UNITED manager Sir Alex Ferguson has stated that the transfer saga involving Cristiano Ronaldo is “closed” and the winger will remain at the club.
The Portugal international is under contract at Old Trafford until 2012 but has been publicly courted by Spanish giants Real Madrid and the player appeared to be keen on a move.
Ferguson though insists that Ronaldo, who underwent ankle surgery earlier this summer and is not expected to return to action until October, will stay at Old Trafford.
He said on Sky Sports News: “The matter is closed now. He (Ronaldo) is a Manchester United player - it’s finished. He’ll be playing here next season believe me. It’s finished.”
Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has also hinted their pursuit of Ronaldo may now be brought to an end after he revealed new arrival Rafael van der Vaart is their only likely purchase this summer.
“Rafael van der Vaart is the first and possibly the only signing of the summer for Real Madrid,” Calderon said.
“We believe that this squad is full of quality, of plenty of talent. It’s a team which is a great family, very close.
“We said that the new arrivals would be few but of great quality. That seemed logical after two successful seasons in which we’ve brought in 19 young, promising players.
“This (the low number of signings) was a request of the board of directors.”
Van der Vaart himself was asked to comment on the possible arrival of United star Ronaldo, but was reluctant to respond.
“Ronaldo is a fantastic player, one of the best in the world,” he added.
“If he came it would be great, of course. But out of respect I can’t say anything more about this matter.”
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A Manc and blue (05/08/2008 at 14:49)
nealbreen (05/08/2008 at 14:54)
strange that...as i don't feel like that. maybe it is because this selfish pig of a player has shown nothing but dis-respect for our great club.
if he thought anything of us, he would have quashed all this at the very start and told the world in one single press conference what he wanted to do...but no, that would have taken him out of the spotlight, so instead we have had to put up with this boring and tedious saga all summer. instead of glowing with the pride of being european champions.
also, if he had respect, would he not have come back on Saturday to be at Ole's farewell game...that would have shown me that he is not all selfish.
but i suppose he is a busy man, after all sky sports news today reports he is in Lisbon, and that he is attending a Julio Igelias concert tonight!!!
Priorities Cristiano...a man of decency and morals...NOT!!
Alias Smith, over the moon (05/08/2008 at 15:01)
Cyprus Red, Cyprus (05/08/2008 at 15:04)
bobbydazzler (05/08/2008 at 15:13)
steve chew (05/08/2008 at 15:16)
warlock, Toronto (05/08/2008 at 15:26)
mufc4eva, champions (05/08/2008 at 15:28)
Ronnie id have sold you no worries,who do you think you are???? ill tell you a jumped up little selfish boy that needs to know the meaning of loyalty thats what,your not fit to lace up the other real legends boots (best,charlton,law ect ect.)
TMUF, Manchester (05/08/2008 at 15:32)
He plays for the club I support so will get my support!
A Manc and blue (05/08/2008 at 15:42)
brian meanwell (05/08/2008 at 15:47)
Roy (05/08/2008 at 16:21)
A year is a long time - maybe he will realise what he has at OT and how he is a central cog in potentially one of Utd's most exciting teams.
Is it so tedious continually winning things? If so, how does Ryan Giggs keep going?
Michio, County Louth (05/08/2008 at 16:22)
Red Mist, Pudsey (05/08/2008 at 16:30)
And I'm sure our friend Calderon will crank up the press again next season, so he'll go ultimately.
Seamus, Vanisle ,ex-Stretford (05/08/2008 at 16:37)
chris, oxford (05/08/2008 at 16:48)
nealbreen (05/08/2008 at 16:48)
you say it works both ways..ok, so tell me the players we have moved on and sold whilst showing them no respect and treating them like a piece of...
Ronaldo only cares for himself and his image..numero uno!!
i like you love this club but i cannot stand to see it being used as a stepping stone to self promotion and pleasure!!
i prefer loyalty and players who show respect for what this club and its shirt means.
Andy P, Wythenshawe, Manchester (05/08/2008 at 17:21)
the eyeballs in the sky (05/08/2008 at 17:33)
Ronaldo is going, why? because he wants to.
Fergo can rant and rave and show himself up all he wants but he should have been shown the door at the beginning of last season.
Utd fans can cry and wail all they want, the man wants out, he wants to leave.
Why don't you all just move on.
Red Fred (05/08/2008 at 17:49)
The exquisite truth that has emerged from this headline hounding, relentless cesspool of a Spanish Press Bazaar is that today it stands cast in stone that our illustrious club is, in fact, in the business of pursuing football excellence and not profits, or dare I say ‘headline’ earnings, as previously thought.
Ironically it is for this same reason that, despite the millions hanging over Ronaldo’s head in the shape of a giant, solid gold, Escudos coin halo, his departure from OT would be a throbbing kick for anyone in the immediate (and not so immediate) vicinity wearing a Red shirt. Even our neighbors across the blue will agree that goal scorers win games and games won bring trophies home, although they have never actually tested this theory for themselves in practice.
Sir Alex nurtures and protects the young talent. I have no doubt that Ronnie would be exposed like a tortilla in the sun, dropped on the sands of Ibiza the night before, once the hype and the party is over.
Despite this, it stands to contemplation that if pretty boys with exceptional talent and diamond earrings where the only folks to keep the trophy cabinet stacked with the spoils, the departure of Beckham would have meant no more shimmering, shining cup-shaped brag right because, lets face it, Beckham had all the above and more – he had a manageable hair as well.
Mrs Fullaway`s lodger (05/08/2008 at 18:44)
Before that he`ll teach him to learn to respect the club and the manager who made him, by making him run and do the dirty work for Rooney!
stevi, france (05/08/2008 at 19:59)
@ A Manc and blue.......' fergie out!' ....you talk like your team plays ...crap!! lol
SAF has been true to his word as always...
Dion, Everywhere, All The Time (05/08/2008 at 20:13)
bookie, droylsden (05/08/2008 at 20:44)
red4ever (05/08/2008 at 21:09)
I fervently hope it pans out just as you have put it.
Pretty boy has made full use of Fergie mismanaging Wazza, yes I just said it, the result is I having to listen to nincompoops calling Rooney a has been.
He is gonna set that right I suppose but I am suprised that whole world other than Lippi and Maradona and of course United fans think he is second rate.
That has hurt me more than the whole summer drama.Ronny will get my support when he stops abusing the love and affection United fans have showered him with. PERIOD.