May 24
Revisiting the Ronaldo Debate
Sir Alex has recently said that Real Madrid has no moral issues whatsoever when it comes to approaching other players. If you want to read the whole thing click here [there is also a video excerpt of Fergie's press conference, for the same, in that page].
I touched upon Ronaldo’s “will he wont he” routine very briefly in earlier posts, but couldn’t devote enough space for it because of the Champions’ League hoopla. So here’s a more detailed account of what I think about the whole situation.
To get some perspective here, here are the facts: Ronaldo has never made secret, his intention to play in Spain someday. Also, ever since we won the Champions’ League he has been interviewed by almost every journalist in the European Union. So it really is hard answering the same questions put to him over and over again.
What is worrying about this trend though is that there have been too many contradicting remarks to the same questions. In some of them he says “I’ll stay” and in others it’s “I can’t promise” or “I’ll know next week”.
My question is this: why does Ronaldo have second thoughts about staying at the club for another season, at least? What does he want from the club? If it’s a big pay day, didn’t he just sign the contract last season? If it was for his ‘dream’, how difficult is it for a moment, especially amidst the euhoria of wining the CL trophy, to say that he’s staying just to assure fans, because they rightly deserve it.
As a personal opinion, I want Ronaldo at United for the next season at least. But his lack of commitment even for the short term is putting me off a bit; I’m fully aware that he’d want to move someday to Spain, but considering the way the club and the fans have backed him, I think United fans deserve a bit more than his current dilly-dallying.
And I would love to hear from all of you on this.
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Tags: Discussions
May 24th, 2008 at 11:55
I think a lot of the reports are misleading. If u look at whole interview regarding “we will see in a week”, he was talking about whether he will sign a new contract. He said he doesn’t know much about for now. But in a week time he will, and everyone - e.g the club, himself and the fans will be happy. I think the spanish press has taken certain quote out of context and try to unsettle him and the fans. I am sure he is committed to United, for now anyway. Don’t see him going this summer. I am more annoyed with Real Madrid, if we ever sell CR7, i rather sell him to Barca for less money!
May 24th, 2008 at 12:04
To be honest, whenever I actually see the videos of Ronaldo saying these things, it becomes very clear that he does want to stay here. The club have already said that they are negotiating a new contract with him and I expect a new contract to be signed in a few weeks, because of Ronaldo’s most recent interview and SAF’s confidence in the pre-match conference.
May 24th, 2008 at 12:14
It should be an unequivacol ‘yes’ for staying at United. I know I can say that being a United fan. But let’s look at the facts here: We have just won the European Cup, retained our title, the structure is in place to achieve further success in Europe, and most importantly, the fans and the club love him. Why on earth would he want to p*ss all that away by going to a club that will probably ruin him.
May 24th, 2008 at 12:28
Everyone understands that Cristiano want’s to play in Spain one day… but not just yet. He just turned 23 a few months ago, and he could easily play for another 10-12 season at top level. He could stay here for another 5 years and still enjoy many great years in Spain. I think he realises this, and Ferguson and Queiroz are making sure he realise this, even though I only expect him to stay for another 2-3 years.
Cristiano owes Man Utd and all the Man Utd fans around the Globe a few more years. We brought him here, gave him a chance and made it possible for him to turn into the greatest footballer on Earth. This process took a few years and we have now enjoyed 2 years of top class football from Cristiano. I think we deserve a few more.
May 24th, 2008 at 12:52
If the boy wants to stay and he just says these things in order to get a better contract (he knows that he’s paid less than John Terry!) or just because he’s got tired of being asked the same question again and again, then so be it. We all know that he’ll leave for Spain one day.
But if he isn’t sure about where he wants to play next year, or if he wants to go, then let him go. Of course it’ll be a loss but it won’t be the end of United, since the others (Rooney, Tevez, Nani) will shine in his absence.
Besides this, it’s a matter of prestige. We’re not a feeder club of Spain’s state football club (RM). We’re bigger than them and they only want him to sell t-shirts.
We all have to remember that Ronaldo isn’t the most important person in United. SAF is!
May 24th, 2008 at 13:02
It has heated up again. Calderon is now making comments about “slavery having been abolished a hundred years ago” with Ferguson making a crack about General Franco and his links to Real Madrid, he then said that Barcelona (who were persecuted by Franco for their links to Basque separist groups) had a higher moral standing.
Hot stuff!
What I hope is that next year in the Champions League we play Real Madrid. Ronaldo is injured and cannot play. But we beat them convincingly over two legs, showing Ronaldo that even without him we are a far better team than Real.
May 24th, 2008 at 13:22
well said, JAMES F…i’ve said time and again that i wldn’t be any less of a fan whether C-Ron stays with Utd or leaves for whichever team, even Chelski…he’s considered the best in the world caus all the other players have adjusted to play diff positions to support him…let’s see if Raul, Robinho, or even Ruud wld play diff positions, like Rooney and co do at Utd, just to make him grab all the attention…funny, though, as SAF let Ruud leave Utd to protect C-Ron’s confidence…Ruud was bugging him all the time for keeping all the attention with the ball…so let him go if he wants to…so let him go if he wants to…i won’t dislike him or anything caus he did very well for us…besides, Utd is by far the best team in the world right now…Real may have the biggest mouths in their boardroom but we all know who the biggest club is…FORBES DON’T LIE…plus, we still have Rooney, Tevez, The Defense, Nani, Anderson, not forgetting Giggsy and Scholesy…i’d rather he be honest and make a decision and stop BSing with the media…Anyway, regardless of all i’ve said..WE R CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE ONCE AGAIN…LONG LIVE UTD.
May 24th, 2008 at 13:32
excellent point, COLVER…anyone remember what Marcelo Lippi said when discussing Utd and the idea of “a team”?…he made the point that having the best players available to u doesn’t necessarily make the best team…who did u think he was referring to?…i bet u it wasn’t Utd he was talking ’bout….go figure…Real have very good players, but that’s all they have…they were no better than Barca…Barca just hit rock-bottom, that was the difference…By the way, WE R CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE ONCE AGAIN…LONG LIVE MAN UTD.
May 24th, 2008 at 13:47
when ronaldo leaves i think man utd will shine might sound strange but last year arsenal looked like they had a sqauad full of mid table players and thienry - look what happend theinry was a flop and all of a sudden arsenal shined with that average squad so i am in favour of a ronaldo move.
I would like to see him move to barcelona if they can match real madrid, with their big clear out i am more than positive they can. give ronaldo 1 option that being barcelona put real madrid out of the equation and maybe put something in a contract that intitles us to ronaldos merchandising for a year.
dream 2 real madrid splash out £150 million on him and a few clauses which could take the sum to £200 million. he moves to spain and 5 minutes into his debut he is perminetly crippled by a real mardid player and a freak accident so he will never be able to play again - then because of the large sum not recoverd the real mardid board pull out and real go into administration.
one thing is for sure i wont be celebrating when ronaldo scores next season (never been a big fan of a player that cant commit to the club that made him a house hold name.)
also real madrid had their chance and they laughed at ronaldo when he was a prospect so now when i see him i see a man with no dignity which is basicly how the rest of the preimership see him
May 24th, 2008 at 13:53
Ronaldo is a mercenary. He is a very talented and skillful player.
However he seems to lack the team spirit. I mentioned before he doesn’t celebrate other players goals. He keeps himself to himself! If ya don’t believe me have a look at his goald celebrations when other players in the team score.
He is a quality player, but an arrogant ponse.
May 24th, 2008 at 14:06
I would like him to stay for as long as we have a viable replacement…no qualms about him leaving after that…would get us the money for a benzema. As long as the sporting clube relationship is still there, we will continue to make the most of their talent…and I have a funny feeling that even if he goes to madrid, he ll be back in a few years at OT…
May 24th, 2008 at 14:32
on the ronaldo subject, he’s going to stay for at least another 2 seasons in my opinion, why would he go to the team that couldnt beat rome at home.
right, i’ve just seen some of the goals campbell has scored this season and i have to say, he is a damn goo finisher, he’s got a great first touch and scores goals like a target man, he can score with his head also, he’s a real talent.
May 24th, 2008 at 14:56
nagraj I see u as a kid…you are not the owner of this site and you have no right to say anything concerning my comments…you cockhead
May 24th, 2008 at 15:03
Bring in some new striker and kick him out of the club…That’s my opinion and this should be SAF’s plan. But he is useful yet. Maybe we should sell this little bastard that wins games for our team -but still doesn’t respect MU and the fans- in three years time. Let us enjoy the titles and RESPECT THE TEAM THAT MADE YOU A MAN AND A FOOTBALLER. RIGHT SHOW-PONY? Right you raper of the ball? Right you hard kicker of the ball(s) ? I hate your loyalty and the British media
May 24th, 2008 at 15:18
Strong words Nikos! You’re obviously angry with the boy and being Greek doesn’t help in situations like these.
May 24th, 2008 at 15:44
If he really wants to leave then too bad, we keep hold of him until his contract is up. It doesn’t make sense letting a player go that would help another team/hinder our team from winning the Champions league again. I doubt however that this will come to this situation, unless the Glazers somehow come into this discussion. I did hear a mention of this ploy by Real Madrid where they would bypass Gill and go directly to the head. What we need is a saboteur to infiltrate Real Madrid and bring them down. Any volunteers, spanish speaking required!!!
May 24th, 2008 at 15:50
Yeah, we all know how good and how important CR7 is to the club, but its useless to keep someone who is not happy at the club. Colver i share the same insticts with you, because whenever i read Ronaldo’s body language when United isn’t playing well, he seems to think as if the team is burdening him. You can easily tell that after the normal time on wednesday and the way he reacted after EVDS save not forgetting his post match interview.
If the boy thinks Real is a step forward than being at United, let’s not waste our time as we have alot of problems to solve at the club. SAF take the 100mil and bring Dinho. He still has atleast three years of top class football in him, its just the Barca cunts who couldnt make use of him.
May 24th, 2008 at 16:10
Yeah sooner or later we are going to have to take the money and rebuild. Any other player who kept talking about their “future in Spain” as much as he does would be kicked out of the door. Players leave United when they are past their prime and have nothing more to offer the club. We are not a selling club.
If only Real Madrid had beaten Roma, so we could have played them in the quarters and taken revenge on the pitch!
May 24th, 2008 at 16:29
The troubles with Ronaldo. Makes for a good soap opera to challenge any of the American shows as well as East Enders and of course Footballers Wives. Or should I say Footballers Girlfriends. I’m still adamant that this has more to do with the Madrid based slut the boys been dating than with Real themselves. I think she’s got her hooks in to him and he’s feeling her touch every night whether live or on the phone. Real are just taking advantage of the situation as they see a major win fall out of this charade.
Honestly, it can’t be about money, can it? The boy signed a contract last year. Secondly, what the Hell is wrong with Europe and it’s labor laws that doesn’t put more legal power behind the sanctity of a contract. This would not be tolerated in North America. If you had no intention of staying until 2012, then why the Hell did you sign the contract? Something has happened since that day you signed to have changed your opinion on whether to stay in Manchester or or not. So what is it? It’s funny that the only significant change to occur in Ronaldo’s life since then has been the introduction of this Spanish Medusa. Sorry to go on about this but I really believe in my heart of hearts that this has nothing to do with football, money or life in Manchester. This is about immaturity and blind love. Ronny you stupid ponse. If she loves you she’ll move to the moon for you. It’s your money and status she is after. The gold digger wants to have her cake and eat it too.
Honestly, I think his dishonesty and contradicting statements to the media is designed to force Fergie’s hand. I think he himself is lacking the guts to come out and say to Fergie “Hey Boss, I want out. I want you to sell me to Madrid”. I think Ronaldo is desperate to go but he’s afraid of offending Fergie who he loves and respects. But all boys eventually leave the security of their home for what they deem to be the great adventure. For Ronaldo, he wants to do it a second time in his life. The first was actually leaving his home to join Sporting Lisbon. Once that was done going to United wasn’t as big a step. Now he wants to leave the home he supposedly loves with all his friends. United have bent over backwards to accommodate him as a person and as a player. They even loaded the roster with players who were from the same country or who spoke the same tongue. This should have made him even happier and content. Instead he wants to bolt. WHY? WHY? WHY? I refuse to believe it is money. This kid grew up idolizing Benfica as a child. What does the chaos of Real Madrid offer Ronaldo? The La Liga title? Big Whoopie! Their league isn’t even the best anymore. All they want from him is a licensing deal to sell as many bland white Real jersey’s with his number and name on it. You think he would have learned from watching the way His #7 wearing predecessor at United was used and abused at Real. And boy what a step up in your growth as a player Ronny. From Fergie to Bernd Schuster. That’s like choosing an LA street whore over Elizabeth Hurley. If you bolt to Madrid, consider your growth as a player officially halted. Grow up already Ronny. Having talent is one thing. Acting like a man and honoring your team and your contract is the most important thing you can do as a footballer. You are a gifted player Ronaldo, but never forget that before Fergie got a hold of you, you were nothing more than a show pony. Don’t let a piece of tail and a corporate whore like Real ruin everything you have built. In your life there will many more woman who try to put their claws in to you. Show the strength to fight it off until you are mature and ready to realize when the right one comes around. I wished I had done that.
May 24th, 2008 at 16:36
Jay Jay; I’ve read several sources that state the night life and taking of drugs is at the core of what is wrong with Ronaldinho. Can you say MARADONA? I wouldn’t touch him for all the tea in China. It’s never good to live in the past. Ronaldinho is yesterday’s news.
DAN; Sometimes you amaze me mate. Honestly, the answer to our problems if we lose Ronaldo is Campbell. Frakken Unbelievable!
May 24th, 2008 at 16:40
Nagraj; You should know better than to force Red Ranter’s hand. That was just plain dumb mate.
May 24th, 2008 at 16:41
let him go. with the kind of money being talked about we can add huntelaar or berbatov or eto’o to the squad and with robinho possibly moving the other way, the risks are minimal. rooney and tevez will benefit from a summer of rest and be back fresher and hopefully more potent.
i doubt realistically that we’ll win the champions league next year. next, let’s get even with liverpool on titles next year!!! and look to win europe in 2-3 years from now. of course, as always SAF knows best.
May 24th, 2008 at 16:47
Like many fans my patience is running out with Ronaldo … I think United should fix a price and put him on the transfer market and lets see if Madrid really have the money …. if no one meets the price they should cut his wages .. United should not let him hold the club at ransom ….we don’t need anyone who doesn’t want to stay … the club goes on .. bigger and better than before as it has shown time and again after big name players left …
May 24th, 2008 at 17:14
soccerfanbase: To avoid any problems and to get the info you want I would recommend making an inquiry using the contact tab on the top of the page. For the record this comment is meant to be helpful.
May 24th, 2008 at 17:18
Nah, I don’t think Ronaldo reallly wants to leave..it’s there at the back of him mind, but I don’t think he’ll leave in the next 2-3 years..maybe after. What he’s doing right now is just gorging in and enjoying all the attention he’s getting and perhaps trying to get a better contract. He thinks he is the best in the world - I’m sure he think he deserves the best package in the world too.
May 24th, 2008 at 17:23
I’m absolutely sick and tired of the newspapers and all other media worldwide being full everyday with talk of Ronaldo!. He’s not Manchester United, but he has become the main and only focus of our club. We have other very good/great players, but we are fed only a diet every day of Ronnie. Every time he opens his mouth, I hear his agent speaking. He is just a commercial puppet, let’s not forget this!. As Keano said to Stam and others who were chucked out of our club, we are just cash cows mate, pieces of commercial MEAT. Yet if a player is DIEHARD united, I think they DIG IN, and say, whoever comes in, I am not going anywhere. DOUBLE TONGUED Ronnie doesn’t do this. He is being pulled every which way, yet if something is embeddied deep in our heart, nothing can shift us. Like I have tried to say on this forum a few times before, Ronnie doesn’t cut and bleed Man United. He isn’t Man Utd solid. He isn’t Man Utd massive. Nothing will change my thinking on that - Sorry Ron fans!.
May 24th, 2008 at 17:33
Ronaldo is not the sort of player who would develop a bond with the club. Hard too keep such players happy always. Staying at United would be the best for him. And he would surely leave a big hole if he goes. I wouldn’t mind though.
May 24th, 2008 at 17:34
grognard, in no way did i say that campbell is the answer to us selling ronaldo, read again, that was a totally different subject and thats why i separated the to, im a fan of youth and development but do you really think i would say something like that?
May 24th, 2008 at 17:35
I think Ronaldo is giving contradicting answers to get himself a better contract on the say so of his agent, but he should act more professional and avoid such stupidity. Along the way he is or has gotten tempted by a move to Madrid, but I believe he will stay in Manchester for next season. At the end of the day he has a contract to honor and although as a club we don’t hang on to players who don’t want to stay, he is at the top of his game, is still improving as a player and would be a big loss. Even if we sell him for £100+m Madrid will make that back in revenue from merchandise sales off Ronaldo’s name in no time.
Apparently Real Madrid now have a top of the range Audi Club Car waiting for Ronaldo according to the troublesome Spanish Marca newspaper Link to article.
May 24th, 2008 at 17:50
Dan; What did you think of Campbell over the course of the play-offs?
May 24th, 2008 at 18:30
conor, i think he’s a lively player, always a threat, he is more mature then a lot of players his age(he could gone for glory himself but played that beautiful ball to windass instead) but does need a bit of directing, and who better then saf? also, as the game went on, he did look tired and kept pulling cramp, but he had been running all match, he’s got a lot of pace to burn as the commentator said. but the potential is their.
May 24th, 2008 at 18:30
anybody who read my posts last week will know my opinion on this debate, if he is genuinely looking for a move then United should sell for no less than 100 million euros and use the money on a top class striker, winger and right full back, coz as I stated last week, with a bit of careful recruitment and possibly a change in style we would be just fine if he left.
But having had a week to reflect on this and reading between the lines to find out what Ronaldo has said and how it has been spun Im beginging to think that he is pushing for an improved contract. Certain things that Ronaldo has said combined with what SAF said at his press conference yesterday make me think that the player and the Club are negotiating a new contract and that it will be announced in 2 weeks and only then will some of his comments be seen in the proper context. In one interview he said [i will sign next week] in another he said [my future will be decided in the next 2 weeks] and in most of these interviews He states that he is happy at the Club but someday he would like to play in Spain, which we all know anyway so the media have used these statements to create hysteria and make it look like He is on the verge of a move.
But its what he said 2 days ago that makes me think that a new contract is on the way when he said that [an announcement would be made in 2 weeks that would make both him and the club happy] and when you combine this with what SAF said about [how the top teams have to work hard hard to keep their top players at the club] and also that [Ronaldo will have an important decision to make when he is about 26] it makes me think SAF and the player have already spoken and that before the Euros Ronaldo will pen a new contract that will be announced shortly.
Ronaldos agents are maybe playing the game a bit here, but they would probably recognize what the boy has achieved at United and at 23 years of age He is still young enough to blow it all in a potentially wrisky move to Madrid were there is no guarantee that he will suceed. Everthing that he needs to suceed on and of the pitch already exists at United and he could play at OT for another 4 years and still be young enough at 27 to move to a big Club in Spain so my gut feeling is that a bit of new contract gamesmanship has been played here but in the end Ronny recognizes what he has at OT and that we will be seeing him there for the next 2 or 3 years at least.
May 24th, 2008 at 18:47
YES AV Grant got the sack! (predictable though) And Hleb is leaving Arsenal! And Liverpool won’t win the title next year! Things just can’t get any better at the moment can they??!
May 24th, 2008 at 18:52
chelsea suck, at this rate, it will be a 19 team league, because they where are only real threat and they are going to be in shambles next season, no one wants to play in a manager less team, no one wants to move to one. RA=evil.
Nikola Zigic, bloody hell he’s a giant, 6ft7 and a half!!, and he was prolific before moving to valencia…
May 24th, 2008 at 19:00
Fred: I disagree with you. You can’t sell Ronaldo and pretend to carry on as before. It’s no coincidence that when Ronaldo really started coming to the fore as a player in 06/07, after his World Cup hell, that was when the trophy laden glory days of yesteryear started coming back, culminating in our Double this season. Ronaldo has carried us at times this season and selling him off now would be a disaster and would see us being overtaken by Chelsea and Arsenal no doubt. But you’re right in the respect that he’ll stay for another year or two.
May 24th, 2008 at 19:13
i seem to remember SAF had placed no goal scoring bets with ronaldo this season unlike last year (according to tabloids again). But he seemed to have said that he will give ronaldo a payrise if he would score 40 goals this season!!!
May 24th, 2008 at 19:17
[nagraj]
How much more clear should I make the comments policy? Extremely stupid thing to say when it doesn’t concern you in the least bit.
[soccerfanbase]
You ought to read the comments policy before attempting to request link exchanges in the comments. And don’t respond to this here.
May 24th, 2008 at 19:21
Healthy self doubting from the champions’ fans. I like this attitude. We can’t survive sans Ronaldo…jeez. Wake up and smell the coffee. It wasn’t Ronaldo alone that made the team. It definitely wasn’t Ronaldo who shut down Barcelona. And it wasn’t Ronaldo’s typical dribbling that got us the goals at the final. We can live without him. It will be a lot tougher, but the team can adapt to that. Believe me, if Ronny gets too big for his shoes, Ferg might kick another superbly placed boot somewhere to the right of his temple, and that will be that.
But that is the worst case, and it shouldn’t happen for as long as possible.
May 24th, 2008 at 19:27
[k9]
We will bounce back, surely. But not next season. At least we won’t jump off the blocks firing on all cylinders. We need him to stay one season because it will give the club management some breathing space to plan for his departure.
May 24th, 2008 at 19:28
ok, im not trying to tell FC to do his job, but what the fuck is he playing at? link, robert green, shay given, robinson ben fucking foster, but no, he chooses joe lewis, fuck me.
May 24th, 2008 at 19:34
Nino, totally respect your opinion mate, but at the same time I totally disgree with it.
No man is bigger than the Club and its my opinion that United would be just fine if Ronaldo was to leave. Grognard and myself had a healthy and constructive debate on this on the 18th on this site and I gave the resons for my optimism then so forgive me for not wanting to retype my comments here again coz being a newcomer to the land of computers and blogging what would take you 5 mins to write, takes me an hour.
May 24th, 2008 at 19:47
RedRanter, I agree that having to replace Ronaldo and and maintain our current level of success would not be easy and not the ideal scenario, but I believe that SAF is laying firm foundations and that Ronaldos departure wouldnt be the cataclysmic event that some of our fans are predicting, although I do agree with you that holding on to him for at least another year would allow some of the rebuilding work that SAF has been and still is doing to stabilise the Club and make his departure less of a blow whenever it happens.
May 24th, 2008 at 20:04
This is just an opinion, but I hope Chelsea do not fall apart next season. I don’t think they will, but it’s good to have this title challenge for United. God forbid if Chelsea go missing, that’s one less team that could take points off of the scousers next season. I don’t want to give them anymore more room then they had last season. We still need a few more seasons to overtake them in the trophy department, so I wouldn’t want Arsenal and Chelsea to go missin. I’d much rather have them as title contenders then the dippers.
May 24th, 2008 at 20:04
whoops, in my rage i forgot shay given is irish…
May 24th, 2008 at 20:07
NINO; Your celebration may be premature. AV Grant may have got the sack but what would you say if the next manager of Chelski was to be none other than Jose Mourinho? Honestly, I think Abramovich is going to shock the football world by hiring back the Special One. Just a gut feeling based on the fact i have read numerous articles stating that the two had made up, that they keep in touch and that they have repaired their relationship thanks to Abramovich realizing he may have been hasty. I also read that he bought Mourinho a priceless Ferrari after the Carling Cup Final. This would also go a long way in explaining two things. Why Mourinho hasn’t accepted other job offers and why he is still very positive in his words about Chelsea players and their owner. But he never holds back in his contempt for Grant having called him a loser. Now how would we all like to see Mourinho back as manager of Chelsea? I for one am horrified by the prospect. Food for thought.
May 24th, 2008 at 20:08
Dan; Perhaps Capello knows more about football than you. Is that a possibility?
May 24th, 2008 at 20:09
ronaldo is staying he just has to sound fickle to put pressure on united. He likes united and he know he can go to Madrid in 3-4 years. He is driven by personal accolades and I’m sure fergie will encourage him to stay until he has cemented his legacy as united best ever player. Then he will go to Madrid and fergie will retire.
May 24th, 2008 at 20:11
Check out Ronaldos latest statements, apparently made yesterday and I think you will agree with my above post that He is neotiating a new contract with united that will be finalised over the next 2 weeks. The following was taken from a football site and I have simply pasted it here, see what you think.
[The 23-year-old stated yesterday that, despite Real Madrid's reported interest, he had not received an offer from the Spanish capital club. He further added that updated news over his future would be released in just a couple of weeks.
However, Ronaldo has now made his intentions crystal clear after admitting that he is eyeing a move to Santiago Bernabéu.
“I have a dream to play for Madrid. You also have dreams, no? Well, this is my dream,” he stated to Portuguese television.
Contract Speculation
However, he also offered a somewhat veiled commitment to the Old Trafford side.
He continued, “My contract is with Manchester United and is with them that I must talk.
“My deal could have some additions to it in the next two weeks, but I’ve signed nothing with Madrid.”
Although I dont like the dream to play for Madrid bit in reality we already new this, but I think you can see in his statements and also from SAFs comments yesterday, that his short to mid term future lies at OT but under a new contract.
Hopefully in 2 weeks when it is made publc, all this nonsense will stop for while.
May 24th, 2008 at 20:19
k9: Yes you’re right, Ronaldo alone does not make the team. No question about that. But take him away and you are taking away a substantial amount of goals (42 out of the 100 goals we have scored this season - just from one player!) and most of our attacking play goes through him anyway. You can’t deny the fact that we would NOT have won the Prem without his goals against the lesser lights of the league (with Rooney/Tevez and Hargo/Anderson taking care of the business against the ‘big’ teams if you like). And in the instances when he is not effective, like in the CL as you say, through the man-marking the opposition deploys on him he creates space for his team-mates to get into, so you could say that he is passively, rather than actively, being effective, which is a double threat.
Fred: No problem mate. You can read what I wrote above (in response to k9) to see why I defend Ronaldo’s current importance to the team, but let’s just leave it at that if we aren’t going to agree. Though the point I was trying to make (apologies if it wasn’t clear) was that it’s impossible to replace him right now. We need a minimum of one season, like RR says, to plan ahead for his eventual departure, though I really hope he sticks around for another 2-3 years at least.
May 24th, 2008 at 20:28
Nino, as I said to RR in the above post keeping Ronaldo for at least another year would definatley be a massive plus for the Club, no matter what the future holds.
May 24th, 2008 at 20:31
Sathya says - Post 22, Doubt that we’ll win the Champions League again next year !. Errr why is that then Sathya?. We got the taste for it now. As Hargo said to the players before the penalty shoot out in CL final - PICTURE IT LADS, and BELIEVE!.
King says - Post 3 - We have just won European cup, retained our title in PL, the structures are in place to achieve more success in Europe, United fans and the club LOVE Christiano. And you think Ronaldo cares about all that WHY Kings????.
May 24th, 2008 at 20:32
HIS MOTHER
As much of his persona has to do with flair, all I hear him speak of is the team and his part to play in it. I’m sure Fergie and the veterans have taught him some humility since joining the club. It makes me wonder how much of the Real Madrid Dream belongs to his mother. There’s no doubt that he seems torn between his options. But I think there may be some underlying conflict between making his mother happy and his own happiness. Everytime I hear of his mother it’s always a negative voice towards United and pleading with him to join her team. I wish this question were posed to him in an interview. I’m interested in what he wants and what his mother wants. This ought to be brought out in the open.
May 24th, 2008 at 20:36
The stakes are very high here. It’s not just about a transfer of a football player. I believe that if he left, the squad would find its way and deliver the goods but think about the other areas, and I’m not talking about t-shirt sales (we don’t need specific players to sell t-shirts, people buy the t-shirts for the United crest).
Think about the kids supporting United because of him (I’ve seen it happen, even here in Greece), think about the huge income that pathetic team from Madrid would generate, think about our reputation (a club that sells their best player doesn’t project a positive image).
And to those that blast the guy, keep in mind that he may still be a United player next year.
May 24th, 2008 at 20:46
Grognard: No chance in hell of that wanker coming back!! You seem to forget that Roman craves exciting, exhilarating, dynamic edge-of-your-seat attacking football and that was the reason why that fruitcake got fired in the first place. You just watch this space: Frank Rijkaard will link up with Ten Cate at Chelsea next season, though I’ll eat my hat if your theory is proved correct!
Fred: Sorry didn’t see those posts from you. You must have typed them while I was writing my response.
May 24th, 2008 at 20:46
James f, thats exactly what I think he is negotiating with United, his image rights. If they can reach agreement over that then he will be at OT next season and probably beyond.
But I will tell you this for nothing. I dont like the idea of any player no matter how good or important he is holding United to ransom. A dangerous precident could be set by indulging Ronaldo and I for one dont like it. This whole Ronaldo thing is starting to leave a bad taste in my mouth and call me old fashioned or not living in the real world or whatever, but I expect a bit more public loyalty and stated appreciation for United from Ronaldo and the longer he doesnt say it the more I could really start to dislike him.
New contract or not, the fans, the manager and everybody at the club deserves better from Ronaldo but I wont hold my breath waiting for it.
May 24th, 2008 at 20:55
another ronaldo interview , like 5 min old i think here it is
http://www.eecho.ie/news/story/?trs=mhgbmhmhgboj
May 24th, 2008 at 20:56
Exactly Fred. The only one who has the right to hold United to ransom is Sir Alex Ferguson (ok, he’s not a player). Not that he would ever do such a thing, of course. David Beckham was the last one who probably tried to do something like this and he ended up at MLS.
May 24th, 2008 at 20:57
ronaldos agent is giving him advice i beleive that he wants a further pay rise and is using “empty threats” to get it, i dont think he will go next season to state a quote he said that “he will definitely be at united next season”. Check sky sports news if u dont beleive me. in conclusion i beleive that he will be signing a further new contract extension in the coming weeks. May i also add that many football journalists, pundidts and former players have said that they also beleive he will stay at united for the rest of his career if not a long part of it. “he would be mad to go” as david platt has said also on skysports news. So guys dont worry we will be united with or without ronaldo
May 24th, 2008 at 21:02
Dan I feel your rage too. I feel so puzzled as to why Green is constantly overlooked in the England squad. How many people would choose Joe Lewis over Green in their team? Green has done a fantastic job at West Ham this year and if it werent for him they would of conceded so many more goals and probably been further down the table. I’m not saying he should be England number 1 but why on earth does he not got any sort of a chance to represent England
On the Ronaldo topic, I think if he left I would love it if he went to Barca just so Madrid couldnt have him
May 24th, 2008 at 21:09
james f, the difference between SAF and Ronaldo is that SAF is a man of the people who has not forgotten his roots. Now I dont know enough about Ronaldo to make a dogmatic comparison, but he strikes me as being self obsessed and someone who would benefit from a period working down in the shipyard in Glasgow like SAF did all those years ago.
A lot of these modern day players have no sense of the common man and the real world and its struggles and I personally find some of their attitudes disgusting
May 24th, 2008 at 21:49
grognard, i dont wont to disrespect FC, but picking a 20 year old league 2/1 keeper over experienced top flight keepers is just plain stupid in my opinion.
May 24th, 2008 at 22:41
Dan; When you achieve what Fabio Capello has achieved in the game, then and only then can you call a legendary manager stupid. I think he is a much better judge of talent than you are and nearly every player that has ever played the game in England started a division or two below the Prem. That doesn’t mean the lad is bad. It means that he just hasn’t arrived yet. After Capello turns the England program around and they are one of the favorites to lift the World Cup, I wonder if you will eat a little humble pie. Capello is a bloody genius in tactics and talent evaluation.
May 24th, 2008 at 22:46
It’s really getting ridiculous. £150 million for a player. Bah. Well, not saying that Ronaldo doesn’t worth that much but seriously ever since Roman bought Chelsea, he bought players at such ridiculous prices. This affected the entire transfer market where the players’ prices are inflated by God know how many folds like Carrick (I like Carrick but I don’t think he actually worth that much), Pepe and SHEVA. If and a big if Ronaldo were sold at that price….. man, I cannot imagine how much Benzema would cost us then.
May 24th, 2008 at 22:50
NINO; Don’t brush the possibility off so easily. Roman has learned from his mistakes and I think he now sees that playing the style he wants isn’t practical nor is it successful. Certainly United didn’t light up the CL in the knockout stage with offensive and entertaining football. They did what they needed to do to win. This is what Mourinho has always done and I think RA has seen the light. I think his return is at 50/50. Abramovich also wants to create stability in a team that wants to break apart at the seams. What better way to keep Drogba, Carvalho, Essien, Lampard etc than to bring back their hero. Otherwise the team will be in total chaos and may miss the window to sign a lot of players because Guus Hiddink won’t be available until after the EURO’s. If he chooses Rijkaard he needs to do it immediately before the player exodus. This will not be easy unless he hires back Mourinho and promises him a strong transfer kitty and a hands off approach from the owners box.
The fans of Chelski are in turmoil and certainly the sacking of Grant will cause even more chaos around Stamford Bridge than is needed. No player worth his price in brains will want to sign with a team that is so unsettled. A state of calm is needed and right now only one person can give them that calm. I will be more surprised if Mourinho is not hired back to be honest with you.
May 24th, 2008 at 23:04
no grognard, i dont remember anyone from the last starting line-up that played in “a division or two below the Prem”, if you think that FC is a much better judge of talent then me then so be it, but i know that every manager does things that make you say hang on a minute, which ever way you put it, this is stupid, tell me grognard, if you where the manager of a national team, and that national team has bad press, would you, and be serious, would you really put a league 2, unknown 20 year old keeper in your national squad(not that being unknown is bad)? no you wouldn’t, would you put that 20 year old inexperienced keeper ahead of the keepers in the top flight with experience and have a real credible claim to be your nations number 1, its disrespectful to those keepers to know that a child is getting a chance before them.
if this joe lewis is so good why dont we have him, why haven’t we been linked with him, surely ferguson or someone from the ferguson clan would of seen him play a few times, as SAFS son is his manager? surely if he was so good, darren ferguson would of alerted his father to take a look, which ever way you put it, this is stupid, S-T-U-P-I-D.
May 24th, 2008 at 23:07
im dying for some transfer gossip other then ronaldo to real madrid….
anyone got news on who might be coming IN to man utd? thats whats most interesting, in my opinion;)
May 24th, 2008 at 23:21
how about end of year ratings red ranter ?
May 24th, 2008 at 23:24
SAF: “Ryan, because he is such a slim lad, could play until he is 38. And that would be at Manchester United.”
Please, oh please, nnooooo!!!!!
Sorry, off subject but I had to post this…
May 24th, 2008 at 23:27
wink, i have it from an extremely reliable source that, united will announce the signing of aaron ramsey tomorrow, and some time during the next 2 weeks we will announce a 12 mil deal for huntelaar with saha going the other way permanently. you heard it here first
sourece:my brain lol.
May 24th, 2008 at 23:30
Grognard: OK I thought you were a bit doolally when you posted your initial comment about the so called ‘Chosen One’ or whatever he calls himself these days, but now you have explained your reasoning behind your theory a little better, it kind of makes more sense. But still, even if Roman has finally seen the light, what of Mourinho himself? The guy has an unbelievably humongous ego which I doubt has recovered from what happened last year; so the question is, would HE be willing to forgive and forget and come back to Stamford Bridge? How does he know the same i.e. clash of personality and wills with the owner (followed by subsequent P45), won’t happen to him again? Say what you want about the arrogant little prick, but he’s no mug.
Hypothetically if he were to go back, like you say, it would be only to take care of unfinished business i.e. winning the Champion’s League. But that won’t happen for another good few years in my opinion. He will prove himself in Italy in the meantime, as no doubt there will be a ready made vacancy for him at either/both of the Milan clubs and perhaps maybe Juventus this summer. But you can never say never in the crazy world of football, so we shall see what happens in due time…
May 24th, 2008 at 23:40
Nico: Agreed with you mate. For the life of me, I just cannot imagine a 38-year old winger playing in and influencing a Premier League match. Never mind Maldini, playing in the Serie A which was specifically designed for OAPS. Or even Sheringham, a striker, who was reduced to just being brought off the bench to score from penalties at 41. Giggsy, sincere thanks for everything you’ve contributed to the United cause since ‘91, but retire while you still have dignity please. Preferably at the end of next season after a final hurrah. Cheers!
May 24th, 2008 at 23:50
[Grognard]
There’s no need for comparing Dan to Fabio Capello. We’ve all questioned SAF for his team selections and I’m sure you remember the numerous number of times you and many others have screamed to our hearts content about our gaffer — do you all think for a moment that you are better placed than SAF? But we all are allowed to rant about it, so please drop the bit about comparing Dan or anyone with Capello or Ferguson or even Benitez. We are all entitled to think that Capello or even Benitez is stupid.
Especially this line that you say:
When you achieve what Fabio Capello has achieved in the game, then and only then can you call a legendary manager stupid.
If that were the case, we are all guilty and have no business ranting about football managers and questioning them on every frikkin team selection.
But no we don’t. Because we are entitled to opinions. So don’t bring that line of telling us when we deserve to tell managers that they are wrong, because we don’t deserve to even call McClaren stupid according to that argument. We are all armchair critics at the end of the day.
May 24th, 2008 at 23:52
I think ronaldo will sign a new contract with ‘additions’ like a huge buy out clause in the region of 200 mil.
BTW, If ronaldo does go to madrid, they wont be able to sell shirts with his preferred numbers
7 is rauls and 17 is none other than his old ‘friend’ RVN…. Lol
May 25th, 2008 at 1:51
RR; Fair point. I’m not even going to bother to argue because there is no point and you are correct.
My back pain is making me a little temperamental today. Sorry Dan!
NINO; You are probably not familiar with the saga and ridiculous on again and off again relationship between the owner of the NY Yankees George Steinbrenner and his manager the late Billy Martin. During the late 70’s and up to the late 80’s Steinbrenner had the most annoying and outrageous relationship in all sports. During a span of 9 years Steinbrenner fired Billy 6 times only to hire him back 5 times. It was a joke but the media had a field day with it. The fans loved Billy so it was always a popular move to re hire him. Steinbrenner was the antichrist of all sports owners. He makes Abramovich look like Mother Goose. He was cantankerous, egotistical, opinionated and demanded that his managers play specific player that George bought. People loved to hate him but Yankees fans still appreciated him because he wanted to win and because he tried. And despite everything, he was very close to Billy Martin. Nevertheless, his insecurity and complete lack of knowledge about the intricacies of the game caused him to make mistake after mistake. This year he left the running the club to his son as he is very old and not well. He has owned the Yankees now for almost 35 years. Managers have all been on a short leash but he did finally mellow in his old age because he kept Joe Torre as manager for 11 years.
The point to my long story (sorry about that) is that individuals can have a volatile relationship and yet have a respect and love for each other that keeps bringing them back for more. I think that Roman and Mourinho may be exactly like that because the personalities are so close to Steinbrenner and Martin. Both egomaniacs who are control freaks but who look for acceptance from each other too. You never know NINO, it’s happened before. I smell a disgusting kiss and make up session at Stamford Bridge. Seriously, I hope I am very wrong on this but my gut is telling me otherwise. The thought of Mourinho as General to those troops again sends shivers down my spine. Love him or hate him he knows how to win and he has Fergie’s number.
May 25th, 2008 at 6:30
“I won’t be managing here any more than three years at the very, very most. Without question. I can assure you of that.” Sir Alex Ferguson
So this is it, then. That’ll be the saddest day in United’s history, after Munich 1958. Enjoy it while it lasts, lads.
May 25th, 2008 at 8:08
if ur source is correct, dan, i would be oh so happy… haha
May 25th, 2008 at 9:26
I am really so sick of this ronaldo business now. I think he is using the press very intelligently (as he doesnt have the bottle to talk straightaway to gaffer - Fergie will order him to play for reserves rather than sell him!!!) I think utd are building towards something very exciting for future and if ronaldo doesnt want to be part of that then we should just cash on him this year itself as we can get maximum for him this year! I’ll gladly take 64m + robinho for him and use the cash to buy some other top player (maybe huntelaar or berbatov or why not Kaka! he also wants to play in Premiership and has indicated utd as his fav team. with ACM not in UCL next year he might be interested in a move here). We shud only have players who are proud to wear club colors here. We beat a pretty strong Arsenal side easily without him (in FA cup) so we can cope without him.
May 25th, 2008 at 10:41
and moreeee rumors
http://goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=709900
May 25th, 2008 at 11:54
Dan:
I think we should be congratulating Joe Lewis on getting a call up, he had a fantastic season in their promotion and Capello has recognised that. We are crying out for quality youngsters and with this being a friendly its a good chance for him to see what he’s like in training and give him some experience being involved with England. He wont play, he will be 3rd choice but in 3/4 years time he might just be up there with the best in the country and Capello is thinking long term aswell as fixing the short term. Players like Robinson, Green have had long hard seasons and have prob already booked their holidays - Capello obviously thought it better to give someone experience rather than make one of the more experienced players cancel their holiday and sit in the stands.
Give talented young english players more exposure I say, maybe just maybe this will make big teams notice his talent and then we can have another quality english keeper in the top flight rather than an average foreigner on stupid wages.
May 25th, 2008 at 15:56
Ryan; Very good point mate. Totally agree with you regarding Joe Lewis.
May 25th, 2008 at 16:54
In defence of Capello, Robert Green apparently has charity commitments at the time of the friendlies and wouldn’t have been available for selection.
May 26th, 2008 at 10:29
Hmmmm - according to Marca (Real’s official newspaper), United have said, it will take 35 miilion, Robhino, Serge Ranos and Moh Diarra for Ronaldo. So no idea how much truth there is in the report, but Real have said, that United just priced him out of the market. Because the money and players we are asking for, total’s 100 million in effect. The paper suggests that United have done this, to get Real off our backs. So is it true, or fabrication. I think it’s paper make believe. But who knows what’s going on????
May 26th, 2008 at 11:16
Craig; most definitely just fabrication. Anything that comes out of Marca is just not true.
May 26th, 2008 at 20:35
i wish what’s being reported in marca is true. though a triple swap including 50m for ronaldo sounds real good, its almost impossible but then again, impossible is nothing aye? i’d take sergio ramos, robinho and de la red or granero instead of diarra.
why not? sounds like the perfect deal.
ronaldo is currently one of the best, if not the best in the world this season. yeah he two out of the world seasons, but if you put a winger in a strikers position im sure you’re gna get more goals outta them. like many others out there who’ve said ronaldo cant be classified as a midfielder anymore. a winger? maybe. but he has definitely been playing more of a central striker role this season.
Sergio Ramos
now, we’ve been hearing time and again about united chasing micah richards as gary’s long term replacement. if we do get this deal which i doubt 101% it’ll get concrete, we’ll be getting a superb player. ramos is a way better right/center back than richards though he losses out in strength. yeah they both have their slippery moments but ramos has way better ability on and off the ball which hes developed over the past 3 seasons, has great positioning and he’s been brilliant at running down the right flank where he’s been used this season. be it making opposition defenders look stupid expressing superb footwork with calmness and class, swinging crosses in, attacking corners etc.. he has it all. i rate him on the same level as dani alves, if not better. and he does the ronaldo heel chop pretty nicely too so we wouldnt miss that move if ronaldo does go somehow
Robinho
I’ve always rated this samba boy quite highly though he hasnt quite lived up to the expectations he carried with him till recently. some say ronaldo is the stepover king, but those who’ve said that havent seen the brazilian star at work. his trademark pedalada owns every other stepovers that players try, and the best thing is he does it with so much ease and flair defenders get themselves tricked most of the time. okay so we cant say robinho will be able to give us what ronaldo did, afterall every player is different so we cant expect another ronaldo. even nani cant and never will be the new ronaldo. so what does robinho give? at his best, we’ll get what he did at the beginning of the season in laliga. always a joy to watch, plays clever passes with teammates, gets into the box and has a good eye for goal. and thats we’ll need next season, players who take on defenders with slick tricks in the bag to pull out when needed.
De la Red / Esteban Granero
Both products of the Real Madrid youth academy, their chances in the team were limited till they went out to getafe on loan this season and showed what they could do. de la red plays more of an attacking midfield role, while granero is a holding midfielder with a eye for passes. i’ve watched them on a number of occasions this season and i’ve to say de la red has impressed many though hes been forced to play a deeper role due to his team mates picking up injuries. he’s been called up to his national side for the euros and i hope to see more of him there. definitely one to look out for.
So without ronaldo, and with rooney and tevez not scoring at strikers rate who’s gna bring the goals if this deal really happen? my guess is SAF will use the 50m from this transfer and buy benzema/hunteelar/villa/eto’o. i doubt benzema will be moving this summer hence it pretty much looks like its either gna be the hunter or the villian cause eto’s attitude doesnt quite fit in with the current squad. and hopefully whichever striker that comes does the job and bag the goals.
so how does this sound? losing the current best player in the world in exchange for a young solid classy defender who’s gna be the best in the world in the next few years, a hot attacking midfield prospect, a world class wing forward and strikers who have proven themselves in their respective leagues and strike fear in defenders mind when mentioned.
yeah i know this’ll never happen, but.. what if?
May 27th, 2008 at 7:11
agree al nino.
i would take robinho ramos 50m for ronaldo (if ronaldo wants the move that is).
In case Ronaldo wants to stay and is happy here than I would take him instead.
But it all depends on ronaldo. he shud be kept only if he wants. else sell him and move forward. no one player makes a team and the proceeds from his sale can buy us some other world class players (Ibrahimovic or Huntelaar (though he is not world class yet) or Eto’o or Kaka etc)
May 27th, 2008 at 12:06
I would certainly love Ramos he is absolute top draw but not Robinho.
The Brazilian is not right for the premiership, he is too lightweight and would get kiched shitless, pardon my bluntness!!
He has not exactly been hit in Madrid either but I would love the goalkeeper, the best around in my book.
May 27th, 2008 at 14:41
An open letter to Ronaldo.
Dear Ronaldo,
At the outset, let me extend my deep gratitude on your outstanding service thus far to MUFC. The moments of sheer brilliance over the last few seasons are countless. You have, thus far, succeeded when everyone doubted you. You are a resilient fighter. You have wuthered numerous storms recently. You are an an unbelievable talent and you deserve all the credit in the world. So, I would like to reiterate MUFC’s debt to you.
Speaking of debt, Ronaldo, and I know very well you might agree with what I’m about to say, I think you also should be indebted whole heartdly to many a factor during your development as a professional football player at Old Trafford.
Firstly to MUFC. Yes, to the club that bought you when you were a young boy and nurtured you to what you are today. The club gave you your status today. Lets be honest, Ronaldo, if you were still at Sporting Lisbon, I really cannot invasige your stature today as it is now. Now, you still might have been able to be the outstanding player you are at another big club, but honestly I cannot see another setting capable enough to make you the best player in the world in the span of four years.
Secondly, to Sir Alex Ferguson. The man who single handedly protected you and defended you when you were public enemy number one as a result of Wayne Rooney’s sending off at the last World Cup. He picked you up when you most needed it. Sir Alex was so aware of the amount of heat he was going to recieve as a result of that, but instead he faced up to this challenge and embraced you. Now that, Ronaldo, is one hell of a debt.
Thirdly, to the supporters of this great club. You probably realise by now that you are fast becoming a legend with the fans at the mere age of 23. An incredible feat that only a hand full of stars have succeeded in attaining. And believe you me, Ronaldo, this is not something easy to attain.
Fourthly, to your fellow players. Never forget, nor deny, the tremendous amount of support every single player gave you. You would have never become the player you are today without your collegues on and off the pitch.
The list goes on and on Ronaldo. One thing is certain though and that is no one knows what the future holds, as you rightly said in many ocassions when asked about your possible transfer to Real Madrid. So, if you ever decide to go, Ronaldo, I hope from the bottom of my heart that you keep these few humble thoughts in your mind and heart too.
Ronaldo, I thought very hard on how to sum up this letter to you. I have squeezed every brain cell in that process. It took me at least two MINUTES. So instead of wishing you well at a new club if you ever decide to move on, I am going to end with this:
Beckham, RVN, Heinze, are not missed at all.
Goodluck.
Sincerely,
One hell of a devoted Manchester United Football Club fan.
May 27th, 2008 at 17:08
Nawaf, great point mate. He is turning into a media whore unfortunatly, great player great season definatly.
We probably should cash him now while his stock is as high as it would get. If we could get three of four top players ideally one being Huntelaar then selling probably makes sense.
I loved watching him this season but I wuld rather see him go than Rooney. I think we are kidding ourselves if we truly believe he wants to stay, cash in and lets move on.
We are United not Liverpool, we have never been reliant on on player.