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?
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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