Jun 20
Portugal Knocked Out But Ronaldo Talks
I saw this link directly from the Guillem Balague exclusive interview (from his website) with Ronaldo, after writing this article. [thanks Ben from the comments] So I suggest you read that interview before reading my post, because what I wrote doesn’t really matter now.
So Portugal, after a mini-drama that threatened to spoil my day, got knocked out by a German side that knew how to get things done. To be fair, the Ballack goal was dodgy because of his push. But otherwise, fair play to the Germans. Nani injected some pace into the side after his introduction and was instrumental in their second goal. If he progresses well, then be sure that the likes of Madrid and Barcelona will come knocking in two years’ time.
But, of course, Portugal’s defeat will be reported more like an afterthought. The chief concern for reporters (and United fans) was the post match comments, in the event of Portugal’s defeat: will Ronaldo make up his mind?
So we finally get to hear some soundbites from him regarding his club future and I will quote it here:
The possibilities (of going to Real) are big but it doesn’t depend on me and because of that I don’t want to talk about it,” the 23-year-old winger told reporters after Portugal’s 3-2 quarter-final defeat by Germany at Euro 2008. Asked if there had been an offer from Real, he said: “I think so, I don’t know. In the next few days we’ll see if we reach an agreement. Everyone knows what I want. But in the next two or three days you’ll have something new.” Asked when he had made the decision about his future he said: “Some time ago, before this competition. I didn’t want to say anything because we were in competition and these are important decisions.” He was asked by reporters whether he wanted to leave for personal or sporting reasons: “Personal, it’s something I want, something I dream about, he said before quoting the advice of Portugal’s Brazilian coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. (It is) a dream, a step forward… For me it’s a very good opportunity. As Scolari says, this only happens once.” He added that leaving Manchester United would be difficult “but I think it could be good for both (of us)”.
Hmm… where do I start? To be honest, I didn’t expect him to make his decision in “two to three days”; I thought he would do it in two-three weeks, so this is a surprise.
But the bottomline is this: he says he’s made his decision much earlier. So clearly he’s looking to engineer a move. Either that or a pay rise. He reckons him moving away is good for both parties — hmm, I’m bitter so I could say that it’s good for us that he moves, but honestly he’s been our best player. So in the short term it’s certainly not good for us, apart from the money.
I have been against Ronaldo of late, but that stand was the most difficult one I’ve had to take — a player that I loved really doesn’t want to stay and continues to keep us guessing about his future even when, in his mind, he’s made it up. His desire to hog the limelight on the pitch didn’t bother me as much as his obsession off it.
I don’t think we can have much complaints about Scolari giving him advice, because Ronaldo reveres him.
I still suspect a scenario like this happening:
Ronaldo says he wants to move to Real. Real approach United with X million quid, and United say: “Er… we’re not sure if we’ve mentioned this before but Ronaldo is not for sale, which means he won’t be sold, which means he won’t be going to Madrid.”
Then Ronaldo will go to Gill who, along with Sir Alex will say: “Son, as we said, cry as much as you want, you’re going nowhere.”
It’s not the smartest thing to do, if you think about it, and the smart money would be on United taking the cash plus a player for Ronaldo. But for everyone’s satisfaction let’s wait and hear what he has to say in two to three days. I can’t be bothered either way, at this point. Keep him at United: good. Sell him to Madrid: good.
What I would really be interested is to be a fly on the wall in a room where Ronaldo sits with Fergie and Queiroz and summons the courage to tell them that he wants to leave.
In Ronaldo related news, he wants to have an operation because he was carrying an injury during the last three months. Well, I must say well done Ronnie for playing through the pain and thanks for such an outstanding season.
Getting back to the issue of Ronaldo leaving United, I read another story on Sky Sports News and he spoke to Guillem Balague. I will just quote a couple of lines from the article, [you could read the rest by following the link] and you can draw your own conclusions from this:
When asked if he thinks his dream will come true, he told Sky Sports’ Guillem Balague: “I really hope so, lets see.” Ronaldo, who did confirm he decided his future prior to United’s Champions League success in Moscow, has stated he does not mind upsetting fans and Ferguson in order to get what he wants. “It is my opinion, that is why I don’t mind if people get upset. It is my decision. It is what I want,” he concluded.
To me it’s apparent where he wants to go. How about you?
Addendum: And this was after reading the Balague interview in full. I say, the boy does not want to stay. Let’s for once prove that we can do good business. Let’s drag Madrid, add all sorts of sell-on clauses + goal bonuses + sneijder + plus sizeable cash upfront. I’m on dream mode right now, but I hope some of it is true if Ronaldo is sold.
Related items from Red Rants:- United’s Transfer Strategy — Is There More to Their Denial?
- Short Thursday Roundup
- Rossi vs Nani Videos from Portugal vs Italy U21 game
- An Interesting Monday Roundup
- Conflicting Reports Cast Cloud Over Fergie-Ronaldo “Meeting”
Tags: Daily Roundup
June 20th, 2008 at 9:14
As far as I’m concerned, he already knew he wanted to leave in
January when he met Judas Di Salvo in Rome.
Get rid quick.
June 20th, 2008 at 9:19
Guillem: You know that when you return to Manchester people will be upset with you
Ronaldo: But that will pass, a couple of good goals and people will be happy
Ummm..I don’t think so Mister. It will take much more than just a couple of good goals for us to start liking you again.
June 20th, 2008 at 9:24
a few things to think about from last night.
1) Great play from Nani.
2) Ronaldo has said what EVERYONE had expected.
In Ronaldo’s head he can see it in a way where the world is perfect. He really believes that he’ll say he wants to go and then Fergie and CQ will go “ok, well let me write out a price label for you while you go and call Real Madrid and let them know it’s all going smoothly.
It is a shame but this is going to get quite nasty. If I had the decision and Ronaldo really,really,really,really,really,really,really,really,really,really wanted to leave United then why keep somebody who has lost the fire that has help make them who they are. I am sure he can keep scoring and making us happy in football but that’s where it’ll end.
Either sell him for £100m plus Ramos. Or sell him to Barcelona for 50m. That will REEEEEAAALLLY piss em off!
June 20th, 2008 at 9:25
What does he mean by ‘a couple of good goals’ does he mean that his announcement is that he wants to leave at the end of next season maybe?
June 20th, 2008 at 9:55
I’d give my left nut to be in the room when he meets Fergie. My God, he better hope there are no hairdryers or boots lying around and he better make sure his insurance policy and will is made out.
I think what really clarified things for me is his look at the end of todays loss to the Germans. In 2004 he was crying like a baby whose mother had forgotten him at the supermarket and driven off. He was shattered. In 2006 he was crying again and inconsolable as Portugal were knocked out of the World Cup. So what did we see today? I saw a stone faced lad who showed no emotion or disappointment after defeat. A closeup showed him almost relieved and very laze fare about the whole thing. I don’t really think he cared that much and I think it stems from his growing arrogance, conceited self image and importance and above all, his selfishness as he feels like he was misused by Scolari and not given the free reign he has at United. Add to that his bitterness over not being the captain and apparent disharmony with the squad over all these distractions regarding his future, and what you have is a lad who looked fed up and relieved that he could now move on and forget about what just happened.
Somewhere down the line something happened to the quiet and shy kid from Medeira. I laugh when Scolari called him humble. That’s like calling David Beckham the fastest player in the game. Somewhere in the last year or so Ronaldo has become a different person. Yes he has become the best player on the planet, no argument there, but something has corrupted the boys soul and made him an arrogant and selfish prick. Was it the money, the adoration and attention of millions or was it the witchcraft of a woman seducing him and playing with his heart. Somewhere down the line Ferguson lost the young innocent and very grateful boy and instead an egotistical self centered monster sprouted. A similar thing happened to Beckham when he married Posh. To Fergie Becks lost his fire to competeand his focus (I don’t agree with this) and he started to question the lifestyle choices that were taking Beckham away from the game he loved and the team he grew up with. Just too many superficial and pretentious distractions.
Ronaldo is lost to us now. The player we loved to watch and thrill us with his skills and show pony style has chosen to ply his trade elsewhere and has decided for good or bad to turn his back on the manager who made him and the team that gave him his big chance. Most importantly he has turned his back on the millions of supporters who idolize him and sing songs about him. That’s not just tragic and disturbing, it’s down right despicable. Players come and go I suppose in this day of hired mercenaries but when you bring up a 17 year old lad and teach him how to be a good footballer and how to be a good man and he then spits in your face, well that’s just a disgrace. What’s really sad is that Ronaldo has in one foul swoop destroyed the legacy he was building as he had a very good chance to go down as United’s greatest ever player and a legend who would live on in the memories of many for decades to come. Instead he has thrown it away because he wants to join a club famous for using players and disposing of them as quickly and as coldly as they do their managers and their executive toilet paper with the Real Madrid logo. Real Madrid are a historic club that today is run like the Mafia and that presently exhibits no morals, ethics or class. So lets forgive Ronaldo for going there because frankly, the two deserve each other and they are a perfect match as well. Let them rot in Hades together and I for one hope nothing but the worst for both parties.
I will always remember the greatness of Cristiano Ronaldo and all the thrills he has given us. And I would have tolerated his leaving if he handled it with dignity, class and respect for his current team. But seeing as he didn’t I only wish the worst for his playing career as he deserves very little kindness and respect from me and the millions whose hearts he has broken over the past few weeks. I’ll say it one more time for effect and in capitals. Sorry in advance RR. RONALDO IS DEAD DEAD DEAD TO ME! May he rot in Hell for his betrayal of a team and supporters who stood by him through thick and thin. For me he gets a terminal RED CARD.
So time to move on boys and plan a new era for the club without CR7. To be honest I’m looking forward to it.
Now how many of you bleeding heart Ronaldo supporters still want to give him the benefit of the doubt and praise he clearly doesn’t deserve. That kind of love and devotion he doesn’t deserve because he is clearly rubbish.
June 20th, 2008 at 9:58
Tom F; They can’t just sell him to Barcelona or any other team. He has the right to agree to any transfer. Not like North America where players get traded and unless they have it in their contracts they cannot fight the destination.
June 20th, 2008 at 10:03
http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid=%7BF9E570E6%2D407E%2D44BC%2D800F%2D4A3110258114%7D&newsid=6612192
get in united showing they got balls to keep ronaldo on the bench!! ha! he’d better shut his mouth now!
June 20th, 2008 at 10:09
I really thought he’d stay with us for a couple of seasons because i thought he would realise how great united is for him. But now that he has clarified, rather than anger, im upset and sad. Really sad. This kid is the best there is in the world, and he proved it in the first half yesterday. We always want the best players at united and knowing our stature, we should have the best players wanting to be here. This kid is going to improve even more. And Groggy, I dont want to give him any more benefits of doubts. But it just hurts coz he was the one id look out for in all united matches last season. why would he do this to us? And with Rooney, ronaldo, Rio, Nani, i really really thought that the last 2 years for Fergie’s reign would be something we would always cherish irrelevent of whether we won anything. Sadly, not to be!
June 20th, 2008 at 10:09
Alas collegues, this will soon be over.
It was always going to end this way, so I doubt many of us are surprised.
Just this time, please, lets not start analyzing his comments, but rather to take them on face value, which I am sure is what CR wanted after these comments.
I for one think he’s gone.
Now, the subject should be alternatives.
The obvious players are clear, but MARK MY WORDS, SAF has something up his sleeve. He always does. He never lets the fans down.
Conclusion; CR gone. Two or maybe even three new players in.
I CAN’T WAIT TO FIND OUT WHO !!!
June 20th, 2008 at 10:12
are we loosing one or two good players… does anyone feel the same as me that nani will follow
love to hear opinions
June 20th, 2008 at 10:21
Grognard, I have never read anything so true. Thankyou. You are some Fan of MUFC. I APPLAUD you for your sincerity. You have reflected my exact emotions and feelings. I, with you, am bitting my nails in anticipation on who will be coming in. Thankyou again.
June 20th, 2008 at 10:24
Sell him for as much money as we can get, and lets move on.
He has been excellent for us but as all players (generaly foreign I will say) he is disloyal.
Thanks but fuck off.
June 20th, 2008 at 10:38
Grog, I agree with your point about CR7 being like a robot in his response to losing to the Germans. To me it was like him saying to the world, “Well it wasn’t down to me, I am playing with inferiors in the Portugal team, and they could not reach my high standards.” It came home in the interview, when he said, “I did nothing wrong, others didn’t do what they should have”, like they failed to achieve, not me. My answer to that would be, no you didn’t do anything wrong, because you didn’t do anything, and that’s the darn truth. Ronnie has discovered what it is like to be in a team that doesn’t think the sun shines out of his backside, and that all should revolve around him. Deco, Sousa etc would not let him take the free kicks, but the odd time. I doubt that he would have got to take any penalties they may have got too. I wonder if he realises it will be the same in Madrid. The stars there won’t do what United players unselfishly did, deny themselves glory, in order to sustain CR7’s. I don’t understand Fergie’s quietness lately in all of this. I mean this is classic Ronaldo the tail wagging the mighty dog Man Utd. Does it piss anybody else off?. Or is it just me?.
With regards to his arrogant, flippant dismissal of United’s faithful being upset, with the put down, Oh a couple of goals will make me their heart throb again - little does he understand the wrath of belittling our club and our fans in this way. Not worried about him going, am v concerned about the manner he is doing so. The king is dead, long live the king!.
June 20th, 2008 at 10:42
United are being stupid if they persist with the ‘we will not sell him’ line any longer than necessary to get the biggest possible sum. I don’t want him playing in red next season if he doesn’t want to be there, I don’t think any of hte fans do. Fergie’s stubborn, but you can’t hold someone against their wishes, that’s just wrong. I made the same argument with Hargo at Bayern - he wanted to go, we wanted him, you have to let it happen.
That said, at least the world record transfer fee is the only thing high enough for me. We’ll move on.
June 20th, 2008 at 10:46
grog
“They can’t just sell him to Barcelona or any other team. He has the right to agree to any transfer. Not like North America where players get traded and unless they have it in their contracts they cannot fight the destination.”
in that case. how do you explain us selling hienze to madrid when he clearly wanted to go to liverpiss?
June 20th, 2008 at 10:46
Craig spot on mate.
This seems to have unsettled the club a lot in my view. We have not bought anyone of note, and are not really linked to anyone which is worrying.
Last season SAF said we need a striker as early as Jan and you would have thought we would have aquired one very early on in the summer. I think the CR7 situation has distablised the club, and the ramifications well be felt throughout the season, if we don’t get it resolved soon.
June 20th, 2008 at 10:50
Grognard- I agree with everything you say. I just wonder when he lost that joy to play for United, and just played for money and his own pleasure. I will make a wild guess: The game vs Bolton, 19th March 2008(my birthday). Played as captain, surpassed Besties record, scored two goals. After that he began with his arrogant behaviour. It was, WAS, a joy to watch him play, but it wont be like that anymore. He is a discusting prick that doesnt care about anyone but for himself. Let him leave! But I think United will not sell him. They will really let him rot in the stands, not play, make him open his eyes and see that your fucking with the wrong people. “But that will pass, a couple of good goals and people will be happy.” YOU WISH!! This is not fairy land, its reality! You are not the king of the world, you are not bigger than God, you are not irreplacabel, you are not Manchester United!
I wonder what will happen to the club. If Ronaldo leaves, we will get money, but who will want to join us? They will think the club is not so strong,that they dont love their players so much. They will not feel apreciated. That also goes to the players that we already have. Anderson, Nani and Tevez are all young and in 2 years time Andy or Nani might be the best in the world. Will Real do this again? I am sure of that. They unsettle our players, and with Ronaldo therethey will have a secret weapon to get new players.
But what will happen if we make him stay? Maybe other players will think that this club doesnt care about feelings and wishes. They might be afraid of joining United cause they have dreams. Dreams change when you have experienced something, you want something new. They may think United will stop people from being happy. The United players will be unsettled and will worry about what is going to happen. Ronaldo has not just made the fans confused, buty the players too. We have other players, we dont need Ronaldo, but we dont want him to make other players worried or cunfused.
June 20th, 2008 at 10:52
This is how is should play out, CR7 asks for transfer, Fergie says no way and trys to convince him failing that we should sell him to Real for as much as we can, not cheap like van and Beckham. Im thinking £50m with Robben, Ramos and Robinho, these three players plus 50 million = 120m which he is worth with merchandise and him top of his game.
Why sell him.
(1) Cos I think he cannot better last season
(2) He is got too arrogant etc and this I think has lost his hunger and joy for the game
(3) He will go sometime so why not sell him at his most expensive
(4) If he gets injured next season we dont have the necessary back up to fill his boots or goals
(5) the money from his transfer would give us this back up
(6) Rooney would become a better player
(7) United would be in the long run a better team with Ronaldo not in it as im sure the rest of the squad will get p*ssed off with his arrogance etc
(8)For taking the p*ss out of our club over the last few weeks and deflecting the glory away from one of our best seasons ever. His interview for last nights game on tuesday was one of a spoilt brat!
Thanks Ronaldo & goodbye, you could have been a legend but true legends make themselves legends over seasons not just two.
June 20th, 2008 at 10:58
I have been one of those people giving him the benefit of the doubt. I was never because I liked, how he handled things, but because I generally respect, what people do. It is never my job to tell people how to act, and I respect Ronaldo for wanting to focus on what he loves the most, which is playing football.
This is probably one of the saddest moments for me during the almost 20 years of supporting Manchester United. I cannot begin to describe, how sad it makes me, when a player like Ronaldo opts to quash his time at our great great great club like this. I’m at work right now and can’t find the time to elaborate, but I will at some point, because there’s no longer any doubt in my mind that he wants to leave, and I’m close to tears, because he was the one that could take us to the next level - the one that no club has ever reached. I still have doubts, whether it will happen or not this summer though, because I think SAF sees no way of replacing him.
June 20th, 2008 at 11:03
I feel really, really SAD over this whole CR7 thing. Not so much about him leaving, I laways expected this (in fact, I stated in the beginning of the season that should United win the CL, he will be sold), but more for the fact that our start player, our ‘wanna be Cantona’ does not share the same passion and respect for the club that I, a simple fan does. (Damn, I’d play for United for free if I got the opportunity). Sad.
That said, it is his dream to move, let him…
This is now a real test for the Glazers to see how what good businessmen they really are. Are we going to have another ‘Beckham’ scenario where the ‘worlds most popular football superstar’ is being sold at a bargain? They are in a position that almost ALL clubs dream of being:
a) Top of Europe
b) Group of superstars (household brands)
c) The next possible future football great (Anderson)
d) The world’s Most Wanted player tied up on a long-term contract…can annihilate any previous record
I would say, proclaim he’s not for sale and use the opportunity to let the price climb into infinity.
On CR7, I admire his confidence and willingness to go for what he wantts, regardless of whom it pisses off. I just think that for his carreer personally, this is a bad move. I doubt any other coach would give him as much ‘freedom to express himself’ as he had with United. Madrid need his face more than they need his skill. I’m sure that in 2-3 years’ time, he’ll end up at Chelsea. (Also keep in mind that RVN is at Madrid???)
As for United… WE’LL COPE FINE WITHOUT RONALDO!!!
June 20th, 2008 at 11:04
if we keep ronaldo, lets strip of the number 7 shirt! he’s not worthy of wearing that shirt of great players, who did deserve to wear that shirt and one thing about beckham never did he once say he wanted to leave, he would have stayed even if fergie hated him on the basis he loved man utd, still a legend!!
June 20th, 2008 at 11:06
Tomas, fuck me mate we are not a one man team. Let him move on, the most saddening thing in 20 years for me was city doing the double on us last season, or loosing the league to Leeds.
We must get this into respective, we have lost Hughes, Ince and Kanchelskis in one season and won the double in the past and were not as good a side as we are now.
June 20th, 2008 at 11:06
Tomas- If Rooney or Anderson had done something like that I would feel like you do. But Ronaldo is not the person he was 1 year ago. He cares about himself, and only himself. So what does United fans care most about? Ronaldo winning the golden boot, we end the season in 2nd place. Or United winning the league and CL, ten players standing at 15 goals each. I would take the latter. We are about entertainment, but we have to open our eyes and see: United are entertaining even without Ronaldo. And if we win the League without Ronaldo peaople will stop calling us a 1-man team. They will Witness the true Manchester UNITED, not Manchester RONALDO. It is UNITED!
June 20th, 2008 at 11:10
My frustration with the subject has increased with every story on skysports or some other news outlet. Frankly, Real’s behavior has been despicable. Here, stateside, sports officials incur a fine and/or other sanctions as a result of even mentioning a contracted player or official of another team. Maybe FIFA or UEFA could take note.
As for the actual situation, I would love nothing more than to sit him for a year, though I fear this may evolve into a situation similar to that of Beckham when he announced that he was leaving Real for LA. They announced that they would sit him for the rest of the year, then ended up having to play him out of desperation. While SAF is undoubtedly more strong-willed than Capello, who’s to say that we won’t need him if the title comes down to the match against Arsenal at the end of the season or the 2nd leg of the semifinal of the CL? It would be better business to sell now, when his stock is highest, if he has no desire to play for us. However, Wenger was right when he said that clubs are not banks, so I’m a bit torn. I have, however, lost all respect for him and it is going to take longer for him to get back into the fans’ good graces than it did in 2006.
However, if he does leave, I would not be surprised if Nani followed him out the door, in which case we would need to immediately acquire 2 or 3 wingers and wait for them to get used to playing in our side. Obviously, this is not an ideal situation, but I have little doubt that SAF, CQ, Gill, and the Glazers will handle it with class, which is more than clubs like Chelsea or Real can say.
June 20th, 2008 at 11:11
I agree with Viresh. If Ronaldo stays, give the number 7 to Tevez or Nani or another player that plays with his heart on his sleeve. But not Fletch!
June 20th, 2008 at 11:15
i wouldnt be able to restarin maself from stompin the greasy judas cunt if i were to see him on the street.
So disgusted with him….those quotes off skysports today are atrocious.
Dunno what to do with teh cunt now….kinda wanna see him rot in the reserves for a year! can you imagine?
Seems a suitable punishment for his actions though i guess.
WHAT A CUNT. WHAT A NIGHTMARE
June 20th, 2008 at 11:16
we have been linked today to Van Der Vaart, he would be a good signing! and a good number 7
June 20th, 2008 at 11:17
WAS QUITE HAPPY TO SEE WE were linked with van der vaart today…..still think the squad needs a creative mid like him…..the more i watch anderson the less i think he is that kinda player??
June 20th, 2008 at 11:17
What bother’s me more about this whole affair is…
What’s going to happen to all the replica shirts with Ronaldo 7 printed on them?
Damn, I’m glad I opted for latest Rooney kit (so wanted Anderson or Tevez, but were out of stock at the time).
June 20th, 2008 at 11:23
http://sport.setanta.com/en/Sport/News/Football/2008/06/20/Prem-Ronaldo-on-Ferguson-/
-_-
June 20th, 2008 at 11:23
Succeess got to the kid’s head!however good he is as EC7 said..UTD will go on,and will win stuf without him.
June 20th, 2008 at 11:23
http://sport.setanta.com/en/Sport/News/Football/2008/06/20/Prem-Ronaldo-on-Ferguson-/
a couple of goals and everyone is happy?! who does he think he is.
June 20th, 2008 at 11:23
Tomas, it is not a question though of respecting what people do. The problem for many Utd fans, is not him wanting to achieve his dream move to Real Madrid, but the disrespectful way he has gone about it. Obviously, your post and tears shed at this time, show you to be a reflective and sensitive person, and those are excellent qualities for any person to have. Such a pity that CR7 doesn’t have them for us as fans, and for our great club. I understand why you might respect Ronaldo for wanting to focus on his football, but he said that he had already made up his mind after the Moscow game, so if he had let everyone know then, instead of playing out this charade, we could have also focused on football, and our great double triumph.
I still don’t think he is irreplaceable though, I mean that honestly. There will be other players that can take us to another level as you put it. All is not lost because CR7 wants to ply his wares elsewhere. You may be right that Fergie is refusing to sell this summer, if just to prove a point. Yet, I don’t think the other players at our club will be as obliging in furnishing CR7 all effort to make him still the glorious player he became because of team unselfishness. I really believe that Tomas. The fans will not be happy about any enforced stay either, because we know he is not with us out of love for our club, but out of contractual bondage. So let him go, better now than next year I think. We should strike while the monetary iron is hot. I am more worried about Carlos Q, leaving, because that will unsettle the other players Nani and Andi.
June 20th, 2008 at 11:24
To suggest he should remain loyal to Utd is ridiculous in my opinion. By the same token he should have remained loyal to Lisbon for grooming him as a youngster, such is life.
There is an opinion bandied around that Ferguson ’stuck by him’ after the Rooney incident, this is only relevant in England as nobody else thought anything of it but the English (It was a red card, simple decision regardless of CR7’s moaning). I do believe the following season made him as a player, in the same way Beckham was made after Argie incident, but had he gone to Spain the story wouldn’t have followed him. In other words, that incident played perfectly into Ferg’s hands, he knew he could motivate CR7 and that would benefit the team (siege mentality is one of his favorites).
I don’t think he was ever committed to Utd in the way Rooney appears to be. He has always been looking after number one and that’s the condition you sign him on, nobody expected him to be with Utd for life.
I’m also surprised at how disappointed fans are, I’d rather watch Utd in Division 2 with a committed squad than a bunch of mercenaries interested only in personal glory and cash in the bank. I appreciate what the kid gave us but I never had any affinity with him, unlike real legends like Ole, Giggs, Keane, Eric, Scholes, Nev, Bruce, Hughes, Robbo etc etc.
Make a few quid off him, bring on the next big talent and let the boy get on with his life. I’ll be enjoying Utd play ball long after this kid has retired let alone disappeared to Madrid.
Adios Amigo.
June 20th, 2008 at 11:29
Sell him: start with a ridiculous asking figure (based on shirt sales etc.), then let them lower it a little bit…As for players as part of a deal, Sneijder’s good, but I don’t want any one else.
As far as Nani’s concerned, why compare him to Ronaldo, for all we know his mum might hate Spain
Fabregas is faithful to Arsenal, it is possible for Southern Europeans to want to remain in England. Manchester United is still one of the greatest teams to play for…it’s Ronaldo, he’s ill in the head…he didn’t celebrate with his team mates when Deco scored the other day, it’s not just with United…soon he’s gonna run out of places to go to…run out of friends too
June 20th, 2008 at 11:30
LOL Jig, good post mate, now that really puts things in perspective. Love the adios amigo touch!.
June 20th, 2008 at 11:50
Van der Vaart would be a good signing…he scores goals for club and country
June 20th, 2008 at 12:00
stephen
where are the links to VDV
June 20th, 2008 at 12:10
with that amount of money we could buy a hundred ronaldo’s. but can we think of anyone off the top of our heads to fill he’s boots [podalski] i can’t [podalski]. someone who maybe even better [ podalski] who can score goals and track back [ podalski] has the pace to round defenders like a young giggs [podalski]. and give loyalty back to the club and fans for his achievements [podalski]. can we think of anyone?
June 20th, 2008 at 12:18
I can’t think of anyone. Maybe that German fella Podolski.
We WILL get someone to replace him. We always do. Hell, there’s always kaka.
June 20th, 2008 at 12:33
What is this obsession of us being linked to players? People are so concerned that we’re not linked to anyone and take it as a negative thing. We’re linked with hundreds of players each year (almost) but very few of them we end up buying. As a matter of fact, last season showed us that not being linked to players can be a good thing. Remember how surprised everyone was last summer, when we signed Nani and Anderson (especially Anderson). We weren’t linked to them, and suddenly they were there.
It’s not about us being linked, it’s about us buying the right players whether or not we’re linked to them. It is as if it’s satisfactory to some people that we’re linked to certain players. “We’re linked to Van der Vaart, I really like this” - what kind of nonsense is that.
Stephen - it’s not a matter of it being Ronaldo specifically. It’s a matter of someone that good, who has been raised and nutured into the player he is wanting to leave. To me, it’s just sad to see that he doesn’t appreciate our club and the people around him more. I honestly think, he was a good boy, but he’s been curropted by the spotlight, and imo Real Madrid have a major part in that. I resent the way they conduct their business and that they have turned one of the greatest talents ever to play the game against us.
Craig - I know that it is his lack of respect for the club aso that has pissed you guys off, and I have never condoned his actions. I just think that I’m in no position to tell a player in his position what to do. It’s a different world to mine, and even though I would like him to respect me and other fans, his club and team more, I will never understand that part of football and footballers. So for me, I had to respect his actions simply because I believe in the best of people and waited for an explanation, even though I could see, where he was wrong.
June 20th, 2008 at 12:39
well..hopefully SAF will think straight and let him go..his decision will affect our club future..
June 20th, 2008 at 12:47
I would rather we sell him to barca for 40 million , that would show madrid . 42 goals though Rooney had going to have start banging more in, but he will because he is a great player and his goals tally goes up every season. Also players like tevez and anderson should be looking to improe their goal scoring as well, even though tevez scores some really crucial goals.
June 20th, 2008 at 12:48
i read that interview he is supposed to have given to this guillem balague fella (dont know who he is???). To me it was rather funny and kind of like as if ronaldo doesnt even know what is being asked and is just giving any answers! for example consider this:
Now what do we make out of this answer??? If he is moving out than how can manchester fans be placated by his scoring 1 or 2 goals??? Anybody understands what is tresspassing here ?
Does the interview sound to you guys as if Ronaldo is talking about a payrise and the interviewer about a move to RM!!!
June 20th, 2008 at 12:49
Hassan - it’s not an option to sell him to Barca. He wants to go to Real Madrid, and that’s the only other club, he dreams of.
June 20th, 2008 at 12:54
At last!!!!
The right time is now. Because the money would be the most possible. Some days before , when I didn’t know if this is media madness or Ronaldo’s will, I thought that he could be useful for at least 2 more years.Then we could seel him.
BUT Ronaldo’s will is leaving…I don’t want him being part of our club.
IF WE SELL HIM
Well, if we want to replace him then we should ask what type of player we want. Last year I wanted Schweinsteiger,without knowing that we were goning to buy Nani. This year , we have Nani and if Ronaldo leaves , I want Schweinsteiger only if we buy a tall striker. He ’s got great feet. I mean he strikes the ball so well using both feet and can deliver it very well in the air. Schweinsteiger and Huntelaar is a good match.
If we buy a short striker (Villa which is my dream and can’t see this happen) then we shoud buy something like Valencia’s Silva. Silva and Villa is a good match too.
As long as Ronaldo stays then any top striker (Villa pr Huntelaar is good for us)
June 20th, 2008 at 13:05
so i think it can be taken as a given that he wants to play for Real Madrid, but that doesn’t mean we should be bullied into it. i like the line United are taking, and i still think he isn’t going anywhere…. unless Madrid do something rediculous like offer to pay off all our debts… and Ramos.
June 20th, 2008 at 13:26
Jos, maybe he thought the interviewer was asking if he returned to Manchester with Real Madrid, the fans would be upset. But why then he would reply with a couple of good goals will placate them. Because in this circumstance goals would not placate anybody. Unless he has some sort of agreement with United that he will have to stay another season, until we get the right replacements, a bit like Bayern did with Owen Hargreaves. In which case CR7 feels that goals will ease our anger. He really is naive though isn’t he?. What planet does he live on, the ‘dumb nuts’ planet no doubt.
June 20th, 2008 at 13:56
Maybe Ronaldo meant that the fans will forget about him after a couple of good goals by United?
June 20th, 2008 at 14:00
I’m going to take the posistive out of this move and take a look at Rooney. I really think that if Ronaldo moves on then we will see the old Rooney again. I think he will relish the chance to take the team on his shoulders and produce some of the football that we all know he can produce. I know he was still very effective this year anyway, but we all know that he has the potential to outshine anyone even Ronaldo.
On a side note I’m so glad I decided to name my dog Rooney instead of Ronaldo. lol
And I got Rooney a brother not to long ago and named him Georgie, you guys like that.
Rooney and Georgie, now imagine those two on the same team together. haha
June 20th, 2008 at 14:05
Tomas I think you are being naive, ” he is a good boy”.
He is highly ambtious and will tread on anyone to get where HE wants to be.
I think and most of the fans think, it is not the fact that he wants to leave, we can come to terms with that, it is the manner of how he has gone about it which really hard to take.
June 20th, 2008 at 14:10
RAFAEL VAN DER VAART
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/euro_2008/article1316189.ece
June 20th, 2008 at 14:13
Ronaldo is leaving but on a positive note Scolari obviously can’t teach his players how to defend set pieces, that’s got to give us an advantage in the title race
June 20th, 2008 at 14:15
After all this idiotic non-sense it has been sour end to this fantastic season. I would prefer Man Utd to start the next season with a ‘Ronaldo-less’ team and give credit to all the other team members who have unselfishly worked for the team last season.If he thinks he is bigger than a team he can go and play for any ‘galacticos’ who cares…much prefer a ManU team playing with a philosophy “One for All - All for One”……Viva ManU !!!!!!!!
June 20th, 2008 at 14:32
Stephen - I may be naive, I don’t know, but if I am, it’s only because I think he was a good boy. I emphasise that I wrote in past tense and that he’s been currupted by the spotlight. He’s never hidden that he wanted to go to Real one day, but the manner in which he has apparently gone by his business is something the sport and attention has done to him.
June 20th, 2008 at 14:52
Tomas, I think like you that he won’t be sold anyway, but if he does, he not anyone else has made that decision, don’t be fooled. Funny Scolari seems to be pushing him to move wonder why?
June 20th, 2008 at 15:01
So it has finally happened, Judas Iscariot has accepted 30 pieces of Vladeron’s silver and in a few days,will peck Sir Alex Fergie on the cheek.I congratulate Cristiano,His mum,Girlfriend,Godfather,cousin,cat,dog and most especially Felipe HOlari for for being the treacherous sanhedrin scribe.I enjoyed watching the tears in Scolari’s eyes.It was wonderful compesation for me.We have lost our gem,playmaker,goalscorer and general object of our worship.I thank him for the 5 year service.My heart is truly heavy,but as a devoted fanatic of our Great club,I know we will weather the storm.I selfishly wanted one of our own to recieve the Ballon D’or.But seeing that will not be, at leas for now, I will move on.SELL.Pls Fergie.NOW!!!Let Him go to spain and hang from Calderon’s nut.SELL. Poach their best players in return and we will retain the European cup,guaranteed.Sergio Ramos + Robinho(Whom by the way i recommend to wear the No 7)+ 30 Mil is a great deal.Fergie wants an experienced striker especially to help Rooney’s game,so I say we get Berbatov.I saw Arshavin against Sweden,and true to Grogs hype,He is all that.Although I think we are in more of a need of a Scholes type CM.Schweinstiger was absolutely amzing but Fergie seems to have an aversion for German players.I hope its just a coincidence though.I need an astute opinion on Werder Bremen’s Diego.Grog, Craid,Tomas??/.So now that We know where we are, I hope Fergie starts to make concrete moves in the transfer market.Bye Bye CR7…Good riddance to an egotistic prick.I sincerely pray Carls Quieroz stays.
June 20th, 2008 at 15:07
Cant wait for the Holland/Russia game.Another chance to see Arshavin especially aganst Van Der Vaart.Will be rooting for Van Der Saar though.
June 20th, 2008 at 15:14
Nicely stated WhiteY.
I will just add RVN to the Ramos/Robinho + 30m deal. He will be the perfect short-term quick-fix to our goal scoring problem. And, with CR7 arriving, I doubt he’ll be too happy with that.
June 20th, 2008 at 15:27
how about ‘poaching’ van persie from l’arse and make him our new no. 7!!! he is super super talent, can actually finish and plays very similarly to ronaldo himself!
June 20th, 2008 at 15:29
Ronaldo leaving? its ok. Would rather see him leave than for him to play unwilliingly for us. We still have Nani and Anderson. i dont know if you guys have watched brazil lately, but our boy Ando is a backbone and he is shooting balls on target now. He will soon be scorin and before u knw it, he will be the best alonside Nano. Fergie needs to make sure Nani and Anderson dont repeat what Ronaldo is doing. Im not even bothered. Ronaldo will go to Madird and will not score as many goals. Will be less effective and will see that madrid is short term with anything they do. They dont have better players so, he will lack alot. He will not progress as he would if he stayed. Look at Ronaldinho. He is done. Now he seeks a move to Man city or Chelsea. Look at Eto. An amaing striker till now and they dont appreciate him. He will understand. Beckham an old number 7 told him not to live but he dint listen. So he will learn the hard way. Real Madrid will face a new Barca side. they barely won the title jus because barca had a bad season due to problems within players. next season will be very diff. Wont be surprised if they dont win anything next season. I would love for manutd to face real next season in the champions league and for us to give them a good whoopin with Ronaldo in their side. So he could see. Respect and love go a long way. Bite the hand the feeds you, then you eat no more. I say sell him.
June 20th, 2008 at 15:35
VAn der Vaart will be snapped by chelscum so looks like we have to stick with our gigsy and nani
for the moment Well Fergie or somebody has lost the plot here by not signing players so I think
we are screwed guys this season..
Chelscum will buy players coz they have money Lpool have already done a couple of signing
nobody wants to come to Old T so i guess we will see another slide for a couple of years…
June 20th, 2008 at 15:37
Stephen - I’m aware that he’ll make his own decisions, I’m just saying that he, and so many other footballers, are under an enormous pressure, and that all the money, agents and attention certainly don’t help.
But obviously he’s his own master.
June 20th, 2008 at 15:43
maroon14 - so we’re screwed now? I think you forget a few minor details:
VDS, Brown, Rio, Vidic, Evra, Neville, Nani, Park, Hargo, Carrick, Anderson, Giggs, Scholes, Tevez, Rooney, Saha, Ronaldo and quite a few more quality players - the same players who just won us the double.
And don’t be alarmed by the no signings thing - we have more than TWO months to sign players from this point. Have faith in SAF. He knows what he’s doing, and there’s no way, he Ronaldo issue has upset the other transfer plans. SAF has been away on vacation during the Euros, and they said 2 weeks ago that there’d be no signings during the tournament.
And the part about no players wanting to come her - it’s absolutely rubbish. Most players would like to, it’s just that we don’t want most players. We want players that are right for our team.
June 20th, 2008 at 15:55
I agree with Tomas, we do have other players rather than Ronaldo!
Fergie will buy this summer hopefully soon, Anderson and Nani who I thought looked good last night are a year older.
Who the fuck have Liverpool signed two defenders! we are European Champions lets not forget, that and most players would give their left nut to play for us.
June 20th, 2008 at 16:19
jeeeesuss maroon, firstly its Old Trafford…. and secondly stop being so damn negative, do you really think that SAF has suddenly become totally inept in his buying of players… if you remember we snapped up ‘the next totti’ the other day, leaving Roma very red in the face, i think he might get a carling cup appearence at least… but concerning the lack of major transfers, i reckon that behind the scenes managers, agents and chairmen are running around like headless chickens, as soon as the Euros are over we’re gonna see some major signings to and from the premiership, the hold up is purely to do with getting the most money out of a player, say a fee was agreed and then the player went on to score 3 hatricks… the fee would double so why would a club risk loosing out? i for one am really looking forward to the season starting, loving the prospect of arsenal playing fabregas and a load of 12 year olds as if reports are to believed half their squad is gonna end up in Milian.
Ronaldo aint going anywhere tho.
June 20th, 2008 at 16:40
http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=744700
June 20th, 2008 at 16:56
I say it’s time to sell Ronaldo. Sure, he’s the “greatest” player in the world, but do we honestly think his value will ever be higher? He’s going to leave eventually, either now, or sometime down the line. He’s hit his peak. 40+ goals. Next year, he’ll bang in maybe 30. Sure, that’s phenomenal but my point is now is the time to sell him and maximize what we get in return.
Besides, I don’t want a selfish prick playing for United. Look what he said in his interview:
“I didn’t do anything wrong. I did what I had to do but the team made mistakes and that is why we lost.”
He’s all about himself. Fuck him. No player is bigger than United.
June 20th, 2008 at 17:04
joninjapan(incanada); Simple. Because even though Heinze wanted to go to Liverpool he realized it wasn’t in the cards and he finally agreed to go to Real. He had a second choice and he took it. Ronaldo does not have a second choice that he wants. It’s always been about Real Madrid and the only reason to leave United is to join the team of his childhood dreams.
June 20th, 2008 at 17:23
jos; van Persie would be a great replacement for Saha. Afterall, somebody will have to take over Louis’ hospital bed. van Persie for me is known as Balsa Boy Version 2.0.
June 20th, 2008 at 17:24
This is my penny’s worth on the issue:
The way I see it, Ronaldo has always cherished a dream, of which he made no secret by the way, of playing for Real Madrid. Born in a Madrid crazy family, he too has always idolised Real Madrid, not only for footballing reasons, but also for sentimental reasons.
This season, he played better than he ever did in his life. He has reached a stage psychologically where he can without a second thought say “I miss the penalty, but I know I am best” and still people will agree with him. He feels he has achieved all that can be achieved in the English game, and feels that he is ready to move on to a new stage: the stage he has always loved to be at and knows he will be loved and admired by not just the club, but also the umpiring and footballing style in Spain will suit him even better.
So before the Champions League final, he decides that if I win CL, i definitely want a new challenge and will let Ferguson and Man Utd know about this. His first mistake: the interview before CL where he said he has dreams, not all dreams are fulfilled but who knows, he will decide after the final. NOW, begins the media circus wildfire exacerbated by Real Madrid. Madrid start getting desperate about getting Ronaldo, so they perhaps let him or his agent know, that this is when we are paying this much and going after you, but this opportunity won’t come, no way.
This, as intended by Madrid, further unsettles Ronaldo, who is hounded by the media and queried in every interview about his future. And knowing that he REALLYYY wants to go to Madrid, and still knowing that what if I publicly declare I want out of United and the deal doesnt go through, how will I face my Utd teammates and fans and the staff, he starts making the same non-committal remarks to the media.
What Ronaldo has done, is something which any ill-advised kid would do. He wants to go to Madrid, but doesn’t want to ruin his goodwill at United. If he dint give two hoots about our club, then he would have come out and said I want to go.
Now all this snowballs into something that he was afraid of. United fans hate him, his teammates almost certainly hate him, Portugal team loathes him for all the distractions and attention grabbing.
United have come out and said that Ronaldo is “not for sale”. The Guillem Balague interview has made it clearer than ever how much he wants to go to Madrid. If he is still made to stay at Utd, I don’t think United should make him sit on the bench. There are no lessons to be taught because I frankly feel that Ronaldo is a victim of his own naivety. He should be given the guarantee that you can leave at the end of season 08-09, by which we have had time to make your replacements ready, but it is your duty that you perform to the best of your ability so your stock stays high and the club that built you gets the pounds that it deserves.
I, for one, would never hate Ronaldo for being arrogant, or selfish or whatever. I know he is like that on the pitch, but it isnt a crime for knowing what you want and trying to pursue it.
Love to hear your comments!
June 20th, 2008 at 17:29
[Mihir]
Victim of naivety? Serial killers are often subject to abuse early in their lives. Does that excuse their murders?
My point is everyone would have a reason for behaving in a certain way. It’s how they react, behave and conduct themselves that makes them what they are. Sadly Ronaldo hasn’t handled the issue with any class whatsoever. So, sorry, I can’t excuse him.
June 20th, 2008 at 17:45
what has really cheesed me off is we can’t even have the pleasure to enjoy this success and laugh at our rivals, no they are feeling good about themselves and I am thinking wait a minute we won the trophies why are the other three clubs fans smiling, when City fans start doing it we know this is a joke, that’s what this self centred jerk has done taken the sting and spot light away from our great season and made it a ronaldo summer which is a disgrace in itself.
real madrid should be looking down on us, ronaldo shows he knows nothing about the game because real madrid in Europe since 2004 has been awful. real madrid seem to forget whose name is currently on the trophy and they are using their two dull and poor league titles has a way to tell players like ronaldo how great they are when in fact they are has poor as they come, they cant defend got two ageing strikers van nistlerooy and raul who are not rooney and tevez, got a terrible defence, with average defenders like heinze and cannavaro who still cannot settle at madrid and is way past his prime, still have not solved the LB area and a midfield that has no shape or balance to it at all, plus bacelona valencia sevilla at madrid have been just garbage and still real madrid struggled to win the league, loosing an insane number of games. We leaked fewer goals in the four competitions then madrid did in their entire la liga campaign, united leaked intotal of 32 goals compared to madrids 36. I wondered how come man utd continued to beat roma left right and centre and roma outclass real madrid yes ronaldo it is a step up what an idiot.
yet man utd were unbeaten in europe, had the tightest and balanced back five, a very good midfield and an effective attacking line-up scores all types of goals with a stable club and a great management set up why would he want to leave it boggles the mind.
I have a question for the idiots who call man utd a one man team how come portugal did not win euro 2008, C’mon if he is that good why could he not win them it. That idiot heinze said he is as good as god.
June 20th, 2008 at 17:53
what has really cheesed me off is we can’t even have the pleasure to enjoy this success and laugh at our rivals, no they are feeling good about themselves and I am thinking wait a minute we won the trophies why are the other three clubs fans smiling, when City fans start doing it we know this is a joke, that’s what this self centred jerk has done taken the sting and spot light away from our great season and made it a ronaldo summer which is a disgrace in itself.
real madrid should be looking down on us, ronaldo shows he knows nothing about the game because real madrid in Europe since 2004 has been awful and in general. real madrid seem to forget whose name is currently on the trophy and they are using their two dull and poor league titles has a way to tell players like ronaldo how great they are when in fact they are has poor as they come, they cant defend got two ageing strikers van nistlerooy and raul who are not rooney and tevez, got a terrible defence, with average defenders like heinze and cannavaro who still cannot settle at madrid and is way past his prime, still have not solved the LB area and a midfield that has no shape or balance to it at all, plus bacelona, valencia, sevilla, atletico madrid, villareal have been just garbage and still real madrid struggled to win the league, loosing an insane number of games. We leaked fewer goals in the four competitions then madrid did in their entire la liga campaign, united leaked in total of 32 goals in four comptitions compared to madrids 36 in la liga. I wondered how come man utd continued to beat roma left right and centre and roma outclass real madrid yes ronaldo leaving united for madrid it is a step up what an idiot, my advice ronaldo watch madrid of today not madrid in 2002.
yet man utd were unbeaten in europe, had the tightest and balanced back five, a very good midfield with plenty of options and an effective attacking line-up that scores all types of goals, with a stable club and a great management set up why would he want to leave it boggles the mind.
I have a question for the idiots who call man utd a one man team how come portugal did not win euro 2008, C’mon if he is that good why could he not win them it. That idiot heinze said he is as good as god for ability, did heinze ever sleep with ronaldo. He seems to know every part of him inside and out.
June 20th, 2008 at 17:57
sorry about that people made a mistake with the first comment. last message on this ronaldo thing boring boring boring
June 20th, 2008 at 18:00
My biggest concern right now is what Carlos Queiroz is going to do? He is the glue that is going to keep things stable post Ronaldo. Without him here to guide and assist both Anderson and Nani, I fear that we will be forced to sell them before too long. Ronaldo leaving is a major destabilizing force. Not only do we lose the best player in the world, we lose so much more. The team is European Champions and EPL champions. Does anybody honestly feel we can come close to repeating either without Ronaldo? Of course we won’t. Not unless we buy several players of world class pedigree to replace Ronaldo and to help reshape this team. But here are some concerns to think about;
1. What exactly is the financial situation with the Glazer’s and how much money will Fergie have to retool?
2. Ronaldo’s big mouth and disgusting behavior has crossed borders. Add to that the mouth of players like Heinze, RVN, and idiots like Scolari and we as sure as Hell are being painted with a brush that makes the club and Fergie look like Hades to Latin players who play in Spain or who are in contact with Portugal and other clubs that speak the two languages. These assholes are talking the talk and poisoning the minds of many future signings. Can you imagine the shit that has been said to other Real Madrid players by both RVN and Heinze. Now Ronaldo shows up and he spreads the message a lot farther. How does one combat that when the reputation of United is stoic, cold and silent. Fergie or Queiroz are not they types to go on a good will tour to help paint a clearer picture. So what must Robinho, Ramos, Sneijeder and others really think of United?
3. Procrastination! Procrastination! Procrastination! Nobody on this blog or on this planet will ever be able to justify to me the unwillingness and lingering, lethargic process Fergie and Gill have proceeded in regards to buying new players. Regardless of Ronaldo. What the Hell are they waiting for? We are about to be in grave peril and I ask myself, do they even have a plan B? Well of course they do but I am not sure if they are going about it right. They need to be more aggressive. They stand to lose all their “A” List targets by just waiting and waiting. For what? The Euros? God almighty, give me a break. All these players have agents. They should be sitting down with agents weeks ago and trying to iron out agreements to be looked at and signed after players return from the Euros. Instead they are hoping to make first contact after. Naive and very sluggish. Real Madrid will not wait, Chelsea will not wait, Both Milan’s will not wait, and even Liverpool seem to be active. Arsenal are supposedly looking to now add Arshavin to their team as a replacement for Adebayour. Christ Fergie if you let Arsene beat you on that one too while you are asleep at the wheel, you should really consider hanging it up now because I question your hunger. Huntelaa