Platini calm about Ronaldo pursuit
Uefa president Michel Platini says there is no reason to deter Real Madrid from pursuing Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese winger is in the middle of a transfer saga which is fast turning into a soap opera.
Manchester United have reported Real to Fifa, who have taken the view that the Spaniards have done nothing wrong – yet.
In recent days Real have attempted to turn the focus back on Ronaldo by urging him to seek a transfer.
Ronaldo is on holiday following Portugal's exit from Euro 2008 and it is likely there is plenty of mileage left in this saga.
Platini has been an interested observer in his role as European football’s kingpin and he can fully understand why Real are pushing to sign Ronaldo.
"Every club in the world would like to have Ronaldo,” said Platini.
"It's part of the system we have today. Players move from club to club and I can understand why Real Madrid want him.
"They had Di Stefano and Puskas in the past, and as Ronaldo is considered one of the best or the best player in the world it's normal.
"If the club has the finances they can do it, if they don't have the money they can't."
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Ferdinand hopeful on Ronaldo
Ferdinand hopeful on Ronaldo
Rio Ferdinand has called on Cristiano Ronaldo to remain at Manchester United and help the club achieve ‘great things’.
Ferdinand claims he is in the dark over the future of his team-mate and Real Madrid target Ronaldo, but admits he is monitoring the situation like a fan.
The England defender feels United can build on their Double success of last term and is keen for Ronaldo to progress his career at Old Trafford.
”It’s simple for me and the rest of the lads – we hope Ronnie stays,” Ferdinand told The Daily Mirror. “As well as being a United player, I’m a fan and my heart is with the club. So in that sense it’s obvious what I’m going to say.
”We all want him to stay – players and fans alike.
”But it’s up to Ronnie, the manager and the board. They decide what happens, we can’t get involved.”
United claimed Premier League and Champions League glory last term and are rightly classed as the top club in Europe. Ferdinand feels that if Sir Alex Ferguson retains his key players, The Red Devils can continue their domination.
”The most important thing is for this team and for this squad to stick together,” he added. “If we can do that and add to what we’ve got, then we’ve got a great chance of sustained success.
”In football these days you never know what’s around the corner. But if we can keep our best players and the core of the side, we can go on to great things.”
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Zidane tips Ronaldo for Real move
Zidane tips Ronaldo for Real move
France legend Zinedine Zidane believes Real Madrid will end up signing Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Spanish giants have made no secret of their desire to sign the 23-year-old Portuguese winger, despite United's insistence they will not sell.
"Every time Madrid want good players they get them," said former Real star Zidane, in Vienna for Euro 2008.
"He's had a great season, and he's a Champions League winner, and if he wants to play there, then he can."
Zidane cost £45.8m when he moved from Juventus to Real Madrid in 2001.
That fee remains a world record for a player, but the Frenchman, 36 on Monday, thinks Real Madrid could possibly have to spend more than that to land Ronaldo.
And he said he would be happy to no longer be the world's most expensive footballer.
"If he goes to Madrid, it will be a big amount, but Madrid is ready to pay far more than they paid for me," said Zidane.
"This will actually lift a weight from my shoulders. Hopefully they will pay more for Ronaldo than they did for me."
Zidane, who retired from international football after the 2006 World Cup, said that he had been impressed with Russia's Andrei Arshavin during Euro 2008 so far.
"When you see their number 10 it is great," Zidane said.
"What he does at this stage is more difficult than a World Cup because it's the first big tournament he has played in.
"I was very happy to see that type of football played. He has great feet."
Zidane, who was in Vienna with manufacturers Adidas for a coaching clinic for children, confirmed that he wants to return to football but stressed that he had no imminent plans to do so.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Ronaldo not a done deal - Calderon
Ronaldo not a done deal - Calderon
Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has issued a note of caution as the club continue their pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Spanish giants are eager to land the Portuguese winger and have been buoyed by Ronaldo’s assertion that he wants to join Real.
Manchester United are determined to fend off interest in their star man and Calderon is aware that The Red Devils will have the final say.
"As we have already said many times, it is a problem between Manchester United and the player," Calderon AS.
"If the two resolve this situation and Manchester United want to call us then we will be happy and delighted with them because Cristiano is a great player.
"We can't say anything more, we only talk about our own footballers and Cristiano is Manchester United's.
"If the kid keeps himself in that strong position, the step he has taken could be key.”
Calderon cautious over Ron
Calderon cautious over Ron
Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon refused to be drawn on Cristiano Ronaldo's latest admission he wants to join the Spanish champions.
Real have often expressed their desire to lure the Manchester United winger to the Bernabeu and despite United insisting he is not for sale, Ronaldo's declarations following Portugal's Euro 2008 exit could mean a move is on the cards.
However, while admitting it would be a great coup to land the Portugal star, Calderon insisted the transfer is far from a done deal.
"As we have already said many times, it is a problem between Manchester United and the player," Calderon told Spanish sports daily AS.
"If the two resolve this situation and Manchester United want to call us then we will be happy and delighted with them because Cristiano is a great player.
"We can't say anything more, we only talk about our own footballers and Cristiano is Manchester United's."
However, Calderon did admit Ronaldo's comments, in which he signalled his intention to "take advantage of a great opportunity", may have swung the pendulum in Real's favour.
"If the kid keeps himself in that strong position, the step he has taken could be key," added the Real chief.
Real are reportedly set to offer United a world record 100million euros (£79million) for the player or 80million (63.2million) plus Holland midfielder Wesley Sneijder.
Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon refused to be drawn on Cristiano Ronaldo's latest admission he wants to join the Spanish champions.
Real have often expressed their desire to lure the Manchester United winger to the Bernabeu and despite United insisting he is not for sale, Ronaldo's declarations following Portugal's Euro 2008 exit could mean a move is on the cards.
However, while admitting it would be a great coup to land the Portugal star, Calderon insisted the transfer is far from a done deal.
"As we have already said many times, it is a problem between Manchester United and the player," Calderon told Spanish sports daily AS.
"If the two resolve this situation and Manchester United want to call us then we will be happy and delighted with them because Cristiano is a great player.
"We can't say anything more, we only talk about our own footballers and Cristiano is Manchester United's."
However, Calderon did admit Ronaldo's comments, in which he signalled his intention to "take advantage of a great opportunity", may have swung the pendulum in Real's favour.
"If the kid keeps himself in that strong position, the step he has taken could be key," added the Real chief.
Real are reportedly set to offer United a world record 100million euros (£79million) for the player or 80million (63.2million) plus Holland midfielder Wesley Sneijder.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Germany have Ronaldo plan
Germany have Ronaldo plan
Germany hope their plan to stop Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo in Thursday's Euro 2008 quarter-final does not backfire.
Joachim Low's side, who have progressed to the last eight of the European Championships for the first time since 1996, know their chances of reaching the semi-finals depend on whether they can stop the Manchester United star.
"We have a special plan but I cannot reveal anything," said Germany team general manager Oliver Bierhoff.
Ronaldo, who won the European Golden Shoe after becoming the continent's top scorer last season, will lead the Portuguese at the St Jakob-Park Stadium.
The 23-year-old made sure Luis Filipe Scolari's side qualified for the quarter-finals as Group A winners having scored one goal and set up two more in their 3-1 triumph against the Czech Republic.
To make matters worse for the Germans, Ronaldo was rested in Portugal's last group game and will be eager to add to his tally.
"Ronaldo is the best player in the world," admitted Bierhoff. "You can never stop him for 90 minutes even though you can ask defenders and midfielders to keep a close eye on him.
"We can't expect one or two players to stop him so it has to be the group as a whole that needs to confront him."
However, Bierhoff admitted the Ronaldo factor could pose a dilemma to Low's players as focusing too much on the United winger could cost them dearly.
"The problem with Portugal is that they also have other top players," said the former Germany striker.
"They have a great team and have an experienced coach in Luiz Felipe Scolari. They will be tough opponents but we are ready."
Germany hope their plan to stop Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo in Thursday's Euro 2008 quarter-final does not backfire.
Joachim Low's side, who have progressed to the last eight of the European Championships for the first time since 1996, know their chances of reaching the semi-finals depend on whether they can stop the Manchester United star.
"We have a special plan but I cannot reveal anything," said Germany team general manager Oliver Bierhoff.
Ronaldo, who won the European Golden Shoe after becoming the continent's top scorer last season, will lead the Portuguese at the St Jakob-Park Stadium.
The 23-year-old made sure Luis Filipe Scolari's side qualified for the quarter-finals as Group A winners having scored one goal and set up two more in their 3-1 triumph against the Czech Republic.
To make matters worse for the Germans, Ronaldo was rested in Portugal's last group game and will be eager to add to his tally.
"Ronaldo is the best player in the world," admitted Bierhoff. "You can never stop him for 90 minutes even though you can ask defenders and midfielders to keep a close eye on him.
"We can't expect one or two players to stop him so it has to be the group as a whole that needs to confront him."
However, Bierhoff admitted the Ronaldo factor could pose a dilemma to Low's players as focusing too much on the United winger could cost them dearly.
"The problem with Portugal is that they also have other top players," said the former Germany striker.
"They have a great team and have an experienced coach in Luiz Felipe Scolari. They will be tough opponents but we are ready."
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Inter won't rival Real for Ronaldo
Inter won't rival Real for Ronaldo
The battle for Cristiano Ronaldo’s future will not become a three-way tussle between the champions of Europe’s top leagues as Inter have ruled out making a bid for the Manchester United star.
The bitter struggle over Ronaldo has already seen United report their Spanish counterparts Real Madrid to Fifa but no action will be taken against Los Merengues despite their very public pursuit of the 42-goal forward.
His final destination this summer looks to be either Manchester or Madrid and having stated his desire to move to Spain at the start of the month, the Footballer of the Year and PFA Player of the Year is maintaining a vow of silence in response to further questions regarding his future.
Reports in Spain on Tuesday claimed that Inter were ready to muddy the waters further by launching a rival bid for the former Sporting star but club president Moratti has now put that specific rumour to bed.
“The reports on Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United are a crazy theory,” Moratti told the Italian press.
Moratti also played down suggestions that Inter are poised to move for Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani, adding: “Aquilani? There is no negotiation, for the moment we look at other players.”
Monday, June 16, 2008
Real in the clear over Ronaldo
Real in the clear over Ronaldo
FIFA have announced they will not take any formal action against Real Madrid over Manchester United's complaint about the Spanish club's pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo.
But football's world governing body has issued a warning to Los Merengues of the consequences of inducing the Portuguese international to breach his contract.
FIFA said in a statement that they had received a complaint from United last week but that no regulations had been broken by the La Liga champions so far.
The statement read: "We can confirm that we received last week a formal complaint from Manchester United related to the player Cristiano Ronaldo and the club Real Madrid.
"From the documentation received, no breach of contract appears to have occurred yet.
"Therefore, in accordance with the applicable practice, no kind of formal procedure has been opened by FIFA regarding this matter.
"The Spanish Football Federation has been informed of the complaint lodged by the English club and been asked to remind its member club Real Madrid about the potential legal consequences of a breach of contract without just cause during the protected period and of a possible inducement to such a breach of contract, as established by the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players."
FIFA have announced they will not take any formal action against Real Madrid over Manchester United's complaint about the Spanish club's pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo.
But football's world governing body has issued a warning to Los Merengues of the consequences of inducing the Portuguese international to breach his contract.
FIFA said in a statement that they had received a complaint from United last week but that no regulations had been broken by the La Liga champions so far.
The statement read: "We can confirm that we received last week a formal complaint from Manchester United related to the player Cristiano Ronaldo and the club Real Madrid.
"From the documentation received, no breach of contract appears to have occurred yet.
"Therefore, in accordance with the applicable practice, no kind of formal procedure has been opened by FIFA regarding this matter.
"The Spanish Football Federation has been informed of the complaint lodged by the English club and been asked to remind its member club Real Madrid about the potential legal consequences of a breach of contract without just cause during the protected period and of a possible inducement to such a breach of contract, as established by the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players."
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Switzerland v Portugal preview
Switzerland v Portugal preview
The final games in Group A get underway on Sunday and while Turkey and Czech Republic have everything to play for in Geneva, Basel will provide the setting for a dead rubber between Portugal and Switzerland.
Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side have already booked their quarter final spot and guaranteed top place in the group stage while Kobi Kuhn’s outfit crashed out on home soil with defeat to Turkey.
The announcement of Chelsea’s appointment of Scolari as their new boss has somewhat taken the focus away from Portugal’s achievement of securing a last-eight spot with a game to spare, and the encounter with an already-eliminated Swiss side may well prove an opportunity for ‘Big Phil’ to rest up a few of his top names.
For Kuhn this game will be his last in charge of the national team as he steps down following the conclusion of the competition, a decision he made back in October 2006, and a first win in European Championship history for the Swiss would be a suitable sign off.
Swiss captain Ludovic Magnin accepted that his side were below par in their displays.
“It makes me sick when I always hear, 'Well played, but you were unfortunate to lose'. We don't have to talk things up. We lost, we did not reach our goal, there is nothing to celebrate,” he said honestly.
However, a win over Portugal may go some way to addressing the problems he has taken issue with.
Meanwhile, Portugal’s travails appear to be proving a welcome distraction from the matter of his club future for Cristiano Ronaldo. The Manchester United player says that the no-pressure game against the Swiss will provide those who have not yet featured for Portugal a chance to stake their claims for places at the knockout stages.
“The players who are coming in are going to give their best as they will want to show Mr Scolari they want to be in the first eleven. I think it's going to be a good game because the majority of the players who will play haven't played yet,” he said.
Whatever the line-ups, whatever the score, both sides know the result of this game has no bearing on Group A.
The final games in Group A get underway on Sunday and while Turkey and Czech Republic have everything to play for in Geneva, Basel will provide the setting for a dead rubber between Portugal and Switzerland.
Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side have already booked their quarter final spot and guaranteed top place in the group stage while Kobi Kuhn’s outfit crashed out on home soil with defeat to Turkey.
The announcement of Chelsea’s appointment of Scolari as their new boss has somewhat taken the focus away from Portugal’s achievement of securing a last-eight spot with a game to spare, and the encounter with an already-eliminated Swiss side may well prove an opportunity for ‘Big Phil’ to rest up a few of his top names.
For Kuhn this game will be his last in charge of the national team as he steps down following the conclusion of the competition, a decision he made back in October 2006, and a first win in European Championship history for the Swiss would be a suitable sign off.
Swiss captain Ludovic Magnin accepted that his side were below par in their displays.
“It makes me sick when I always hear, 'Well played, but you were unfortunate to lose'. We don't have to talk things up. We lost, we did not reach our goal, there is nothing to celebrate,” he said honestly.
However, a win over Portugal may go some way to addressing the problems he has taken issue with.
Meanwhile, Portugal’s travails appear to be proving a welcome distraction from the matter of his club future for Cristiano Ronaldo. The Manchester United player says that the no-pressure game against the Swiss will provide those who have not yet featured for Portugal a chance to stake their claims for places at the knockout stages.
“The players who are coming in are going to give their best as they will want to show Mr Scolari they want to be in the first eleven. I think it's going to be a good game because the majority of the players who will play haven't played yet,” he said.
Whatever the line-ups, whatever the score, both sides know the result of this game has no bearing on Group A.
Scolari upsets Portugal players with Chelsea announcement
Scolari upsets Portugal players with Chelsea announcement
Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has hurt his Portugal players by accepting the Stamford Bridge job.
Just days earlier he told his team - including Real Madrid target Cristiano Ronaldo - they must not talk about their futures until after the tournament.
It is even more surprising because he pulled the plug on a move to Benfica when the news leaked out at Euro 2004.
A source told The Sun: "Some of the players feel betrayed by Scolari's announcement.
"They feel it was a case of 'Do as I say, not as I do'.
"Players have been thinking about what he said and wondering what his motives were - and how much was true."
Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has hurt his Portugal players by accepting the Stamford Bridge job.
Just days earlier he told his team - including Real Madrid target Cristiano Ronaldo - they must not talk about their futures until after the tournament.
It is even more surprising because he pulled the plug on a move to Benfica when the news leaked out at Euro 2004.
A source told The Sun: "Some of the players feel betrayed by Scolari's announcement.
"They feel it was a case of 'Do as I say, not as I do'.
"Players have been thinking about what he said and wondering what his motives were - and how much was true."
Friday, June 13, 2008
FA hand reprieve to Fergie and Queiroz
FA hand reprieve to Fergie and Queiroz
Sir Alex Ferguson and his assistant Carlos Queiroz will go unpunished for their tirade at referees' chief Keith Hackett after The Football Association opted against challenging the decision not to discipline the pair.
The Manchester United duo found themselves in hot water after last season’s FA Cup exit at the hands of Portsmouth when they were left aggrieved by referee Martin Atkinson’s performance.
Atkinson awarded Pompey a late penalty that secured their progress in the competition after earlier denying United a spot kick when Cristiano Ronaldo was felled.
Although Atkinson was the man out in the middle, it was Hackett who found himself the subject of Ferguson’s wrath.
"It's absolutely ridiculous," the Scot said at the time. "He [Hackett] is not doing his job properly and he needs to be assessed.”
The FA had threatened to oppose last month’s decision by an independent regulatory commission not to punish Ferguson and Queiroz, but have now chosen to let the issue lie.
An FA spokesman said: "After careful consideration, including external legal advice, we have decided that an appeal would be unlikely to succeed given the limited basis on which appeals are allowed. An appeal would therefore not be the right course of action.
"We remain surprised and disappointed at the original decision and we want to reiterate our support for Keith Hackett, Martin Atkinson and referees collectively.
"Keith Hackett has an important job to do in managing the select group of referees and we fully support his work. Martin Atkinson and the other select group referees also have our full backing for the excellent job they do.
"We remain firmly of the view that the comments made by Sir Alex Ferguson and Carlos Queiroz were inappropriate. We wish to discourage such comments being made as they are not in the best interests of football.
"In light of the commission's decision, we will review the process by which we address inappropriate media comments made about match officials by participants in the game."
Ramos welcomes Utd attention
Ramos welcomes Utd attention
Spain defender Sergio Ramos is flattered by reported interest from Manchester United and admitted he would "see what happens" after Euro 2008.
The Real Madrid youngster was one of the cornerstones of the club's Primera Liga title defence last season and is a first choice for national team coach Luis Aragones.
Although the 22-year-old stressed he was not angling for a move while his focus was on events in Austria and Switzerland, Ramos was vague about his future following the summer showpiece.
When asked about United's interest on radio station Canal Sur, he said: "It is a good sign that big clubs are interested in me, but at the moment I am not considering anything.
"I have a good contract with Madrid and I am concentrating on the national team. When Euro 2008 finishes we will see what happens."
Ramos' agent Sergio Bravo did little to quell the speculation by claiming he has a good working relationship with the Red Devils.
He said: "It is true that on Monday I was in England.
"I have a good relationship with Manchester United. I sorted the transfer of (goalkeeper) Ricardo to the English club."
A deal could be delicate to broker, however, as United recently reported Los Merengues to FIFA over claims the Spanish giants have carried out a deliberate campaign to unsettle Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo.
Spain defender Sergio Ramos is flattered by reported interest from Manchester United and admitted he would "see what happens" after Euro 2008.
The Real Madrid youngster was one of the cornerstones of the club's Primera Liga title defence last season and is a first choice for national team coach Luis Aragones.
Although the 22-year-old stressed he was not angling for a move while his focus was on events in Austria and Switzerland, Ramos was vague about his future following the summer showpiece.
When asked about United's interest on radio station Canal Sur, he said: "It is a good sign that big clubs are interested in me, but at the moment I am not considering anything.
"I have a good contract with Madrid and I am concentrating on the national team. When Euro 2008 finishes we will see what happens."
Ramos' agent Sergio Bravo did little to quell the speculation by claiming he has a good working relationship with the Red Devils.
He said: "It is true that on Monday I was in England.
"I have a good relationship with Manchester United. I sorted the transfer of (goalkeeper) Ricardo to the English club."
A deal could be delicate to broker, however, as United recently reported Los Merengues to FIFA over claims the Spanish giants have carried out a deliberate campaign to unsettle Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo.
Man Utd unimpressed by Chelsea's Scolari appointment
Man Utd unimpressed by Chelsea's Scolari appointment
Manchester United's frosty relationship with Chelsea is set to only get colder with the appointment of Luiz Felipe Scolari as Blues manager.
The Times says consider the following: Scolari and Sir Alex Ferguson do not get on, the legacy of a climate of distrust in club-versus-country disputes over the past five years; Scolari and Carlos Queiroz, the United assistant manager, despise each other; Scolari has publicly and privately advised Ronaldo to take the "opportunity of a lifetime" and join Real Madrid; Scolari endorsed and facilitated Ronaldo's announcement last week about his plan to move to Madrid.
And Scolari and Ferguson will be in direct and, in all probability, volatile competition next season, with Chelsea and United battling at the top of the Barclays Premier League.
Queiroz has often railed against Scolari's use of Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal games.
He said: "Scolari behaves like one of those people you lend your car to when it has a full tank of gas and they use it all week, crash it and then leave it on a side street with no gas and aren't even polite enough to tell you where they left it."
Manchester United's frosty relationship with Chelsea is set to only get colder with the appointment of Luiz Felipe Scolari as Blues manager.
The Times says consider the following: Scolari and Sir Alex Ferguson do not get on, the legacy of a climate of distrust in club-versus-country disputes over the past five years; Scolari and Carlos Queiroz, the United assistant manager, despise each other; Scolari has publicly and privately advised Ronaldo to take the "opportunity of a lifetime" and join Real Madrid; Scolari endorsed and facilitated Ronaldo's announcement last week about his plan to move to Madrid.
And Scolari and Ferguson will be in direct and, in all probability, volatile competition next season, with Chelsea and United battling at the top of the Barclays Premier League.
Queiroz has often railed against Scolari's use of Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal games.
He said: "Scolari behaves like one of those people you lend your car to when it has a full tank of gas and they use it all week, crash it and then leave it on a side street with no gas and aren't even polite enough to tell you where they left it."
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Real 'not obsessed' by Ronaldo
Real 'not obsessed' by Ronaldo
Real Madrid are not ‘obsessed’ by Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo, according to their head coach Bernd Schuster.
The Spanish giants have been reported to Fifa by United following their pursuit, but Real have declared The Red Devils have no evidence.
Speculation surrounding Ronaldo’s future continues, as the man himself has revealed he dreams to play for Los Merengues.
Schuster claims that despite the media campaign, the Spanish champions are not “Ronaldo-maniac” but are still hopeful they will be able to bring him to the Santiago Bernabeu.
"This Cristiano matter does not worry me nor am I obsessed by it," he told Marca.
"While he doesn't play for Madrid all we can do is hope, although it's clear that he would be a great signing and would adapt well to our squad."
Real are confident they will not be found guilty of any wrongdoing by Fifa.
“They don't have any evidence because nothing has happened," said Real president Ramon Calderon.
"All there is is what the papers say and rumours that the player seems to want to leave.
"But at the moment a move is impossible because United don't want to sell him.
"It's United's right (to complain), but we haven't done anything and we are not going to do anything. It's a matter between the player and his club."
Real Madrid are not ‘obsessed’ by Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo, according to their head coach Bernd Schuster.
The Spanish giants have been reported to Fifa by United following their pursuit, but Real have declared The Red Devils have no evidence.
Speculation surrounding Ronaldo’s future continues, as the man himself has revealed he dreams to play for Los Merengues.
Schuster claims that despite the media campaign, the Spanish champions are not “Ronaldo-maniac” but are still hopeful they will be able to bring him to the Santiago Bernabeu.
"This Cristiano matter does not worry me nor am I obsessed by it," he told Marca.
"While he doesn't play for Madrid all we can do is hope, although it's clear that he would be a great signing and would adapt well to our squad."
Real are confident they will not be found guilty of any wrongdoing by Fifa.
“They don't have any evidence because nothing has happened," said Real president Ramon Calderon.
"All there is is what the papers say and rumours that the player seems to want to leave.
"But at the moment a move is impossible because United don't want to sell him.
"It's United's right (to complain), but we haven't done anything and we are not going to do anything. It's a matter between the player and his club."
Monday, June 9, 2008
United fed up with stubborn Real
United fed up with stubborn Real
Manchester United have lodged an official complaint with FIFA over Real Madrid's relentless pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo.
United warned the Spanish giants in a statement released on May 27 that they would consider reporting them unless Los Merengues ended their public campaign to take Ronaldo to the Bernabeu.
But with the level of speculation surrounding the Portugal international's future having intensified since then, the European champions have registered their anger with world football's governing body.
"On 27 May, Manchester United made clear its intention to report Real Madrid to FIFA if it continued to involve itself in the future of Cristiano Ronaldo," a statement read on Monday afternoon.
"Unfortunately, Real Madrid has not kept its own counsel and the club feels it has no alternative but to make a formal complaint to the world governing body, which it has done today.
"The precise content and nature will remain confidential."
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Scolari calm after victory
Scolari calm after victory
Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was not getting over-excited after his team took their first step towards the Euro 2008 quarter-finals with an opening-day win over Turkey.
Second-half goals from Pepe and substitute Raul Meireles saw the Euro 2004 finalists triumph 2-0 at the Stade de Geneve on Saturday night to move top of Group A on goal difference from Czech Republic, who earlier beat co-hosts Switzerland 1-0 in the tournament curtain-raiser.
Next up for Scolari's team is Wednesday's meeting with the Czechs, with the Brazilian tactician all too aware that another win in Geneva would earn his side a last-eight berth.
"We are on the right track," he said. "We won this match and are 50% towards qualification. We need six points so 50% after one match is excellent.
"We wanted some breathing space, and we got that.
"It would be good if we play very well against Czech Republic because then we will advance to the next phase."
Scolari's team could have prevailed by a greater margin had it not been for some misfortune and some good goalkeeping by Volkan Demirel.
The Fenerbahce stopper brilliantly tipped a Cristiano Ronaldo first-half free-kick onto the post and then captain Nuno Gomes twice more was denied by the woodwork after the interval.
Scolari appeared more and more animated on the touchline as the chances came and went but was able to relax somewhat after Real Madrid defender Pepe broke the deadlock on the hour mark.
And he insisted afterwards he was pleased with his team's display, saying: "We showed great technical and physical ability. I am pleased to have started with this win."
Ronaldo, with the eyes of the world on him after an astonishing season which saw him bag 42 goals to help Manchester United to a Premier League-Champions League double, played a part in Raul Meireles' stoppage-time clinching goal on the counter-attack.
The 23-year-old former Sporting Lisbon man was made skipper by Scolari when Nuno Gomes was replaced by Nani midway through the second half, with the coach reasoning: "I gave Cristiano the captaincy to give him strength and motivation.
"For the first half an hour he was quiet but that was to be expected because when Turkey face a great squad like ours they try to stop us playing our game."
The Turks, for their part, now have a mountain to climb if they are to advance to the quarter-finals.
Fatih Terim's team face the Swiss in Basle on Wednesday, when both sides will be keen to get their first Euro 2008 goals and points on the board.
Midfielder Colin Kazim-Richards reckons if anyone can turn things around for Turkey, it is coach Terim.
"I can't speak highly enough of the man," said the Fenerbahce player.
"We've been practising a lot of different strategies in training, like you could see we changed it up in the game.
"He's a very good coach, especially tactics. He knows what he's talking about and I think his record goes to show that."
Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was not getting over-excited after his team took their first step towards the Euro 2008 quarter-finals with an opening-day win over Turkey.
Second-half goals from Pepe and substitute Raul Meireles saw the Euro 2004 finalists triumph 2-0 at the Stade de Geneve on Saturday night to move top of Group A on goal difference from Czech Republic, who earlier beat co-hosts Switzerland 1-0 in the tournament curtain-raiser.
Next up for Scolari's team is Wednesday's meeting with the Czechs, with the Brazilian tactician all too aware that another win in Geneva would earn his side a last-eight berth.
"We are on the right track," he said. "We won this match and are 50% towards qualification. We need six points so 50% after one match is excellent.
"We wanted some breathing space, and we got that.
"It would be good if we play very well against Czech Republic because then we will advance to the next phase."
Scolari's team could have prevailed by a greater margin had it not been for some misfortune and some good goalkeeping by Volkan Demirel.
The Fenerbahce stopper brilliantly tipped a Cristiano Ronaldo first-half free-kick onto the post and then captain Nuno Gomes twice more was denied by the woodwork after the interval.
Scolari appeared more and more animated on the touchline as the chances came and went but was able to relax somewhat after Real Madrid defender Pepe broke the deadlock on the hour mark.
And he insisted afterwards he was pleased with his team's display, saying: "We showed great technical and physical ability. I am pleased to have started with this win."
Ronaldo, with the eyes of the world on him after an astonishing season which saw him bag 42 goals to help Manchester United to a Premier League-Champions League double, played a part in Raul Meireles' stoppage-time clinching goal on the counter-attack.
The 23-year-old former Sporting Lisbon man was made skipper by Scolari when Nuno Gomes was replaced by Nani midway through the second half, with the coach reasoning: "I gave Cristiano the captaincy to give him strength and motivation.
"For the first half an hour he was quiet but that was to be expected because when Turkey face a great squad like ours they try to stop us playing our game."
The Turks, for their part, now have a mountain to climb if they are to advance to the quarter-finals.
Fatih Terim's team face the Swiss in Basle on Wednesday, when both sides will be keen to get their first Euro 2008 goals and points on the board.
Midfielder Colin Kazim-Richards reckons if anyone can turn things around for Turkey, it is coach Terim.
"I can't speak highly enough of the man," said the Fenerbahce player.
"We've been practising a lot of different strategies in training, like you could see we changed it up in the game.
"He's a very good coach, especially tactics. He knows what he's talking about and I think his record goes to show that."
Friday, June 6, 2008
Ronaldo 'will not discuss future'
Ronaldo 'will not discuss future'
Cristiano Ronaldo will not talk about his club future while Portugal are involved in Euro 2008, according to his national coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.
The 23-year-old Manchester United star is a summer target for Real Madrid.
But, ahead of Portugal's opening Euro 2008 match against Turkey on Saturday, Scolari warned the media not to keep quizzing Ronaldo about a possible move.
Scolari said: "To any question put to Cristiano he will answer: 'I only talk about Portugal at the Euro'."
Real have been tracking Ronaldo despite being warned off by United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Portuguese forward has reportedly said he would like to play for the Spanish side but Scolari says he is completely focused on playing for his country.
"If I had any doubt I wouldn't have summoned him and wouldn't have made him one of the captains," Scolari said.
"I trust Ronaldo as an athlete and as a person. What he is going through now is normal.
"Ronaldo is the best player in the world right now, I hope he plays for us the same way he has been playing for Manchester United."
Scolari is also adamant he will not discuss his own future while Portugal are still in the tournament.
The Brazilian, who won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002 and was a runner-up with Portugal at Euro 2004, was courted by England before the 2006 World Cup.
He has been linked with the vacant position at Chelsea but said: "I'm here as coach of Portugal until the end of the Euro and only respond for the national team.
"I'm not going to say whether I'm going to go this way or the other, whether I'll be renewing (my contract with Portugal) or leaving"
Luiz Felipe Scolari
"I'm not going to say whether I'm going to go this way or the other, whether I'll be renewing (my contract with Portugal) or leaving.
"There was talk before Euro 2004 and I ended up renewing, there was more talk before the World Cup in 2006 and I renewed."
Cristiano Ronaldo will not talk about his club future while Portugal are involved in Euro 2008, according to his national coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.
The 23-year-old Manchester United star is a summer target for Real Madrid.
But, ahead of Portugal's opening Euro 2008 match against Turkey on Saturday, Scolari warned the media not to keep quizzing Ronaldo about a possible move.
Scolari said: "To any question put to Cristiano he will answer: 'I only talk about Portugal at the Euro'."
Real have been tracking Ronaldo despite being warned off by United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Portuguese forward has reportedly said he would like to play for the Spanish side but Scolari says he is completely focused on playing for his country.
"If I had any doubt I wouldn't have summoned him and wouldn't have made him one of the captains," Scolari said.
"I trust Ronaldo as an athlete and as a person. What he is going through now is normal.
"Ronaldo is the best player in the world right now, I hope he plays for us the same way he has been playing for Manchester United."
Scolari is also adamant he will not discuss his own future while Portugal are still in the tournament.
The Brazilian, who won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002 and was a runner-up with Portugal at Euro 2004, was courted by England before the 2006 World Cup.
He has been linked with the vacant position at Chelsea but said: "I'm here as coach of Portugal until the end of the Euro and only respond for the national team.
"I'm not going to say whether I'm going to go this way or the other, whether I'll be renewing (my contract with Portugal) or leaving"
Luiz Felipe Scolari
"I'm not going to say whether I'm going to go this way or the other, whether I'll be renewing (my contract with Portugal) or leaving.
"There was talk before Euro 2004 and I ended up renewing, there was more talk before the World Cup in 2006 and I renewed."
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Real not in striker Hunt
Real not in striker Hunt
Real Madrid have denied holding talks with Ajax over the transfer of Klaas Jan Huntelaar.
Reports claim the Spanish giants have made the signing of Huntelaar, if not quite their number one target this summer then at least a priority after Cristiano Ronaldo.
Huntelaar is currently training with the Holland national team ahead of Euro 2008 and said recently that his future would be down to Ajax to decide.
Real president Ramon Calderon said: “I’ve said nothing about a transfer involving Huntelaar.
“Our team has changed a lot over the last couple of years and we don’t want to make many more.”
Real’s declaration could give heart to Premier League duo Manchester United and Chelsea who are widely reported to be monitoring the 24-year-old’s progress.
Real Madrid have denied holding talks with Ajax over the transfer of Klaas Jan Huntelaar.
Reports claim the Spanish giants have made the signing of Huntelaar, if not quite their number one target this summer then at least a priority after Cristiano Ronaldo.
Huntelaar is currently training with the Holland national team ahead of Euro 2008 and said recently that his future would be down to Ajax to decide.
Real president Ramon Calderon said: “I’ve said nothing about a transfer involving Huntelaar.
“Our team has changed a lot over the last couple of years and we don’t want to make many more.”
Real’s declaration could give heart to Premier League duo Manchester United and Chelsea who are widely reported to be monitoring the 24-year-old’s progress.
Ronaldo 'wants to play at Madrid'
Ronaldo 'wants to play at Madrid'
Cristiano Ronaldo's future at Manchester United has taken a new twist after the winger was reported as saying he would like to play for Real Madrid.
Real have been tracking Ronaldo, 23, despite being warned off by United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
"I'd like to play for Real Madrid but only if it's true they are ready to pay what Manchester United ask of them," he told respected Brazilian website Terra.
"However, it does not depend on me," said Portuguese midfielder.
"I'll only talk about this again after the European Championships," added Ronaldo. "Don't ask me any questions because I won't answer."
"I'm sure when he was young his dream was to play for Real Madrid at one stage in his career"
Former Tottenham winger David Ginola
BBC Radio 5 Live's Mike Sewell who was with the Portugal squad in Switzerland on Thursday said he had spoken to another Portuguese journalist who had verified the translation of the website interview.
Earlier this week, Madrid president Ramon Calderon told Spanish newspaper Marca that the signing of Ronaldo "seems impossible", but was nevertheless keen to sign the former Sporting Lisbon man.
Last season Ronaldo scored 42 goals as United won the Champions League and the Premier League.
And former France international and Tottenham winger David Ginola told BBC Radio 5 Live he believes the best option for the winger is to stay at United.
"I'm sure when he was young his dream was to play for Real Madrid at one stage in his career," said Ginola.
"It would be no surprise to me if he went, but if it was me I would wait another two or three years because playing in the best league in world, playing probably for best club in world, there's nothing better than that.
"He still has a few things to achieve in this country and I'm sure he can win more trophies. He is so loved in England that people would be disappointed to see a player like that leave."
606: DEBATE
"He's priceless. He's not going anywhere"
Lux-Aeterna
Previously, Ferguson has maintained the Portuguese winger would not move, saying: "I'm confident about that. I'm very confident.
"It's a game Real play all the time, In the past they've done it with [David] Beckham, they've done it with Ronaldo, they've done it with my fitness coach last summer when they took him away from us, so we're used to it.
"It's a compliment to the standard of players we have, and we always seem to produce, but I am more than confident Cristiano will be with us next year."
"The Glazer family will not be messed about in this situation.
"We want Cristiano to stay for a long, long time. He is on a fantastic contract and quite rightly so - he's the best player in the world."
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Gill stands tough on Ron
Gill stands tough on Ron
Manchester United chief executive David Gill has issued a stern reiteration that Cristiano Ronaldo will be at Old Trafford come the start of next season.
The 23-year-old Portugal international is currently preparing for Euro 2008 but the speculation over a possible move to Real Madrid has somewhat distracted from his routine.
The former Sporting youngster said recently he would make a decision on his future over the next few days, but Gill has taken the chance in the interim to firmly state United’s stance once again.
“Our position is clear. Sir Alex (Ferguson) and I stated it in the last week,” said Gill as he announced United will play Portsmouth in Nigeria in July.
“That's it. That's all we are going to say on the matter, full stop.”
The Red Devils will face Pompey in a dress rehearsal of the Community Shield a month later, and Gill played down any fears that the game was a signal of the club’s intent to bring back to the fore the issue of The Premier League’s controversial 39th game proposal.
“It is not the 39th game by stealth, don't worry about that. It is just a coincidence we are playing Portsmouth,” he said.
“Exhibition games overseas can help Manchester United but also The Premier League in terms of making sure it is at the forefront of those fans' minds when it comes to selling it.
“Nigeria is home to our fourth largest fan base with some 13.6 million followers and we will be taking a strong squad.
“Sir Alex and the team are always keen to visit new places.
“This match will give an opportunity for our many fans in Nigeria to see the team in the flesh and provide a climax to our summer tour.”
Manchester United chief executive David Gill has issued a stern reiteration that Cristiano Ronaldo will be at Old Trafford come the start of next season.
The 23-year-old Portugal international is currently preparing for Euro 2008 but the speculation over a possible move to Real Madrid has somewhat distracted from his routine.
The former Sporting youngster said recently he would make a decision on his future over the next few days, but Gill has taken the chance in the interim to firmly state United’s stance once again.
“Our position is clear. Sir Alex (Ferguson) and I stated it in the last week,” said Gill as he announced United will play Portsmouth in Nigeria in July.
“That's it. That's all we are going to say on the matter, full stop.”
The Red Devils will face Pompey in a dress rehearsal of the Community Shield a month later, and Gill played down any fears that the game was a signal of the club’s intent to bring back to the fore the issue of The Premier League’s controversial 39th game proposal.
“It is not the 39th game by stealth, don't worry about that. It is just a coincidence we are playing Portsmouth,” he said.
“Exhibition games overseas can help Manchester United but also The Premier League in terms of making sure it is at the forefront of those fans' minds when it comes to selling it.
“Nigeria is home to our fourth largest fan base with some 13.6 million followers and we will be taking a strong squad.
“Sir Alex and the team are always keen to visit new places.
“This match will give an opportunity for our many fans in Nigeria to see the team in the flesh and provide a climax to our summer tour.”
Becks tells Ronaldo to reject Real
Becks tells Ronaldo to reject Real
David Beckham believes that Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo should reject the advances of Real Madrid and remain at Old Trafford.
Beckham quit The Red Devils for Madrid in a high-profile transfer in 2003 and, while the England midfielder enjoyed his four-year spell at the Santiago Bernabeu, he does not think that Ronaldo should follow in his footsteps.
"I believe he's at the right club and a club he should stay at, because as much as Real Madrid are a great team and one of the biggest clubs in the world, he's only just starting at Manchester United," Beckham reasoned.
"He's only been there a few years. He's got a lot of people around him who will protect him. As a fan of Manchester United I hope he stays there but who knows?"
Indeed, Beckham conceded that ultimately only Ronaldo knows what is right for him and it is he who will have the final say on whether he decides to move.
"It's none of my business. All I'm going to say to him is congratulations on an amazing season," the LA Galaxy player added.
"I'm sure he'll be crowned world player of the year and he deserves it."
David Beckham believes that Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo should reject the advances of Real Madrid and remain at Old Trafford.
Beckham quit The Red Devils for Madrid in a high-profile transfer in 2003 and, while the England midfielder enjoyed his four-year spell at the Santiago Bernabeu, he does not think that Ronaldo should follow in his footsteps.
"I believe he's at the right club and a club he should stay at, because as much as Real Madrid are a great team and one of the biggest clubs in the world, he's only just starting at Manchester United," Beckham reasoned.
"He's only been there a few years. He's got a lot of people around him who will protect him. As a fan of Manchester United I hope he stays there but who knows?"
Indeed, Beckham conceded that ultimately only Ronaldo knows what is right for him and it is he who will have the final say on whether he decides to move.
"It's none of my business. All I'm going to say to him is congratulations on an amazing season," the LA Galaxy player added.
"I'm sure he'll be crowned world player of the year and he deserves it."
Ronaldo is going nowhere
Ronaldo is going nowhere
Manchester United chief executive David Gill has reiterated that Cristiano Ronaldo will remain at Old Trafford.
The Portugal winger is currently preparing for Euro 2008 after scoring 42 goals last season.
But there is continued speculation about the 23-year-old's future plans ahead of the tournament in Austria and Switzerland.
United remain bullish about the situation and insist he will stay their player.
"Our position is clear. Sir Alex (Ferguson) and I stated it in the last week," said Gill as he announced they are to play Portsmouth in a dress rehearsal for the Community Shield in Nigeria in July.
"That's it. That's all we are going to say on the matter, full stop."
The exhibition match will be the finale to the Tinapa Business Resorts soccer tournament.
The date and venue have still to be arranged with United travelling to Nigeria from South Africa, where they are involved in the Vodacom Challenge tournament from July 19-26.
Gill said: "It is not the 39th game by stealth, don't worry about that. It is just a coincidence we are playing Portsmouth.
"Exhibition games overseas can help Manchester United but also the Premier League in terms of making sure it is at the forefront of those fans' minds when it comes to selling it.
"Nigeria is home to our fourth largest fan base with some 13.6 million followers and we will be taking a strong squad.
"Sir Alex and the team are always keen to visit new places.
"This match will give an opportunity for our many fans in Nigeria to see the team in the flesh and provide a climax to our summer tour."
Gill confirmed that Ronaldo will not be travelling to South Africa or Nigeria but only because he will be on holiday after Euro 2008.
United are already looking to the future after winning the Champions League and retaining their Barclays Premier League title.
A fee has been agreed with Cardiff for midfielder Aaron Ramsey, who played in the FA Cup final.
At least two other Premier League clubs are chasing the 17-year-old but Gill said: "I am confident."
Should everything go to plan, Ramsey will be loaned back to the Championship side next season.
Manchester United chief executive David Gill has reiterated that Cristiano Ronaldo will remain at Old Trafford.
The Portugal winger is currently preparing for Euro 2008 after scoring 42 goals last season.
But there is continued speculation about the 23-year-old's future plans ahead of the tournament in Austria and Switzerland.
United remain bullish about the situation and insist he will stay their player.
"Our position is clear. Sir Alex (Ferguson) and I stated it in the last week," said Gill as he announced they are to play Portsmouth in a dress rehearsal for the Community Shield in Nigeria in July.
"That's it. That's all we are going to say on the matter, full stop."
The exhibition match will be the finale to the Tinapa Business Resorts soccer tournament.
The date and venue have still to be arranged with United travelling to Nigeria from South Africa, where they are involved in the Vodacom Challenge tournament from July 19-26.
Gill said: "It is not the 39th game by stealth, don't worry about that. It is just a coincidence we are playing Portsmouth.
"Exhibition games overseas can help Manchester United but also the Premier League in terms of making sure it is at the forefront of those fans' minds when it comes to selling it.
"Nigeria is home to our fourth largest fan base with some 13.6 million followers and we will be taking a strong squad.
"Sir Alex and the team are always keen to visit new places.
"This match will give an opportunity for our many fans in Nigeria to see the team in the flesh and provide a climax to our summer tour."
Gill confirmed that Ronaldo will not be travelling to South Africa or Nigeria but only because he will be on holiday after Euro 2008.
United are already looking to the future after winning the Champions League and retaining their Barclays Premier League title.
A fee has been agreed with Cardiff for midfielder Aaron Ramsey, who played in the FA Cup final.
At least two other Premier League clubs are chasing the 17-year-old but Gill said: "I am confident."
Should everything go to plan, Ramsey will be loaned back to the Championship side next season.
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