid would have to pay over £100m (plus a decent player) to prise him away and United would be crazy to demand anything less; we’ve paid over the odds for the likes of Carrick and Hargreaves. So why not overcharge for Ronaldo? On the bright side, though, it’s only United who have anything to gain from this. Keep him, and they still have the “best player in the world” for another season. Sell him, and they make tons of money to buy up talent. I leave the part of the unforgiving Madridista crowd; the hard fact that he might have to concede penalty taking duties to the likes of Raul and Ruud; and having to share free kick duties from the likes of Sneijder, for another day. I will also leave the part where I wish good luck to Ronaldo expecting Raul and Ruud to do the donkey work that Rooney and Tevez made — often to the detriment of their own game. I won’t hold all this against him.
Why I didn’t talk about Ronaldo all week?
Mainly to avoid adding to the considerable noise already created in the media. It was very easy for me to talk about Ronaldo — that’s what everyone is talking about. I got stick, in the comments, for telling people to not talk about Ronaldo. Well, I didn’t stop anyone from doing that, and it was a personal decision. So sorry if it came across that way.
Closing words…
This was a painful week. It’s hard when you slate a player who has given so much joy. But I’ve had my reasons. And I’ll stand by it, unless I see something redeeming from the player. And staying at United for another season and performances on the pitch next season won’t be considered “redeeming”.
So good bye Ronaldo. Thanks for the memories. I’ll see you either in the reds of Manchester or the Adidas whites of Real Madrid [good luck with the CR7 Nike deal while playing for Madrid] next season; doesn’t matter which team now, does it?
Related items from Red Rants:
- City Is Concerned About Some ‘Idiots’…
- Hargreaves Move Confirmed – Breaking News
- Derby Day. Raging Ferg. Welbeck.
- Breaking News: United accept 80m Ronaldo bid
- The Official Word on Heinze | Rooting for Real
Tags: Opinions/Columns
June 7th, 2008 at 8:53
Agree totally RR.
I’ve always felt that Ronaldo behaved a lil spoilt (on the field and off it) but his recent behaviour has taken it one step too far. You have to have a level-head to handle stupendous success and I don’t think he has one. I guess what he feels now is that he is Manchester United. Pride goes before a fall…and that’s exactly what will happen to him if he does not show respect to those to helped him become what he is today.
June 7th, 2008 at 9:09
Well said Red Ranter. He talk with his savior SAF (& Queiroz) through media to his own benefit. That’s disgusting.
Enough is enough, thanks Ron but no thanks.
June 7th, 2008 at 9:22
Beckham, another player very mindful of his own personal popularity, was at pains to point out that he never wanted to leave United, despite engineering the move by refusing contract talks. Like Beckham, Ronaldo knows his high profile is linked to playing for one of the world’s biggest clubs. Real Madrid may enjoy similar status but the suits are still unsure whether the new Asian fan base is loyal to players or clubs. No way will Ronaldo risk alienating his following by sticking two fingers up at United, hence the carefully worded quote about Real having to pay United’s asking price. Having failed to deliver Kaka and Fabregas and enjoying no real mandate, Calderon needs Ronaldo. It’s a no-lose situation for United, they hold all the aces. But get your money on our number 7 still being here next year.
June 7th, 2008 at 9:30
*claps hands* the ungrateful ****, funny thing is, if we where really offering him the £140, 000 a week like reported(damn reports lol) with the CR7 deal, he would be earning £240, 000, which is more then what real are offering. Unless Adidas do some CR23 thing lol.
June 7th, 2008 at 9:31
a bitter taste in the mouth after what he said to the press..all i can say is just sell him for at least £80m and get both david villa and david silva and we still have a hefty £45m in the bank.just imagine rooney and villa pair up front with nani on the right and silva on the left…
June 7th, 2008 at 9:41
Valid points. But you’re forgetting, Manchester United is the biggest club in the world. And we are human and so make mistakes. Great players like Beckham did, even Best and Cantona did. A few weeks ago some fans were slagging off Scholes and Giggs, two legends that actually managed to survive under the Manchester United spotlight. If he goes Ronaldo will be remembered as a great player who let the media glare dazzle him. If he stays he’ll be up there with the Best. Let’s wait and see.
June 7th, 2008 at 9:45
Great post RR, you’ve summed up my feelings on this ridiculous situation to a T. If he stays, good. If he leaves, good. Either way, Manchester United wins, and that’s all that matters in the end.
June 7th, 2008 at 9:46
the truth is ronaldo has never hidden his desire to play in spain,or madrid.rooney had the same feeling when he was at everton and no one remembers that.face it ronaldo is the best player in the world and we are lucky its only real madrid making noise.
people rely on newspapers and the media which come up with a different story every day without any doubt.if a player is under contract,nothing can be done if his club wont sale \.look at alves.
ronaldo has not been given the respect he deserves.it is foolhardy to imagine he doesny know it.he was a scapegoat for rooneys thuggish behaviour at the world cup,as if he is the one that jumped on cavalhos balls,he has been victimised for rooneys lack of progression,etc
the thing of united made him is simply wrong.he made himself.he was always good for potugal and united
June 7th, 2008 at 10:01
Rightly said, He has via his media charade taken the shine, honour, and euphoria off our best season since 99. I vehemently maintain that He is abandoning the chance of idolism and cult status to become a mere shirt salesman for MADrid. Tell me how many legends of the game are truly Madrid legends. Raul, maybe Di Stefano. Certainly not even The Great Zidane, The Phenomenal Ronaldo DE Lima Or even the Slime Figowho i heard by the way is encouraging Voldemort to betray United. Sir Cantona rightly put it,Manchester United Will win trophies with or without Ronaldo. Frankly he is biting the fingers that fed Him and Judas will always hang from a tree.That said,I hope He stays for one more season to give Fergie ample time to reconfigure the team.Honestly He is the best footballer in the world and cant really be replaced. I even find it difficult to believe that somewhere on Gods Green Earth lies a 17 yr old, with the skill the football completeness of CR7. I love Him but i love and adore Manchester United astronmically more. FUCK HIM.
June 7th, 2008 at 10:04
[donibrasco]
It’s easy to say in hindsight that Ronaldo was always destined for greatness. Nurturing talent is not quite easy. Ask Quaresma and Robinho.
What about Alves? He’s close to signing for Barcelona.
And Ronaldo was always loved by United fans — we all supported him through the world cup incident. It’s his treatment of United now that’s upset me. I don’t know what you’re on about Ronaldo inhibiting Rooney’s progress though.
June 7th, 2008 at 10:07
[tj]
I’ve not forgotten that Manchester United is among the biggest club in the world which is why I said we can still survive without him. Lesser clubs on the other hand will struggle.
June 7th, 2008 at 10:12
great post… i have to agree with alot of things in the article..i think ronaldo has shown his immaturity in alot of things.. but lets analyse his quote carefully.. he has said i want to join real madrid if they pay the wages and offer man utd wwhat they want like they have been saying… and its not my decision….. to me ronaldo is a whimp and a little boy… although he has publicly stated he would like to leave i don’t believe that he will get his way cause he is not striking a convincing enough argument…. and when he eventually faces ferguson and queiroz… to explain his comments he will crumble at the feet cause these two have done more than any other ppl will ever do for him…. probably have a little tantrum cause of his immaturity.. and try to manufacture a move but little boys don’t get their way… and then get over it… but your right he likes being in the spotlight and playing with the media.. and its one thing he needs to change… i have to agree he’s going to have to win over me and alot of ppl next season b4 he gets my respect back… but maybe this could be a lesson to him about being a man of honour… and do things in an honourable way than run away with the portugal squad to say these things….he will get my total respect when he learns the lesson from this saga about being honourable…. ppl are aloud to make mistakes and since he refers to god quite a bit.. then i hope god knocks this one in his head….by the way.. has anyone noticed how funny things happens when he is with that portugal squad?
June 7th, 2008 at 10:24
if we well him there’s only one player we could take from their team and that is sergio ramos he’s world class and £80m with ramos would be a phenominal deal!
June 7th, 2008 at 10:31
Ronaldo will not be the same player in madrid.he wont have the players support and fluid movements.madrid fans will expect a lot from him and we all know he doesnt have the same skills like ronaldinho
June 7th, 2008 at 10:32
My point was Manchester United IS the biggest club in the world. Bar none. No other club generates the media frenzy of United. If Giggs had wanted to be a world famous media celebrity he could have.(Though he did make the Simpsons) Beckham wanted the celebrity and manipulated it to make lots of money. It’s difficult for a Real Madrid player to do that, as beyond the media they own they have comparitively little appeal – so they are left with no option but to buy “galacticos” to piggy back others popularity. The old football adage is true, form is temporary, class is permanant.
[tj]
I’ve not forgotten that Manchester United is among the biggest club in the world which is why I said we can still survive without him. Lesser clubs on the other hand will struggle.
June 7th, 2008 at 10:34
@Donibrasco I think you’re saying Ronnie was the scapegoat during the world cup for England’s dissapointment for Rooney. This is quite true as Englanders were super dissapointed but he put himself up on the chopping block by playing a BIG part in getting Rooney off. Ronaldo made all this himself? I can swear that if it wasn’t SAF who nutured his talent and brought the best out of this young lad from Madeira he would be where he started from-a show pony. Victimised for Rooney’s lack of progession? Examples please as I reckon it’s absoulute rubbish. Rooney’s vision, shooting power and accuracy, passing, teamwork and defending have improved a significant deal since we first saw him scoring his hat-trick against Fenerbache. United made Ronaldo into the player he is today. Without guidance from SAF, Queiroz and even his fellow teammates, he’ll just be like Ronaldinho boozing and partying the shit out of his ass after every match. I can’t stand people who think the club is just a hotel. It’s a school of not just football but how to become the model player kids can look up to. You don’t understand the difference between good management and self-improvement.
I support Manchester United, not Cristiano Ronaldo. Kudos SAF, Queiroz for making polishing this raw gem into an absolutely sparkling diamond. Players come and go and I’m sure our next Cristiano Ronaldo will enter our ranks sometime soon.
June 7th, 2008 at 10:35
I dont think madrid will pay 75m pounds.they are tapping ronaldo to make him demand a move.if they could pay,they would have made an offer.they are using media to get him cheap.they did this for beckham,ruud.i am afraid we may not get enough money
June 7th, 2008 at 10:37
I dont think madrid will pay 75m pounds.they are tapping ronaldo to make him demand a move.if they could pay,they would have made an offer.they are using media to get him cheap.they did this for beckham,ruud.i am afraid we may not get enough money. And dont dream of getting ramos
June 7th, 2008 at 10:37
I have informed Nike that I wont be buying any more of their products until they lose him as a sponsor. Perhaps other fans would like to do so too?
June 7th, 2008 at 10:43
[Sunny]
Beckham and Ruud were sold because the club wanted to sell. They cannot even be compared with what’s going on now. And we’ll see if Ronaldo has the balls to face Fergie and co and request a transfer — not to mention the payouts he’ll lose by doing that. It’s interesting that all the noises are coming after he left OT.
June 7th, 2008 at 10:52
I’m not gonna get riled up about this post. I strongly disagree but have let out my steam in other posts.
What I do want to comment on is the ridiculous thoughts that people have about how to get rid of Ronaldo. “let’s take £80 mil plus Ramos”, “no less than £100 mil”… get real. First of all, we’re never gonna get one of their main players included. If we were to get a cash plus player swap deal, it would be for someone like Robinho. Someone whose name is bigger than his talent, and that they can afford to part with. Cassilas, Ramos – never gonna happen.
If it was a straight cash deal, he’d bring in no more than £60 mil. That’s the nature of these things. Actually any deal would probably be worth more, if it’s cash lus player.
Having said that, we’re not going to sell him, so you should prepare yourself for at least a year of hating our best player. I for one am not gonna bite into this nonsense of hating anyone.
RR – you say that you have lost everything for Ronaldo forever. But then you also say that he can redeem himself. What would it take for him to redeem himself in your eyes?
June 7th, 2008 at 10:55
because their really going to take notice of a couple of united fans. Sigh
June 7th, 2008 at 10:58
The part about Rooney not progressing as well as he could have because of Ronaldo – well, there have been numerous articles about how Rooney lives in the shadow of Ronaldo and not playing to his full potential, but that’s not because of Ronaldo per se, it’s because of Ronaldo’s unmatched talent, so I think it’s 2 different deals.
I do however agree that Ronaldo was the scapegoat of England’s rediculously poor performance in 2006. His one action took away almost completely any critique of the team, and I think, England still suffer from this. It left them with no reason to find out what was really wrong with the team, and hence they didn’t qualify to the tournament that starts today.
June 7th, 2008 at 10:59
anyone heard about kaka’s interview?he said he dreams of playing for united.maybe we will sign him.and ronaldo clearly doesnt have balls to face fergie.he must have left those inside gemma atkinson’s ‘u know what’.
June 7th, 2008 at 11:03
Sunny – you don’t have to post the same comments twice
June 7th, 2008 at 11:04
[Tomas]
I don’t really know how he can redeem himself. And I don’t really care now. It’s painful enough to have to see a player you love show scant regard for the club.
My attitude will not be one of hating, I may have unintentionally used the word ‘forever’, but more indifference until I see something in his demeanour that would make me want to change my stance.
I said “I think he’ll stay” and if sold I gave numbers to illustrate my main point which was to make a killing out of the deal with Madrid.
And I am prepared to bite the bullet and tolerate him play for United for another season. Even if he scores 60 goals it will be hard for me to think differently of him as a person until I see evidence, which is usually intangible — stuff you see in the eyes of Rooney, even Rio.
And you are not going to buy into this nonsense, fair play to you.
June 7th, 2008 at 11:07
[Tomas]
And Ronaldo was made scapegoat by everyone except United fans. And here all that matters is us — the fans. This is about Ronaldo treating the club and fans and not the rest of the world. Mixing the general opinion of the England crowd with what United fans thought is entirely missing the point.
June 7th, 2008 at 11:07
Well RR, I don’t have to talk much do I? You make it very clear on how I feel about the git.
Very much disrespectful to the club and fans is what he is doing, why is it so hard to go out in public and say “I’m Staying” or “I’m Going”, wouldn’t have taken much of his time.
What he is doing now, just lost me my respect for him, even if he stays there will be no cheering for him.. If he scores for us, it will only be greeted with an applause from me because it will help United and I will not give him any gratitude for the past two seasons or even next season if he stays. The git doesn’t deserve his adulation from us.
For that, I would say sell him and bleed those freakin’ Madrid’s so they can’t stand anymore.
I lost all my respect for Beckham once when he got transferred to Madrid, but recently I realised his heart is United’s and so I forgave him but I won’t be doing this to the git as he doesn’t command any respect from me, money can take you far in this world but without love and admiration you’re not gonna be remembered. He is no legend to me.
Cantona and you RR said it straight, United will continue to prosper without the git so it’s not our loss but his own..
I will not wish him the best at Madrid and I hope one day when United meet Madrid, We will teach them a lesson that when you mess with United, you better be ready to be buried deep.
GOD, I seriously hate Real now more than those blind, history-living Scousers.
June 7th, 2008 at 11:10
Tomas.i am browsing through my mobile.there is something wrong with the comments.sometimes it doesnt post at all.its either 0 or 2.sorry about this
June 7th, 2008 at 11:19
Anybody hear David Meek just talking to Talk Sport this morning?. He said, “United are in control of the Ronaldo situation, and they know the outcome, and are not going to tell anyone else about that outcome until they choose.” So there you are, just what we all knew, United are in control. David Meek is privvy to all the inside information at Old Trafford, so I tend to believe him.
RR, about Ronnie’s last comment “I will play for Madrid if they agree to United’s and my valuations.” It is well reported I understand, that statements have come forth from the Portuguese camp, saying that Ronaldo has not spoken or given any interviews, let alone said what the Brazil website have attributed to him. So again who knows?.
I wholeheartedly agree with RR and others on here who say that Ronaldo should have respected United management, team mates and the fans, by making a clear statement one way or the other. But I also can see the opinions of others who feel that he is just keeping his options open, because he is not wanting to harm his relationship with either club. His attempts at diplomacy though, if that is what it is, are having adverse effect on the the hearts and minds of the United faithful. Anyone else feel that Ronaldo lives in a kind of ‘insensitive to others bubble’?. He seems oblivious to realise the furore of feeling he has created against himself from the way he has handled things, from United fans point of view!!!!!.
June 7th, 2008 at 11:19
@UALA: They’re not gonna take notice, just like Dan said.. Nike doesn’t just revolve around United. But hey, I’m gonna stop buying Mercurial boots and I’d rather have the R10 or The Total 90 brand that Rooney is wearing.
Cheers mate.
June 7th, 2008 at 11:24
[Craig mc]
As I said in the post, if he didn’t say those comments it’s even worse because he hasn’t made his situation clear even after the “2 week” period he promised.
June 7th, 2008 at 11:51
RR, what I was trying to get over, is that Portuguese camp have kept him from interviews, because it will not be about the Portuguese national team and the European nations cup. So they have answered for him, where this Brazil comment is concerned. As I said though, I do agree with you about Ronaldo not giving a clear statement of intent right from the beginning. I can respect though the views of Wakey, Tomas, RedDevil/Addict and others on here who see the Ronnie situation differently. But then I know you do too RR!.
June 7th, 2008 at 11:58
Sergio Aguero to replace Ronaldo??? Just read it on BBC Gossip column…
June 7th, 2008 at 12:12
To anybody concerned about replacing C Ronaldo and all of the debates about who to buy, remember he is already going to be equalled by Nani.
Nani playing week in week out is going to be an amazing thing. If we sign somebody like R Santa Cruz, we’ll be fine.
June 7th, 2008 at 12:24
Dear oh dear, some of the attitudes here make me despair. Ronaldo is in training camp with Portugal fully focused on a match he has this afternoon (!) You can not really expect him to come out and quash all speculation and confirm or deny every press report that surfaces, can you? It would be disrespectful to his country and teammates if took the focus of their campaign by constantly having to confirm and deny these reports.
Have all you Ronaldo-bashers ever considered that this is probably the most difficult decision he’s ever had to make, and thus, he hasn’t been able to confirm either way. On SSN, they had the Portugese journalist who spent 8 months with Ronaldo making a documentary about his life. This journalist said that Ronaldo is torn between the club he loves (Man United) and the club he supported as a kid (Real Madrid). It’s a massive decision for him, and whatever people want to say, the money would sway anyone’s head. I don’t care how rich you are, the opportunity to double your wage packet would appeal to anyone. Being United supporters, put yourselves in his shoes. You’re playing for a foreign club and won everything you can with them including all individual awards. You enjoy it at this foreign club, but then United, desperately trying to reach the next level, come in with a bid for you, doubling your wages and promising you the world. Would your head not be turned? Would the decision be difficult for you? Of course it would.
Another factor is his contract. Ronaldo may well want to stay at United, but understandably, he may want an improvement in his terms. Ronaldo is currently on £110,000 a week I believe. Kaka is on £150,000 a week at Milan. It’s clear Ronaldo has superseded Kaka as World’s best player, and probably under the guidance of his agent, he is seeking a wage which reflect his position in world football. If you were the best worker in your firm, but an inferior worker was picking up a better wage than you, would you not be perturbed? Yes, it’s a little greedy and it’s difficult for us to understand these astronomical sums, but the concept is the same. Finally, if indeed Ronaldo is looking for a new contract, it doesn’t make any sense whatsoever for him to commit 100% to our club. That puts our club in a stronger bargaining position with regards to terms, and Ronaldo would be under strict instruction from Mendes to ensure that’s not the case. Again, it’s not pretty, and we’d all prefer more transparency, but this is the reality of football wages.
Finally, most of the reports I’ve seen about Ronaldo have been based on very little fact and strung together using conjecture and second-hand quotes. The clearest indication that he may want to leave were the quotes given to Terra, an obscure Brazilian website. The problem with written quotes without video evidence, is that you never know what was actually said, or what he was asked. His statement that “I want to play for Real Madrid but only if they match United’s valuation†is still not totally clear. He could have been asked ‘Would you ever like to play for Real Madrid’ and he simply replied what we knew all along. He would like to play for Real Madrid, but only if the terms were good for him and Man United. He does not give a date and says nothing to suggest it would happen this summer. Also bare in mind that journalists can also manipulate quotes to gear a story in a certain direction. It’s also baffling that people have decided to sweep over the quotes from his mother, which incidentally are backed up by video evidence from Portugese TV.
June 7th, 2008 at 12:26
i was reali disappointed when i heard he wants to leave for real. at the end of the day, we all knew he was going 2 leave united anyway at some point since the 1st day he joined unitd
if worst come to the worst, he has to leave in this summer, maybe swop with real madird for robinhno? ronaldo n robinhno r quite similiar, i think robinhno would be a good replacement for the NO.7
June 7th, 2008 at 12:31
Tom F – I really do hope your prophetic insight re Nani comes true!. I want him to excel, I think he’s a great lad, and he does have talent no doubt. He’s 21 years old, but I think he is a boyish 21. I always look for his response after the big games, and he loves winning things with United. His celebrations are over the top comedic, but his joy at getting the trophies and medal’s unmistakeable. I like that enthusiasm.
June 7th, 2008 at 12:32
@Tom F If Nani is replacing Ronaldo we’ll need another left winger to replace Giggsy (Hullo-o). Joaquin looks like a decent replacement, taking the gamble that he revitalises his career at United after a dissapointing Valenciennes campaign. Could get him cheap and his 26 which means we can squeeze about 4-6 years of on-peak football off him.
@RR I think we shouldn’t jump off Ronaldo’s ship just yet. Give him a little more faith
June 7th, 2008 at 12:35
RR, fantastic post mate. I especially liked the bit you wrote about what he would stand to lose if he joined Madrid (the support strikers doing his dirty work for him, relinquishing dead-ball duties etc.). I am not going to write an essay on this topic (since it has been done to death) but I’ll just re-iterate a few points anyway.
While a month ago, I was loath to lose him and probably would have cried had he left, now I am totally nonplussed about whether he leaves or not.
In fact, I would actually prefer to see him leave this summer if possible (although the reality is that he will most likely stay one more year), as his treatment of loyal United fans has been nothing short of disappointing to say the least. We deserve better, especially after the support he has received from us and the coaching staff in his darkest hours. It would be an amicable parting of company and would satisfy both parties: he gets to fulfil his childhood dream, live a luxurious lifestyle in the sunny climes of Madrid with his locally based girlfriend and live happily ever after (snigger), while United get top dollar for him, simultaneously reducing the Club’s debts whilst providing us with a sizeable transfer kitty to re-invest into the team and bring in adequate reinforcements. To be frank, if you take sentiment out of the equation, from a financial point of view we will never ever get a better deal than this for one of our best players than what Madrid are allegedly offering. If we can nab one of their players too (an unlikely scenario, but we must conduct any deal ON OUR TERMS if we are to show them who’s the daddy), that would be fantastic, but like Tomas says, I wouldn’t hold my breath for a Casillas or a Sergio Ramos.
I really do not mind us enduring a season of transition next year and winning nothing, like Arsenal always seem to do each year, as long as the principles of Manchester United are upheld. We cannot compromise our integrity by having a player who’s heart is no longer in it playing for us. Fair play to the lad, he’s given us two fantastic seasons and you can’t begrudge him his wish of moving on. What people need to realise is that he’s only human at the end of the day, and has desires and ambitions just like the rest of us.
Let me reiterate: I do not hate him or anything like that, but even if he stays for one more year, like RR, I cannot and will not see him in the same light as before.
June 7th, 2008 at 12:46
Nino, in the event Ronaldo does leave, I wouldn’t totally rule out getting Sergio Ramos. Judging by this article from 2 months, things aren’t completely rosey for him at Madrid: http://china.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=664418
June 7th, 2008 at 12:49
I hope the Glazers follow through on their vow to sit him in the stands for a year. Maybe that would serve as a lesson to spoiled disloyal footballers who refuse to honour their contracts. Honestly, is there any other business in the world where contracts are so meaningless?
June 7th, 2008 at 12:51
The Ramos article is exaggerated please. Seems happy to me.
June 7th, 2008 at 12:55
So GuineaDevil, the Ramos article, backed up by quotes, is exaggerated, but the Ronaldo articles, mostly based on conjecture and piss-poor journalism, are spot on.
As I said before, I despair at the attitudes on here.
June 7th, 2008 at 13:14
wat i feel is sell him now if he wants nobody is biggr than club ,hes in top form now and evn if he stays for anothr year and if he doesnt perform well his value would be reduced very much so it will be good if he sell him now and get a decent amount and replace him with someone like silva ,robinio .
June 7th, 2008 at 13:27
I didn’t say the Ronaldo articles are spot on. I rubbished them too. But seriously. Ramos is just expressing what he thinks should be done when his not happy. RedAddict don’t despair before you read thoroughly!
June 7th, 2008 at 14:14
Maybe United is better off without him. Atleast rival fans won’t complain.
But I have a feeling SAF knows when to sell a player and with the money he gets if Ronaldo goes he’ll buy two Ronaldo-in-the-making.
June 7th, 2008 at 14:28
WOW, rossis agent has said his buy out clause is 28 mil, that is a bloody lot for a 20 year old, fat chance of us getting him.
June 7th, 2008 at 14:37
getting ramos is not far fetched. Real Madrid have backed theselves into a corner. They have reached the point of no return, calderon cannot walk away from this without ronaldo. I think united should call up marca and say “we have set our price, £50 million plus ramos” this will shut up Madrid once and for all.
June 7th, 2008 at 14:57
i do hope ronaldo stays but he will leave in a few years so ferguson should start buying and looking at replacements now
June 7th, 2008 at 15:18
Baller post RR. I love it because you have talked about Ronnie in a comprehensive manner without talked about life after him…focussed.
As long as Ronaldo stays with us and makes such vague comments, such hype will always exist. Ronaldo has made it worse by being uncertain about next season. Although I know that things change very fast, I would have loved a bit of professionalism from him. BUT BUT BUT I really cannot hold it against him, because 1, he is playing the media to his advantage so that he can get the most euros and 2, it is a difficult decision for him. I don’t think he disregards the help (support, nurture, fans…….) at United, but he is getting more money and Real is his ‘dream’. So he is unsure himself. I dont revere Ronaldo simply because his dream is not United….
Also, people saying that this is a good financial deal are WRONG (so sorry for the caps). Real value him at .5 billion, why do you think they wanna pay so much. The benefits of Ronaldo being here are just way more than 100m.
June 7th, 2008 at 16:09
[RedAddict]
Ok let’s assume he didn’t make that last statement. If he really had some respect he would have made a definitive statement. Instead he’s allowed the time to run down and now the media will continue the speculation thanks to his silence. Ronaldo said he’ll make a decision in 2 weeks, 2 weeks ago. And I wonder if he’ll have the time to make a decision during a major tournament like the Euro.
He saw this coming. He knew he had to make a decision one way or the other. He knows the club are not interested in selling him. I think one can put his mind to this and come up with a decision in the time frame he’s had. I don’t buy the “he’s torn” theory.
I’m sure Fabregas also had similar temptations — I mean what’s not to like in Spain for a Spaniard? And he’s conducted himself with dignity that I respect: this when his mates are leaving the club and it would set Arsenal back in the rebuilding process.
Quotes from Ronaldo’s mother/father/brother/aunt/godfather/calderon are irrelevant because all that matters is what Ronaldo says. This is about him and the club. No one else matters — to judge Ronaldo I need to see what he says or, in this case, doesn’t say. Him remaining silent makes it worse actually.
I disagree and as I said, I can’t change my stance as I’ve made my reasons clear. It’s not for footballing reasons that I’ve jumped off Ronnie’s ship. And even the jump hasn’t been easy.
June 7th, 2008 at 16:37
The way you wrote it…you know what I mean… you re a crank
June 7th, 2008 at 16:41
well if we can get a decent striker a real poacher and in pre season have blinder with him we can seriously benefit from his sale more money and still a chance at silverware
i’d be happy if berbatov comes and ronaldo goes as it’ll be easy then nani is still here ans so is anderson and then rooney tevez and berba can do the firing we wont be needing ronado and nani will take the trickery slot easyly
u might say i’m trying to hard to replace a scumbag but well admit it he was the best there is 40 goals and if u dont agree i dont what will make u beleive
anyways i still miss the the ultimate poacher ruud and if we can get some1 like him and get our game back in that style it’ll be gr8 and its abt time rooney gets hungry and gets in the act
to be honest i’m still not pissed as u are RR as i still think every1 just keep asking u the same question u might be annoyed but yes he’s been calm and confusing himself with us all the time and i do think he’s playing with the fans which is the biggest crime a footballer can commit but hell as we all know he is someday going to spain so why not wait a couple of years and then go
stay for a year or two u winker and we’d be happy to off load u in gift wrap dhl box staright to madrid
and his mother is such a pain in the backside abt time u ask ur son what he wants nobody gives a shit what u want
June 7th, 2008 at 16:44
now that u have mentioned fabregas i cant seem to think of another argument any1 can put RR arsenal without silverware and players leaving the club bigtime still he hangs on now that is dedication
June 7th, 2008 at 16:49
right just to anoy/confuse/hate me(lol) a bit more, totalodds say that ronaldo has told rooney he is staying.
link.
dunno, probably fake but im gonna post it anyway hehe
June 7th, 2008 at 16:50
[Nikos]
No. I don’t know what you mean. Explain.
June 7th, 2008 at 16:52
[Dan]
Poor excuse for posting that.
June 7th, 2008 at 16:56
Red Ranter; Very good and very honest article from you mate. I have to laugh though. All week I have beaten you to the gun about nearly everything you said and have barked loudly about the same stuff only to get a lot of negativity and anger thrown back at me. It’s amazing how civilized, courteous and understanding everyone has been when many of them were jumping down my throat for the same stuff. Am I not allowed to be a bit bitter?
I especially agree with one statement you made that should silence the many here who have said I or others shouldn’t trust the media or we should show faith and patience. You made the statement that he has done nothing to repudiate the supposed false statements in the press.
If his excuse is his focus for Portugal’s upcoming games, well thats just a crock of bull. He could have ended the entire media storm by professing either way where he stood. Instead he played them and all of us while lying to us all about promising to make a statement by yesterday as to where he stood. He is a little piece of Portuguese shit and I for one want nothing more to do with him. I hope he never plays another game for United because I honestly feel his presence at the club will eventually poison others like Nani and Anderson because of their language and cultural ties. If this is about getting more money, there are better ways and more professional ways to go about it.
I for one am convinced he wants out, media or no media. And the faster I can say good riddance to bad rubbish, the better off I will be and the faster we can move to repairing the damage to the team. Also, while all this has been happening and while Fergie and Gill have had to worry about this asshole’s behavior, we may have allowed Daniel Alves to sign with Barcelona. Perhaps it’s a good thing because I am pretty sure his heart would not have been with United either. We have got to stop buying Latino players unless we are certain of their allegiance and motives. Christ I’m just so frustrated by all of this while players are being signed by other clubs left and right.
June 7th, 2008 at 16:58
This ronaldo business has made you bit serious all of a sudden, chill. i say if he wants go, let him, he wont have another season like last, and real would have wasted 100 mil on a player and ronaldo would off wasted a 25 mil deal as well. if he goes, it’ll be his downfall, not ours, we where fine when cantona retired, we where fine when becks, we where fine without ruud and last season we where fine without ole, if ronaldo leaves, we get money, and buy another teenager with promise, then we build him into a great, this has been our system for years and dont see that changing because of ronaldo.
June 7th, 2008 at 17:00
Red Ranter,
It would be disastrous for Ronaldo to make his decision during this tournament. He’d spend every waking hour wondering if he made the right choice. He’d be waking up in the middle of the night with one of those ‘what am I thinking?’ moments. If he postpones making a definite decision, it kind of takes the pressure off him, and he can focus on Portugal, leaving his options open. He doesn’t need a big decision like this hanging over him just now. Once the pressure of the tournament is over, he can make a decision, and the freak outs won’t have nearly as big an effect.
He’ll probably be much clearer in his own mind what he wants to do after this major tournament is over, and he can evaluate where he is in his career and what he wants. Don’t forget anything could happen at this tournament. He could end up putting Spain out of the competition and become a hate figure with the country’s media. Would Real be such an attractive choice then? That scenario is unlikely, but nevertheless, the experience of another major tournament may allow him to reflect on what he should do.
June 7th, 2008 at 17:05
Yes the news about Aguero being a serious target is interesting but how true can it be? I just don’t believe anything anymore. And I’m afraid buying Aguero is just asking for much of the same kind of pain a few years down the road. Unless of course he is dying to play for United and with his countryman Tevez. I am salivating at the thought. Aguero to replace Ronaldo and Huntelaar too and we wouldn’t skip a beat.
June 7th, 2008 at 17:20
The best thing about getting Real Madrid players in a part exchange deal is that they are unlikely to ask for a transfer back to Madrid. Aguero has also said he will never play for any teams whose name begins with R: http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=717872
This is all immaterial anyway, and we all know Ronaldo is staying.
June 7th, 2008 at 17:36
[Grognard]
Perhaps it’s the choice of words? Or maybe because of your preference for the superlatives.
June 7th, 2008 at 17:46
RR – does my memory fail me, or didn’t you say a couple of days ago that you knew the player United were lining up, and that you would name him?.
June 7th, 2008 at 17:48
[craig]
No I think it’s your memory failing you.
June 7th, 2008 at 17:55
Again in the Rooney-Ronaldo phone call article it quotes “sources”. Unreliability creeping in my head again. Aguero will cost 55 million quid I think it’s his buy-out clause (Correct me if I’m wrong). And can we stop caring about Portugal’s Euro campaign!? Who the hell cares if the Portugal camp is unsettled by the Ronaldo saga?
June 7th, 2008 at 18:00
Oh yeah reports are that Quaresma is being courted by Jose’s Inter. Says he could go to Inter on the cheap.
June 7th, 2008 at 18:04
So what do I think of Ronaldo, now? instead of
So what’s really going on with Ronaldo? and then I think that…
So will he stay? What do I think? instead of
Will he stay? and them I think
Why I didn’t talk about Ronaldo all week? instead of
well there’s no reason to write this one.
June 7th, 2008 at 18:05
GuineaDevil,
Ronaldo cares about the Portugal camp and his own performances, which is why he is not commiting to a decision which could torture him during the tournament, and which he could later live to regret after reflecting on the tournament. This is not about us caring, it’s the reasons why Ronaldo hasn’t commited one way or the other. He’s keeping his options open until he can clear his head. It’s so fucking obvious.
June 7th, 2008 at 18:08
[Nikos]
Right.
June 7th, 2008 at 18:09
UNITED should sell Ronaldo now!
simply because, his ’stock’ will NEVER be higher; if we keep him for another season you can expect the same as what happened to Vieira & Henry to happen. UNITED must strike whilst the iron is hot; simply for this reason -
UNITED scored 80 goals in the league & i’ll hazard a gess (for arguments sake) that they scored 40 goals in other comps goals this season (i’m too lazy to find the facts so if anyone knows please say) & i’m a firm believer that when it comes to goals a team (Premier League based) can flirt with the 120 figure & maybe surpass it once or twice but, “there are only so many goals to go around”.
now if Rooney stays fit next season you’d expect him to get around 25 goals (all comps), same with Tevez (25goals) so there you’re looking @ 50 goals. now if UNITED sign the striker we “so desperately need” you’d expect him to be around 25-30 goals for the season (@least) so there you’re looking @ 80 goals (TouchWood/GodWillin’).
so we have 80 of 120 goals for next season; now it’s not impossible for Ronaldo to get 40 (he’s done this already) but what i’m saying is, with a number 9 up fromt; he will surely (i’m DEFINATE on this) eat into Ronaldo’s goal numbers. if Ronaldo were to score 40, the team would already be @ 120 without taking into account goals from the likes of Vidic, Nani etc. that will surely amount up to around 25ish between the rest of the team.
all i’m saying is, to let Ronaldo play on for another season, we risk allowing his ‘hype value’ to decrease due to the (imo) fact that he will NOT score as many next season. i’m not going to jumped on the Ronaldo slating wagon but (you’ll have to trust my word on this & the fact that i posted in a thread a few weeks back on here) that Rooney is far more important to UNITED. Ronaldo when he doesn’t score, doesn’t get enough assists for a winger; now scoring isn’t a bad habit but when it’s your main component though it’s not your job it can leave you failing @ your main role.
i posted a comment about the amount of donkey work Rooney does for Ronaldo last week, got a lack of replies but. . . meh. this is partially the other reason i’d like to see Ronaldo sold, it would allow the team to free up Rooney & i firmly believe Rooney has ‘more’ to his game.
June 7th, 2008 at 18:14
flu3, how can your opinion be a fact lol, but yea i see what your saying.
June 7th, 2008 at 18:14
@RedAddict Ronaldo should make a decision NOW! It’s currently even more torturing I reckon for him. Stay: Gain back some love from Red Devils, Give Real fans a shit feeling, overall reputation won’t be so rubbished by neutrals. Go: Loved by Real, effed by Red Devils (Ingrate,Bastard,Blah Blah) BUT at least his overall reputation won’t be so rubbished. Don’t Make A Choice: Hate growing from United fans, Real impatient and everyone will think his a goldigger holding for a fatter pay packet! NOW RONNIE NOW!
(Just my opinion guys)
June 7th, 2008 at 18:26
Dan(u-o.l): as you so kindly pointed out my fraudulent slip, let me apologise for it. less funny more so a contradiction of terms (re: ‘imo’ – fact)
June 7th, 2008 at 18:41
“But his prima donna act by diverting the entire press from our greatest season after ‘99 and the general lack of class and professionalism has burned my bridges with him forever.”
could not have said it any better myself RR, i do not think i could ever sing viva ronaldo ever again, and he will never redeem himself in my opinion, it took me until the blackburn game to like tevez, and that was because he is Argentinian not his character, now for ronaldo my dislike is his character, how easy could it be to keep your mouth shut and let SAF and CQ do all the talking, but no, he has to play a game of cat and mouse which has exhausted the fans patience and love, how many times have we still sung that boy ronaldo when his inability to preform in clutch situation comes through, and there is no way in hell madrid fans will sing his name, those fans wanted capello sacked after winning their first la liga in 4 years, so how will hey react when their £100+ millon investment fails to light up el classico.
now i wonder if ronaldo goes to madrid, realises he makes the biggest mistake of his life, would us united fans welcome hime back
June 7th, 2008 at 18:43
GuineaDevil,
I can’t agree with you. If he made a big decision, say to join Real, he’d be running that decision over in his head every night, knowing that he can’t go back on it. If he was having a poor tournament, he’d be wondering if he’d made the right choice, if he was ready for a move to a completely different league from something safe and familiar. Ronaldo has probably blanked the decision out of his head to focus on his beloved Portugal – remember he’s very patriotic and cares more for Portugal than he ever will for United or Real. They are his priority now. When the dust has settled from another major milestone in his career, he will be better placed to make his decision. Until then he is a United player, and we should conitnue to give him our respect. The least he deserves from us is a bit of time to make his decision.
June 7th, 2008 at 18:50
Hi RR and the rest
Whenever I have been trying to get to this site using a google search or through a igoogle link, I am being redirected to anyresults.net.
I searched on the net for this, and apparently some Wordpress based sites are vulnerable to such a hack. (http://clasione.blogspot.com/2008/06/wordpress-anyresultsnet-hack-search.html)
I want to check if this bug is something you guys are facing too, if so this would be something for RR to look into. Else, my Firefox has been compromised and I have to look into it
June 7th, 2008 at 19:22
Well we won’t know don’t we lets ask him!
June 7th, 2008 at 19:37
I just read at Soccerlens that United may actually have a card up their sleeve that may sway everything and Ronaldo to the side of United. It has to do with United’s new upcoming deal with NIKE which if it is ratified will pay Ronaldo more than he would get from Real Madrid. If indeed it is about money and Ronaldo is concerned about loosing his lucrative personal deal with Nike, this may be just what the doctor ordered. It’s typical of a major corporation like NIKE to step in and help out United to protect their business interests. Like United, they cannot afford to lose him to Adidas. So it appears we have a powerful ally in this war. So now we can expect Adidas to step up their interest I guess.
June 7th, 2008 at 19:38
Just watched the Czech VS Swiss match and I have to say that neither team scares me one bit. But I guess that was no big surprise. Terrible lack of finishing and creativity from both sides.
June 7th, 2008 at 19:40
Gary Neville is on the ITV panel for the Portugal match about to kick off. They discussed Ronaldo and Neville says he thinks he’ll stay. He also mentioned what a big personality Ronaldo is in the dressing room, and how United is still the perfect club for him.
June 7th, 2008 at 19:40
OFF Topic
anyways chk this video out and tell me it did’nt touch u
Manchester United – Lift it high on youtube
June 7th, 2008 at 20:02
I’m watching the game, but I’m not happy seeing Ronaldo play at the moment. Does anyone else feel the same way?
June 7th, 2008 at 20:36
TinMan; I have to agree to a point. Right now I have such a bitterness towards him but if he was to come out and pledge his future to United I would forgive and forget instantly. He is one of my favorite players and so I love to watch him play…..up until this week. Watching the game he just has me so pissed off that I’m cheering for the Turks and I’m Greek. If people understand the cultural and political aspect of what I just said, you would know just how pissed off I am with Mr MeMyself&I.
He did have one amazing free kick from a very sharp angle which hit the post. Before he hit it I said he would be very selfish if he took aim at goal instead of crossing to player in the box because the angle was acute. But then he hit this amazing drive that hit the far post and I just scratched my head and said it’s typical of him to defy logic and convention and almost get away with it. He truly is an amazing talent.
June 7th, 2008 at 20:40
Indianpunk; Thanks for the link mate. It cheered me up and reminded me that we have lots to be celebrating instead of all this sulking and bitching many of us are doing, with me leading the way.
June 7th, 2008 at 20:44
Red Ranter
Great post, very well written. I have to disagree with you on one topic though and is the fact that he hasn’t come out and squashed rumors that hes leaving. I know that they are far greater now than normal, and with far greater steam, but how many times does the boy have to say he staying until they leave him alone about it. I mean, what makes you think that him coming out and saying that he’s staying (again) that the media will just pack up and leave? I’m not saying he’s handling the situation like a big boy, just that i can understand his frustration with talking about it.
I, too, have a hard time supporting him since this all started, but until I have heard something from his mouth (actually seeing him speak it) i have to take everything with a grain of salt. If he comes out after the euros and states his dream is now to stay at united forever, citing the extreme lack of tact from Madrid (unlikely as it may seem) as the reason, I will no doubt support him.
June 7th, 2008 at 20:47
[Indianpunk]
Cheers for the video mate.
[Grognard]
I was watching the game too. Ronaldo (and to some extent) Deco seemed the better players in the first half. I feel very conflicted and confused — strangely I find myself leaning toward Portugal — perhaps it’s because traditionally I’ve had a soft corner from their golden generation days… or it’s because sub consciously I still see Ronaldo there. I saw the free kick and then I sighed. It’s a pity he doesn’t look at United as we do.
June 7th, 2008 at 20:50
[Comma]
But he did make contradictory statements. He did not commit himself for sure when the journalists asked him a day after the Champions’ League final.
That said, if he does commit his future citing the dodgyness of Madrid’s dealing then I will consider, but it will still take time for me to believe.
June 7th, 2008 at 20:53
Well hopefully we get to see some of Nani talents soon.
June 7th, 2008 at 20:56
In my humble opinion, I believe that all the stories appearing in the media are complete rubbish! I think that Cristiano Ronaldo is totally focused on Portugal and Euro2008 and will therefore not say anything until after Portugal’s interests in the tournament have ended/the end of tournament – which ever comes 1st.
I think that although he would like to play in Spain, he will – for this coming season at least – remain a Manchester United player. Until he and United say otherwise, this is what I will continue to believe.
June 7th, 2008 at 20:57
watched the Lift it high video too. it really made me reel as i reviewed the season… and all the other things that happened in past seasons.
thanks for the video.. and it is a pity that he doesnt have the same passion we all do for this club. i kept thinking if maybe someone should force him to watch all these videos and maybe it might enlighten him to how impt this club is to a vast number of people. and who knows maybe it might inspire him to stay…
haha but like dan said a hefty number of comments back… “because their really going to take notice of a couple of united fans. Sigh” i doubt ronaldo cares about us.
very disappointed with the guy, but que sara sara. and yes, watching him play now isnt as exciting as it was before
infact, its a very bittersweet feeling
June 7th, 2008 at 21:14
There we go, now I can have a real interest in this game. Although I am Portugal fan. Lets see something Nani.
June 7th, 2008 at 21:15
I think at times we try to apply our own feelings about football to the players themselves. We have to remember to many players what they do is their career and their job, some are fans, others are not. They often don’t have the same emotional attachment we have to a team and you can’t really blame them for that.
This is one of the more interesting takes I have seen on Ronaldo’s motivations:
Ronaldo’s ego talks louder than money
On the match itself, it has been a very enjoyable watch so far and Portugal are looking pretty handy so far, if a little exposed on the break.
June 7th, 2008 at 21:51
Joao Moutinho – Paul Scholes
June 7th, 2008 at 21:54
good game that was, awful tackle on nani, it really looked like a leg break. players to watch, kazim-richards and moutinho look good. My neighbors mate is richards brother(yep i know, it sounds like one of those ridiculous lies, but believe me its true) so i’ll be asking him a few questions about him when we next see each other and report back. He at times made the Portugal defence look like derby county to be honest, for those who didnt see the match, definitely a player to keep an eye on i believe. great skill, not a lot but enough pace, a bit of height, could probably battle with park for 3rd choice winger, and maybe nani for a starting place. Hmm.
June 7th, 2008 at 21:58
That referee for the Portugal game was feckin abysmal!. Nani was through on goal, travelling at speed, and the turkish player took him out. How he didn’t break his leg with that kind of tackle, was pure luck. I like that it was Nani who started the move for Portugal’s second goal, sending Ronaldo away. Portugal deserved to win, but they were guilty of so much gamesmanship at times against the Turkish players. The Turks didn’t get half the fouls they deserved, and Portugal were always given a free kick every time the Turks got a smell on goal. That ref in my opinion was useless.
June 7th, 2008 at 22:10
Kazim-Richards is not a good player. He’s failed at Championship clubs ffs. He had one good game tonight, but that is all. Wanting to sign him based on what you saw tonight is just like the Liverpool tactic of signing Diouf and Diao based on a couple of good games at WC 2002. Not going to happen. He’ll be lucky if he gets signed by a bottom half prem side.
June 7th, 2008 at 22:10
i just got back from watching the Portugal Turkey match… quite entertaining, although im sure im not the only one that saw the irony that the central defender opened the scoring despite all the talk about Cristiano… i thought that Nani was quite impressive when he came on and would of scored except for a that lunge (wasn’t anything ‘tackle’ about it) the tv showed nasty stood marks on his leg, for me it was a red card due to his proximity to goal. kasim-richards played well, i can see now why Fenerbache took a chance on brining him in from Sheffield utd, i don’t remember him playing that well in the premiership… looking forward to Croatia taking Austria apart tomorrow.
June 7th, 2008 at 22:21
Craig; That referee is regarded by many and myself as the best ref in the game but I agree, he had a poor game. Actually both games had numerous hand balls that were not called. Remember, he refereed the CL Final too and has always been fair towards United in the CL.
June 7th, 2008 at 22:33
Grog, I thought he was a bit lenient at times in the CL game too, letting a few things get away from him. But tonight some of his decisions were absolutely absurd. Like Will said, there should have been a RED card for the tackle on Nani. How the heck did he wave play on after that kind of hatchet job on Nani?. I thought that he fell for the gamesmanship of Portuguese defenders too, who constantly fell down in their own area, with the Turkish players barely making contact with them. The Turks didn’t get a fair share of important decisions, that’s for sure.
June 7th, 2008 at 22:36
redaddict, so what, is it not possible to progress as a player? he didnt fail at sheffield in my opinion, you tell me how he failed, im not saying stop everything we should go buy this guy, i said he’s one to watch during the tournament, thats how you scout, by your logic, schevchenko isnt a good player because he failed in the league, veron wast a good player because he failed in the league, the difference is, he didnt fail in the championship. He looks a good player in my opinion, i will be looking at him closely over the next few weeks, just to see if he’s a one game wonder like you said.
June 7th, 2008 at 22:38
p.s. – Grog he didn’t referee the CL final did he?. I thought it was the semi final he ref’d. I am sure it was an Eastern European that ref’d the CL final.
June 7th, 2008 at 22:44
First off, RR: You have yet again summed up all the crazy feelings that I have had about a subject, but this time in regards to Ronaldo. What inner-conflict and frustration for us all…
Grognard, I totally understand what you were saying about rooting for Turkey. Really am astonished to hear that coming out of you of all people. Only a severely frustrating issue would allow a Greek to EVER support a Turk or Turkey in any way or at any time. Obviously that severely frustrating issue is Ronaldo.
I had a weird feeling watching my beloved Turkey play against Ronaldo. I was jeering at him in Turkish whenever he was felled by us, and was really hoping that he wouldn’t score against Turkey. Mad at the ref for protecting him as much as he did, much more than in BPL.
Still, Turkey has a chance, but only if they beat the Swiss handily, Portugal beats Czech Rep., and Turkey also beats Czech Rep. on the final day. However, if they make it out of the group, they will have to play against the winner of Group B: Germany.
June 7th, 2008 at 22:46
Craig Mc: I’m pretty sure it was a Slovakian ref in the UCL final. Can’t remember the name though.
June 7th, 2008 at 22:54
By the way, while watching Colin Kazim-Richards in the Champions league, it seemed pretty clear that he was a good impact sub, not starter. He needs more time to mature and he might seek a return to the BPL.
Also, it is interesting that he was eligible to play for Turkey OR England, because his father is from the UK possession of Antigua and his mother was from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. He chose Turkey because he could get more football than for England.
June 7th, 2008 at 23:01
I think Kazim-Richards was more than an impact sub for Turkey in tonights game Turkish Red!. He was pretty much your best forward. Will just have to see if he is as good in the other group games. He stood out tonight, and really fought for the Turkish team.
June 7th, 2008 at 23:04
there is a feeling of anti-climax about the game tonight. I was expecting a good game but I just ended up getting this sinking feeling in my stomach every time Ronaldo got the ball. I don’t know why as I was never Ronaldo’s biggest supporter but for some reason that was just my main feeling through the game.
I seriously thought that Nani’s leg was broken. It looked like the bone popped out and until they pulled his sock down I feared the worst.
Ronaldo tried to play the game exactly as he would for us. You could see the ill-advised shots and constant losing of the ball nearly erradicated by the free kick. I agree that Ronaldo should be sold this year. This is clearly the time at which we will get the most for him and I reckon if we sold him and bought a quality (young) striker and winger we’d be sorted for years to come
June 7th, 2008 at 23:04
TurkishRed: It was indeed a Slovak ref team for the CL final.
Dan: Give Richards played as a striker for the Blades and scored one goal in thirty games I would say describing him as a failure wouldn’t be that far off the mark!
June 7th, 2008 at 23:05
my point exactly craig, exactly.
June 7th, 2008 at 23:09
but i would buy him for the wing, not for playing upfront.
thats if he comes good though.
June 7th, 2008 at 23:11
Fair enough Dan, you keep scouting him. He’s not United material, nor will he ever be. He failed at Brighton and Hove Albion, never mind Sheffield United. One goal in 27 games at Sheffield United is hardly anything to write home about. I realise players can improve, but this guy isn’t right for us. Train your sights higher my friend. I was much more interested in players like Joao Moutinho and Nihat Kahveci. And the Real Madrid defender Pepe looks like a fantastic player. A little bit of Rio and a little bit of Vidic. If we weren’t stocked at CB, he’d be a good option as part of a Ronaldo swap deal. We don’t need him though.
June 7th, 2008 at 23:14
JB – he didn’t do a bad job tonight on the wing though, did he?. Portugal were worried enough about him, to have three defenders onto him a good many times in the game.
June 7th, 2008 at 23:16
Some of our fans on here would do well to heed the words of the Neviller: http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid=%7BB4CEE8FA%2D9A47%2D47BC%2DB069%2D3F7A2F35DB70%7D&newsid=6611236
When are we going to stop listening to the tabloid hacks, and start listening to people who are actually worth listening to?
June 7th, 2008 at 23:22
Anyway, however good Richards may look now, he’s not good enough for United, but perhaps for a UEFA Cup contender or mid-table team in the BPL.
1 in 30 isn’t good enough, but tell me if you have actually seen that 1 goal… it was a great goal to say the least. Also I haven’t seen or read enough regarding his 30 performances, his manager’s tactics, or his play in Sheffield to sufficiently judge how good he was in Sheffield.
All in all, it’s good to have him for Turkey in this tournament along with Nihat, Tuncay, Emre, Senturk, Aurelio and Mevlut.
June 7th, 2008 at 23:23
RedAddict, does Pepe actually play regularly for Real Madrid 1st team then?.
June 7th, 2008 at 23:23
Sorry to say this… I haven’t read neither the complete article or the coments, but this is all rubish red ranter. Am really tired of fans who go against Ronaldo only because of quoted sentences he never really said. I have seen Ronaldo two times in front of a camera after the champions league final and said two thing:
1.- He would love to continue
2.- This club feels like home for him
Everything else is just utter rubish from Marca, AS or some other shit with connections to those two (namely Terra). I can asure you Ronaldo never said “I want to play for Real Madrid but only if they match United’s valuation†and if you believe something else than you are just falling in the game of the spanish press.
We did well to stand behind Ronaldo after the world cup row wit Rooney and would do well to the same here. He has said countless times the reason why he remains at United are The Manager, that he keeps improving and THE FANS, because we have always stood by him. What this KID would think if he reads all the stuf that has been wrote here by his beloved fans just because some Marca asshole invented some shit about him I don’t really want to know.
Put it this way… if some old friend of your wife (who you absolutely hate) tells you she is cheating on you just because he wants to sleep with her and is looking for you two to start a fight, would ask for the divorce???? I guess not. You would wait and talk to her.
Now Ronaldo cares about the Euros probably more than a lot of the english people could even think of. He does not want to discuss his ituation, because he know that, no matter what he says, the speculation won’t go away. Let him concentrate on his football, lets show him the apreciation he deserves and I tell you… Ronaldo will be scoring goals for Manchester United next season.
June 7th, 2008 at 23:29
thanks redaddict i will continue to look at him, why wouldnt i look at a player that made the portugueses defence look like derby county, from what your saying, pepe had a great game, yet he couldn’t stop richards running round him and the rest of his defence. tell me, what are the strengths and weaknesses of Nihat Kahveci, because i for one new nothing about him till today, and i think its the same with you also.
June 7th, 2008 at 23:57
If he really wants to leave, then Fergie should just let him, even before the soap opera started, he was never my favorite player. I don’t really know where his heart is and theres nothing worse than having a player who counts down the days and months until he can be free of whatever team he’s playing for. If he’s heart isn’t here, then off to Madrid with him, but he can be sure of one thing and that’s he won’t be anything special at Madrid. I don’t even know who to listen to anymore, sky and goal.com whom i thought were sensible sources have apparently downgraded themselves to tabloid trash standards on this Ronaldo issue.
June 8th, 2008 at 0:06
Craig Mc,
Yes Pepe is a regular for Real Madrid. They paid €30m for him last summer so he’d be a bit of waste if he was only sitting on the bench. He’s been pretty good for them in their title defence.
Dan(u-o.l),
I would hardly say he made Portugal’s defence look like Derby. For one, he didn’t even create any good chances. Ricardo didn’t have a save to make all game. Kazim was completely impotent. And he most certainly didn’t get any change out of Pepe even if he got a little joy out on the wing. I really don’t know what you see in him, but by all means, keep scouting. Knock yourself out dude.
As for Nihat Kahveci, well I first came across him in the 2002/2003 La Liga season, when he played for Real Sociedad. If you followed La Liga then, you may remember that was the year that Real Sociedad led the table for most of the season, but were pipped to the post by Real who won the title by 2 points. Sociedad’s season was largely inspired by Nihat who scored over 20 goals for them, and by Serbian striker Darko Kovacevic. I really wanted them to win La Liga but it wasn’t to be. Nihat isn’t the biggest of players, but he can operate as both a striker and an attacking midfielder. Think of him a bit like Rooney in style. Please don’t be so presumptuous as to assume I knew nothing about him until today. Some of us broaden our football horizons beyond these shores.
June 8th, 2008 at 0:10
Yep agree, craig, referee was terrible.
Dan – Kazim up till now was considered 2nd class by the English press – as in: come on! For Kazim-Richards scored against the dippers(? or was it Chelski?) That’s an insult for them! But! I agree he looked good today, though clearly, he is not United class.
June 8th, 2008 at 0:14
Craig; I think you are right about him reffing the semi-final and not the final
Also, to be honest I did miss the tackle on Nani but I thought he did an OK job because he actually left his whistle in his pocket a lot and allowed the game to have some flow. Too many referees will blow the whistle for coughing or a breeze striking a player so it all depends on how you look at the game and how you like the referee to operate. I for one prefer the referee to be completely invisible except in the box. A penalty or a handball in the box is a penalty, end of story.
TurkishRed; I may be Greek by blood but I was born in Canada so I am happily not integrated with all the massive bias and hatred that has been passed from generation to generation over what was done to Greece during the bloody Ottoman Empire. It’s silly. When my cousin married a Turkish girl all Hell broke loose for his family in the Greek community but I stuck by both of them as I just thought it was silly. I’m not a fan of Turkish football but it has nothing to do with the country or culture. They like a lot of other countries just don’t turn me on with their football. But then I don’t care for Greek domestic football either. I have to admit though that I am a big fan of Rehagel and the National team and YES I do cheer for them with passion when they play the Turks because that is a natural born rivalry of epic proportions. So it really doesn’t take much for me to cheer for Turkey against Ronaldo because he has caused me personal emotional injury that no Turk I ever knew has. Loyalty is something I hold dear to my heart. I suppose that is why my The Godfather movies are amongst my favorites because the Mafia over romanticizes loyalty to such an extent.
June 8th, 2008 at 0:19
But, Kazim’s immediate matcch up was Paulo Ferreira, of all people!
Puts things into context does it?
Meanwhile, I was interested in the performance of Bosingwa. 1st half was quite good. But didn’t see his famed attacking prowess.
June 8th, 2008 at 0:24
Lets not get caught up with this Pepe fellow. I think he has struggled at times this year with Real in the games I have watched. He is a talent but more so on the offensive end of the field as he showed today.
As for Richards, I think he may be very hard to pry out of Man City now that they have signed Mark Hughes and could possibly sign Ronaldinho. Personally, I hope they miss him too as I have never felt we needed a RB anyway. Spend the bundle from a Ronaldo sale on Aguero if you can get him. Then buy Huntelaar and maybe and a AMF player like Moutinho. Aguero would help all of us forget Ronaldo if indeed CR7 does end up going to Real. If Ronny stays I would still like him even over Huntelaar. The kid is a phenom.
June 8th, 2008 at 0:26
Nico QB, I was impressed with Bosingwa too. He wasn’t up against much though was he, so I’ll reserve my judgement until I see him having to defend against the top teams.
RedAddict, thanks for the info about Pepe mate. I never watch Spanish football, so didn’t know much about him.
June 8th, 2008 at 0:31
Bosingwa is quite tall and athletic, and he certainly seems to have alot of pace. I’m sure if he went to United, he could have become a great player under Fergie’s tutelage. At Chelsea, I’m not so sure. They have a knack for ruining talent and not many players progress well there. It wouldn’t surprise me if he came and went within 1 or 2 years, much like the other fullbacks they’ve signed for their right side.
With the news that Barcelona have signed Alves, and other targets like Lahm are unattainable, the right back signing we’d wanted seems to be more complicated. I’m not sold on Richards just yet. Fergie could iron out the flaws in his game, but I’m not sure I like his attitude. He’s currently playing for City and supported Arsenal as a kid. He’s also a little bit bling, but then, so was Rio when he came.
June 8th, 2008 at 0:38
Anybody know where Veloso was tonight?. I love Veloso, I understand why Wenger is chasing him for Arsenal.
June 8th, 2008 at 1:09
Hehehe!
Funny, the trend that’s going on!
I don’t know if its going to be the case throughout the whole tournament, but with United already being little portugal, I see all Redrants faithful pining for them despite the Voldemort conundrum.
I just can’t see the usual redrants suspects analysing any qualifying matches with as much interest as when Portugal is playing…
Just me. Let’s see if i’m in the right.
Oh and yes, I think that feeling of unease and confusion when watching him play was more or less felt across the globe. I felt it in my lounging chair in the middle of the Indian Ocean, and I guess it was the same for most of you guys.
June 8th, 2008 at 1:16
Craig Mc,
Veloso was an unused substitute.
June 8th, 2008 at 1:28
RedAddict – thanks. I missed the beginning of the game, so I didn’t know who was named as subs, and I didn’t see Veloso on the bench. Must have been there though lol!.
June 8th, 2008 at 1:32
What I noticed is the absence of Quaresma in the starting 11. I’ve said all along he is overrated and not a big game player. Apparently Scolari agrees with me.
June 8th, 2008 at 1:43
Grognard, I’m a little confused on your comment on Aguero. When you say he can help us forget Ronaldo are you implying that he plays on the wing? I always heard that he was a fox-in-the-box striker? Just wondering, I do not watch La Liga often so I haven’t really seen him play.
June 8th, 2008 at 1:47
no on aguero, no no no, i think this kid is highly over-rated, all the time i see him play i see nothing that makes me go “did you just see that” as everybody is doing, pato to me is much better (but it may just be my brasillian coming out
) but no on aguero it took me until april to like tevez, and last thing we need is another support striker midget
June 8th, 2008 at 1:47
Grog, Scolari said Portugal has the world’s 4 best wingers, and there is little to choose betwwen them when they are all on form. I was glad to see he chose to bring Nani on in preference to Queresma – that meant a lot.
Nico QB, what do you mean by United faithful pining for Portugal, players?. I was cheering for Nani when he came on, but I am not routing for Portugal to win the tournament. I want Van Der Sar to win with Holland, because it is his last international tournament, and it would be good for him to finish playing for his country with a win in European Championships final. What a year it will be for Edwin if it happens.
June 8th, 2008 at 2:10
OK craig, perhaps not pining for portugal, but following attentively definitely. By the way, Simao will also always start in front of Nani and Quaresma.
We’ll be all watching out for holland especially watching for Huntelaar, though I’m sure he must be 3rd or 4th choice striker for Van Basten.
On a side note, poor PIG! He could be polish in goal for his country, but now he misses the tournament with injury…
June 8th, 2008 at 2:16
Boruc > PIG any day sorry.
June 8th, 2008 at 3:15
Ralphie; I’m just talking about one talent for another irregardless of position. Aguero can play the left side in 4-3-3 formation but he is not a winger in the classic sense.
Mr Muhozi I have to respectfully disagree. I have watched Aguero play a lot of games and for me he is a super talent but not at the same skill level of his teammate Massi. He’s got great one touch skills and a finesse without the party tricks that Ronaldo throws at you. I thought he was out of this world in the World Under 21 championships played here in Canada last year. Yes it’s a far break from the Prem but he really was a class above the rest. Even though he isn’t tall, a talent like that cannot be overlooked, especially for what he can do for us in the Champions League. His game is suited for that continental style where the aerial game isn’t so prominent.
Craig; The problem with Portugal is that they are all finesse wingers and midfielders and no strikers who can get in the box and get down and dirty. Nunez for me is just an average striker just like Postiga and Pauletta before him. This weakness in the center of attack could be their undoing although I take my hat off to Scolari for doing something that Fergie occasionally does and that’s move Ronaldo into the middle as a striker. His ability in the air and his natural goal scoring instinct actually improves them then because a winger like Nani or Quaresma can come in and also add the flair needed to break the defense down.
Nico; I have no confidence in Van Basten and his player selections. There is no way an intelligent manager would play van Nistelrooy who has played twice in three months and is over 30 over a goal a game player like Huntelaar. He does have depth up front though and his midfield is good but I think the defenders for Holland are below average. Many of these guys play for bottom feeder teams in the Prem or they aren’t good enough to get out of the Eriedivisie. I have a feeling Van Der Sar will have a real problem with his team’s defense. I’ll be very surprised to see them come out of the Group from Hell. I fancy both France and Italy over them. Romania look just as solid as them too.
Ralphie; I’m sorry mate but Boruc for me is in the top three goalkeepers on the planet. Pig isn’t even in his league. I think you are showing your loyalty a bit don’t you?
June 8th, 2008 at 3:33
Grognard, I was born and raised in the U.S., so I too don’t quite understand the political enmity as much as my extended family over there does. Anyway, I get a real feel for it when I go over there to visit every other summer, just as I will go right after the final game of Euro this month.
Football is just so interesting over in Turkey. It’s in everyone and everything. Playing FIFA or Winning Eleven with my cousins over there has turned into a custom (when we’re inside with a PS2 or PSP because otherwise we go outside to play street-football). It’s a shame that I’ve never been to see a game in Istanbul, because I always visit in the summer instead of during the season.
Anyway, I’ll be in the internet cafes when I’m there looking for United’s transfer news to see if we capture Huntelaar or Richards (Micah, not Kazim), or whoever SAF thinks is United quality…
June 8th, 2008 at 3:48
Grognard, you must have misinterpreted my meaning.
Someone commented on Kuzkzack’s injury and I was simply implying that Boruc is way above him anyways. I guess Boruc > PIG isn’t the best way of saying that!
June 8th, 2008 at 4:07
An article has been written in The Times packed full of speculation and possiblities. The main story is that Dimitar Berbatov could be Fergie’s main striker target, regardless of what happens in the Ronaldo saga, but the article mentions every name under the sun as alternatives:
————
Other strikers under consideration include Karim Benzema (£48m), Luis Fabiano (£10m), Roque Santa Cruz (£10m), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (£20m), Mario Gomez (£20m) and Sergio Aguero (£25m)
A right-back is also sought. On the wish list are Micah Richards (£20m) and Daniel Alves (£20m)
A wide man might be needed, with Ricardo Quaresma (£31m), Hatem Ben Arfa (£15m) and Luis Antonio Valencia (£10m) linked with United. Ferguson has bid £5m for Cardiff’s Aaron Ramsey and needs £20m to make Carlos Tevez’s loan permanent
————-
Full article: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/manchester_united/article4087649.ece
June 8th, 2008 at 6:11
Oops: I guess I did misunderstand Ralphie.
TurkishRed; I know what you mean. When I have been to Greece the feelings over there are so much more different but then again, they hate Americans over there because they still can’t forgive Kissinger for what he did to Cyprus in the early 70’s. They sure can hold a grudge.
When I was in Greece back in 1976 is when my passion for the game really took off. My father actually played for Panathinaikos before WW2 so the game has been in the family for a while. My cousins introduced me to something that addicted me for years Subbuteo table top soccer. God the years I spent playing that game and buying teams and accessories right into my adulthood.
That just fostered my passion for the real game and trying to find out as much as I could. Then PBS in America began a weekly series called Soccer Made in Germany and I was hooked for life. Up to then my only real access tot he game was watching West Germany beat Holland in the 74 final. These factors and my early knowledge of the league and players has made me a die hard Germany and Bayern Munich supporter for 35 years. That of course to my father’s chagrin. He couldn’t understand how I could support Germans over Greeks but that’s just the way I felt and they have never really disappointed me. They are always one of the best and always in the big tournaments with a chance. As for Man Utd, I have only been a major fan since 1993. I followed the team a bit beore that and I like the teams of the late 70’s with Coppell, Thomas Jordan, Bailey, Buchan, McQueen etc but frankly, I never go to see them much. That all changed in the 90’s and when I saw Cantona, Schmeichel and Giggs play I was sold.
TurkishRed, enjoy your holiday back in the motherlandand get your footy fix and have a great time. All the best.
June 8th, 2008 at 9:43
fine, but if we are buying a striker, saf(and probably everyone on this blog apart from me) has said he wants a proper, tall striker, in the mould of ruud, gomez, huntelaar.
You just described rooney and tevez, and damn sure he isnt better then any of them.
June 8th, 2008 at 9:52
Here’s how rediculous this whole story with Ronaldo is:
Today I’ve read to opposing articles based on what people “close to SAF” have said.
The first claims that SAF has repeadetly tried to phone Ronaldo from his vacation and left several messages on his answering machine, but Ronaldo has refused to answer any of his calls or the messages.
The second claims that SAF is on his vacation, from where he’d never spend time on calling players like that, and that United are convinced they have Ronaldo for at least 2 years more. It even states, rightfully, that SAF has said in public that Ronaldo’s situation may be different in 2 years (i’ve heard SAF say this).
Obviously I believe the second story more, even though none of them are substantiated with any evidence what so ever. My reason is that the first article exhibits SAF as a begging man down on his knees for Ronaldo. Now, do any of you in here see SAF as a man willing to beg players for anything?
Anyway, my main point was that these two articles sum up this whole affair, and that there’re always to sides to every story. Unfortunately people tend to believe the negative ones. I for one will not be sucked into an atmosphere of negativity that so many in here have been, because it ruins my mood, and I won’t let it.
June 8th, 2008 at 10:04
Getting back to him for a second. People are saying that we wont be able to get ramos etc as part of the deal. Correct me if im wrong, but we have the worlds best player and a piece of paper with his signature that says he will be playing at United for the next 4 years. So if “real who” really want him then they will have to give up world class players in order for the deal to go through. I mean quite frankly the Big man SAF could ask for the keys to the bernabeu if he really wants. I completely agree with you RR, as far as ronaldo goes he can’t redeem his behaviour and has detracted from our moment as the darling of world football. Yes hes a super footballer and has won many games for United just about single handedly at times and I love him for that, but I love United more. Sell him now. Demand Ramos, then take 45million and go for a cheeky little stop over in Lyon on the way home, purchase Benzema and watch another diamond slowly become the face of football wearing the shirt that we love.
Ronaldo epitomises the face of modern football that was created thanks to dassler etc. Money orientated and no loyalty. Time to repay ronaldo the same loyalty that he has showed us in the last few weeks. I wouldnt let him back in to OT. Theres the airport mate. Heres a ticket, its been deducted from your final wage payment. Goodluck to you.
Call me fickle, but you can’t spit in my face (figuratively obviously) and then want me to respect and cheer for you just because you are rewarding us by honouring your contract.
Hope that trophy cabinet is full because there wont be many more heading you way.
June 8th, 2008 at 10:22
[Tomas]
To answer your question regarding Fergie as a begging man, I think he went personally along with Queiroz after the WC fiasco to convince Ronaldo that United is the right club for him. It’s not begging, it’s using his powers of persuasion. Fergie knows that Ronaldo is an important player for United. Leaving messages on voice mails does not strike me as begging. If there is so much uncertainty it’s but natural for a manager to call his player to check with him.
And if you don’t want to buy into negativity fine, but saying that just because one piece of news is more pleasant than the other you will prefer the pleasant one even though both are unsubstantiated rubbish, strikes me as an odd piece of reasoning.
June 8th, 2008 at 10:33
RR- there’s a difference between calling him once or twice to leave a message and calling him repeatedly. I doubt, SAF would do the latter, ever.
I guess, it’s a matter of me wanting to stay positive in stead of negative and that’s my reasoning – that’s how I am as a person. I know, none of them are substantiated, but there have been no substantiated stories on the matter so far, and because it means so much to me that he stays, I choose to believe the positive stories. As a matter of fact, I completely disregard the negatives.
And it’s not about pleasantry of stories, because that makes me sound like I can’t handle difficult stories, which is not the case.
There’s just so much negativity going on in here, and it astounds me that no one has learned anything about media speculation in the last 100 years. That’s how the media have always thrived… they make up stories to make money.
It was the same thing last year. Marca wrote that Ronaldo had agreed terms with Real, just like they have written this year. It wasn’t true last year, then why should it be this time around. Yes, then you can write an article like this with all the negative rumours, and it certainly sounds convincing, but I could write an equally positive one and make that sound convincing.
It’s all a matter of which angle one chooses to apply to a story.
June 8th, 2008 at 10:50
I will Back any United Player and will continue to do so up until they leave.
It would be sad to see Ronnie go, even in a couple years time. I mean he could have become the Greatest United player ever.
Still I will continue to support and back him up until the day he leaves…
June 8th, 2008 at 11:04
[Tomas]
I don’t buy the media spin at all. And I didn’t spin an article just for the sake of convincing people or for the sake of being negative. If you’ve been regular here, you’d know that I tend to stay positive always. And I was 100% behind Heinze until he himself said he wanted to move to Liverpool. However, I have a bad feeling about the Ronaldo thing because the way he’s conducted things (by not saying anything really) he’s upset me greatly. I hope you are right because then we can have the Ronaldo we always loved. And I sincerely wish I am proved wrong… I’d actually be more than happy. But right now, to me even if he stays another season I can’t really feel much for him. I love United more than I love Ronaldo.
June 8th, 2008 at 16:00
In my opinion far too much positive feedback and support has been shown the ass clown from Medeira for showing greed and ignorance in this whole mess. If he wants to go, come out and say so. If he wants to stay, stop putting the team, Fergie and all the supporters through emotional Hell when instead they should be high as a kite after a historic and wonderful double over arch enemies. He really knows how to spoil a party, our little ass wipe from Medeira.
June 8th, 2008 at 16:25
Grognard (and everyone else of the same opinion) – Do you really think, he’s spoiled the party for everyone at the club? Do you think, SAF is so frustrated by Ronaldo’ actions that he can’t celebrate one of the best seasons in the history of the club. I seriously doubt it. These things are part of the game, and SAF knows that better than anyone.
He sure hasn’t spoiled the party for me, that’s for sure.
June 8th, 2008 at 16:43
Money…Money….Money….when Greedy Comes every Player will leaves the loyality…..
F*** Ronaldo Go to H*** Madrid and also for the Agen….I Hope U Get The BEst in MAdrid
June 8th, 2008 at 19:16
Tomas; I think if you polled many of the members on this blog they will tell you that their celebrations were cut awfully short and like all great things they sometimes take time to soak in and savor. He never let us enjoy these victories like a nice glass of vintage wine. Sorry but he did spoil the party as the party for such a thing lasts almost up to the beginning of the next season, not just wo days of getting drunk after the game. I for one have not been happy ever since he the main echelon of garbage started to show up in the press two days after the final.
June 9th, 2008 at 5:47
You made an excellent point about Ruud and Raul won’t do the donkey work as Rooney and Tevez did. In Real, you also will not have the same “togetherness” as in Manchester.
I thought Ruud had a conflict with Ronaldo – so why should Ronaldo join the team where there is a selfish striker who gives the bullocks everytime you mis-hit a pass?
I think we should start thinking about our team without Ronaldo – who should Fergie buy?
June 9th, 2008 at 8:36
Brilliant commentary on the Ronaldo situation. Yes, Robinho, Raul, and Van Nistelrooy will not do the donkey work that Rooney and Tevez did for Ronaldo. He is joining a thoroughly immature, unstable, mismanaged setup to say the least. If he can and wants to stay he should.
After all, Ferguson recovered well from the loss of Beckham and Van Nistelrooy, and when they too were mostly on top of their games, I am certain we can recover from the prospective loss of Ronaldo.
June 9th, 2008 at 13:03
In defence of Cristiano Ronaldo:
Ronaldo is going nowhere over the next year or two. United will increase his salary and image rights as befits his status as the best player in the world. He and his advisors are entitled to ask themselves: why should Kaka (and probably soon Ronaldhino) be earning more than Ronaldo?
Just stand back a moment guys and evaluate Ronaldo’s phenomenal achievements last season. He was very important to United, particularly in a season when Rooney was out with 2 major injuries, Saha persistently unavailable and United without a central striker. In terms of last season, no Ronaldo, no double. Simple as that. He repaid United handsomely on the pitch, where it matters; not in warm empty words.
Ronaldo is getting better and better. He is yet to reach his peak. Watch him in the Euros (He was outstanding against Turkey). He is more influential in a game for his country than either Kaka is for Brazil or Messi is for Argentina. He is an all round threat: on the floor, in the air, creating chances, with his pace … you can go on. He is also a leader (handed the captain’s armband for Portugal), with an indefatigable spirit and massive self belief.
He is a very fit boy, with this extraordinary ability of avoiding serious injury. The boy has hardly missed a game for United or Portugal in 4 years. It is persistent injury (broken foot 3 times in 4 years) and his hot temper which has hindered Rooney’s development – not Ronaldo. With 10 men against Portugal, England were the better team. Had Rooney kept his studs off Carvalho’s nether regions, England might well have progressed. It was a pretty extraordinary reaction on the part of the great English support. Pillory David Beckham for being harshly sent off against Argentina in 1998; but attach no blame to Rooney for a lunatic lunge at Carvalho and instead attack Ronaldo.
United would be mad to flog Ronaldo for £70m at this stage of his career. With his ability to contribute to achievements on the field and with the visible and invisible earnings for the club on the back of this, Ronaldo is worth more than £70m to United over the next 2 seasons.
What we are now seeing with Ronaldo is what happened in American Sports years ago. Take Michael Jordan, for instance. Michael Jordan’s earnings in relation to his team-mates was in the stratosphere because of his image rights etc. Ronaldo is highly marketable and should get the best possible deals he can. You don’t get given anything in life, you have to fight for it.
United should play ball. United fans should grow up. The club will deem players to be surplus to requirements whenever it suits them. Players in their prime must maximise their earning potential. It’s not about loyalty; it’s about business, and whether the parties consider a continued relationship to be their best interests. For as long as that continues to be the case, club and players stay together; when it ceases to be the case, they part company. It’s a fact of life. Sentiment doesn’t come into it.
Players and clubs are in a commercial relationship. And in commerce, money talks. Loyalty is for the fans (unless you’re a local boy e.g., Giggs, Scholes, Gerrard, Raul, Puyol, Del Piero, Maldini, Totti etc). Players and clubs must look after their own interests. It is in United’s best interests to look after Ronaldo financially, for now.
June 9th, 2008 at 19:15
[Indianpunk]
Thanks for the video mate ;We have all forgotten we are the champs
June 13th, 2008 at 10:56
The thing I agree with most is the resentment that the selfish little ingrate has ruined what should be the best summer since 99.
I will never feel the same about the kid again. His playing games with the fans is a disgrace. At least have the guts to be honest and end this circus.
June 20th, 2008 at 20:48
hes no torres tho lets be honest here!