Ronaldo 'working hard' on fitness

Ronaldo 'working hard' on fitness

The Portuguese physio charged with the task of overseeing Cristiano Ronaldo’s rehabilitation says the Manchester United winger is working tirelessly on his fitness.

Ronaldo is recovering from ankle surgery, but questions have been asked about his focus as he has appeared to be spending more time on topping up his tan than working on his rehab.

He has caught the headlines during a trip to Los Angeles, but Antonio Gaspar claims Ronaldo is working six hours a day to ensure he is fit to play in two months.

“Cristiano works for five to six hours a day and we haven’t had that many days off,” Gaspar told The Sun.

“The trip to LA was fantastic. We were able to work far from the pressure.

“He will be fit again by the end of September or in the first days of October.”

Madrid watch and wait for Ronaldo

Madrid watch and wait for Ronaldo

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon claims he is waiting on the outcome of talks between Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester United before pressing ahead with his team's bid.

The summer’s longest running transfer saga has still not reached its definitive conclusion although United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has reiterated throughout his refusal to sell the Portuguese.

Calderon maintains his team have done nothing wrong in their pursuit of Ronaldo despite Ferguson's claims to the contrary.

“This isn’t a problem that has been created by Real Madrid," Calderon told Madrid based sports daily AS.

"At the moment Manchester United and the player are in dispute and Madrid are waiting – we can’t do anything else for the time being.

“Clearly we want Cristiano. But there is a contractual issue that United and the player have to resolve, not us.

“The question is for the player who has said publicly that his dream is to play for Madrid.

“We heard those words with pride and satisfaction but his departure doesn’t only depend on Cristiano. United are the ones who have to sort it out and it will either happen or not.

“They will talk next week and, if, after this conversation, United decide to sell him, then of course Madrid will be there.”

Man Utd legend Cantona: Ronaldo bloody stupid to leave

Man Utd legend Cantona: Ronaldo bloody stupid to leave

Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has told Cristiano Ronaldo he would be "bloody stupid" if he was to quit the club for Real Madrid.
"Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world right now," Cantona said in the Daily Star. "He is a genuine artist.

"His style of play fits Manchester United's very well, and the reverse is also true. It is pleasing to see such harmony.

"As for him wanting to join Real Madrid, I don't really know his personality. Maybe he has valid reasons that drive him to leave United.

"He is still young, and so maybe he wants to take on fresh challenges. I can understand if this is the reason why he wants to leave for Real.

"But if he were to leave because of something else, I think he would be doing something absolutely stupid."

Real have Plan B for Ronaldo

Real have Plan B for Ronaldo

Real Madrid are still hopeful they will thrash out a deal with Cristiano Ronaldo, but head coach Bernd Schuster has admitted to having Plan B.

Los Merengues have not given up in their ambitious race for Manchester United star Ronaldo, but their German boss is aware the pursuit could fail.

“Like everybody knows, we are interested in signing a player such as Ronaldo, but it seems that no decision has been made, and everything depends on it,” Schuster told Marca.

“If this doesn’t work out, we have alternative solutions, but everything depends on what happens with Cristiano Ronaldo.”

Schuster has hailed former Chelsea winger Arjen Robben and backed the Holland international to bounce back following a season blighted by muscular problems.

“Robben has a huge intention to prove people whose footballer he is,” Schuster declared.

“We already know it. He’s been adding this freshness and quickness from the first day of practice, and showed his principal asset is velocity.”

Blatter 'slave' dig irks Ferguson

Blatter 'slave' dig irks Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson has criticised Fifa president Sepp Blatter for his "slavery" comments over Manchester United's stance on Cristiano Ronaldo.

United will not let the 23-year-old winger, whose deal ends in 2012, join Real Madrid, leading Blatter to compare transfer trends to "modern slavery".

But United manager Ferguson said: "It was an unfortunate statement from someone in such a position.

"Slavery was abolished many years ago. Players can earn £5m or £6m a year."

He added: "I do not want to dignify this kind of statement with a response but when you consider the history of slavery, it was a very unfortunate statement."

Since Portugal's exit from Euro 2008 in June, Ronaldo has made no secret of his desire to move from Old Trafford to join Spanish giants Real.

But Ronaldo only signed a new five-year contract in 2007 and Ferguson has no intention of letting him leave, a situation that resulted in Blatter bemoaning modern-day transfers.

"I'm always in favour of protecting the player and if the player wants to leave, let him leave," said Blatter earlier this month.

"I think in football there's too much modern slavery in transferring players or buying players here and there, and putting them somewhere."

Ronaldo said he agreed with the Fifa chief, although Blatter's comments provoked widespread condemnation from managers in English football.

The Portuguese star is not likely to be back in action until the end of September as he is currently recovering from an ankle operation.

Meanwhile, United beat Portsmouth 2-1 in their latest pre-season friendly in Nigeria, thanks to goals from Chris Eagles and Carlos Tevez.

Ferguson unfazed by Ronaldo trip

Ferguson unfazed by Ronaldo trip

Sir Alex Ferguson insists he has no qualms about Cristiano Ronaldo spending time in Los Angeles as he recovers from his recent ankle operation.

The Manchester United manager revealed the club have sent an employee to accompany the Portuguese winger.

"He was always scheduled to have this time off in Los Angeles. There was no harm in going there," said Ferguson.

"He's doing some commercial things. I think he's signed up with an LA-based company. I've someone there with him."

Ferguson dismissed as "a load of rubbish" reports Ronaldo has been drinking and partying excessively during his rehabilitation.

Refusing to be drawn on comparisons with David Beckham's lifestyle, the United boss believes Ronaldo must use the extra attention he now receives to his advantage when he returns to action.

"Any young player is going to get attention. The important thing is how they handle that," Ferguson noted.

"We know success changes people but the change you like to see is an elevation in esteem and personality, which makes them better players a lot of the time.

"It seems to me Ronaldo is taking the attention away from the squad and focusing it all on himself"
manutd-blackpool-kid

"That's the case with him. At 23 Cristiano is reaching that stage where his maturity, personality and the presence he has on the world stage should help him."

Ferguson said Ronaldo, currently on crutches, is scheduled to have his plaster removed in eight days' time, at which point he will return to United to start his rehabilitation.

He is likely to be sidelined until the end of September, missing their opening five Premier League matches, including games at Liverpool and Chelsea, plus the Uefa Super Cup against Zenit St Petersburg.

United beat Kaizer Chiefs 4-0 in Pretoria on Saturday in the latest match of their South Africa tour, Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney and substitutes Tom Cleverley and Fraizer Campbell all on the scoresheet.

They have subsequently flown to Nigeria, where a different line-up - including Gary Neville as he continues his comeback - will play Portsmouth in an exhibition game.

Fergie condemns Blatter splatter

Fergie condemns Blatter splatter

Sir Alex Ferguson’s latest war of words is not with any of his Premier League adversaries, but with Fifa president Sepp Blatter.

The world football governing body chief recently likened the Manchester United boss’s refusal to allow Cristiano Ronaldo to join Real Madrid to “modern slavery”, echoing comments made by Real president Ramon Calderon some time ago.

Unsurprisingly, the Scot has reacted angrily to Blatter’s comments and has chastised the Swiss for his off-the-cuff statement.

“I know that slavery was abolished many years ago. It’s an unfortunate statement from someone in such an important position to come out with,” Ferguson said.

“You must remember some players have been paid £5million and £6m a year.

“I think when you consider that then you should not give dignity to such comments, considering the history of slavery to everyone.

“It’s an unfortunate statement from someone like him.”

Blatter’s comments upset many and drew widespread disapproval when he stated: “In football there’s too much modern slavery.”

The 72-year-old maintained he was sticking up for players’ rights, insisting that he had their best interests at heart.

“I’m always in favour of protecting the player,” he said. “If he wants to leave, let him.”

Madrid ace: Messi better than Ron

Madrid ace: Messi better than Ron

Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago is losing no sleep over the club’s failed bid for Cristiano Ronaldo, insisting the Portuguese isn’t even the best player in the world.

Gago expressed his doubts that Ronaldo would have fitted into Madrid’s title-winning side, which is based on a strong work ethic under Bernd Schuster.

Madrid are a club who have long been associated with the world’s best players, but it appears Ronaldo will not be one of them after Manchester United refused to sell.

Gago is not bothered though, claiming Lionel Messi is in a different league to the United forward.

“Ronaldo isn’t the best player in the world," he said in The Daily Star.

“For me it is Lionel Messi because of the way he plays, the way he moves the ball and changes matches.

“Messi has incredible ability and I love the way he plays.”

Meanwhile, Madrid boss Bernd Schuster has paid tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson, insisting the way he has handled the whole Ronaldo saga has been 'perfect'.

"I'm absolutely certain that if I was in his position I would do exactly the same," declared Schuster.

"I wouldn't like anyone to take a player like him from me even if I had won the league and the Champions League.

"He is the sort of player that no one wants to lose and for me the way in which the Manchester United manager is defending himself is perfect."

Fergie confident on Ronaldo

Fergie confident on Ronaldo

Sir Alex Ferguson has issued a bullish statement on Cristiano Ronaldo, with the Scot convinced the winger will remain a Manchester United player next season.

Real Madrid signalled their intention to sign the winger earlier in the summer and it would appear the player had his head turned, as he made a number of statements expressing a desire to move.

The Red Devils have dug in their heels and adopted a united front in insisting any offer from Real would be resisted.

Real have backed off a little in recent weeks, insisting the ball is in Ronaldo’s court, and with just a month of the transfer window remaining Ferguson is confident the player will not be leaving Old Trafford.

”Of course he is going to stay next year,” Ferguson said on Setanta Sports News.

“This is our intention and I think that will be proved right in the next few weeks.

”It’s straightforward to me.”

United are in South Africa and will face Kaizer Chiefs in the final of the Vodacom Challenge on Saturday – live on Setanta Sports.

Cristiano Ronaldo Lauren Conrad

Cristiano Ronaldo Lauren Conrad

Christiano Ronaldo reportedly now “snubbed” Lauren Conrad. And we should care why? Ronaldo Paris Hilton! Ronaldo Lauren Conrad! Honestly, the British press are running more than enough stories about Ronaldo in Los Angeles. The truth of the matter - no one really cares that Ronaldo is even here.

When Ronaldo and Beckham showed up to the Espy Awards, David Beckham looked perfection; Ronaldo looked a trainwreck.

In fact, online indicators this week show more interest in MTV The Hills Season 4 premiere and Lauren Conrad than what Ronaldo’s tan looks like. Even Brooke Hogaan is more talked about this week than Ronaldo.

But that’s not stopping the British Press.

Currently, the Daily Mail has not one, but TWO, stories on Ronaldo in Los Angeles today. First a story about his tan color (their second story about his tan in one week). Second, a new story that Ronaldo allegedly snubbed Lauren Conrad who asked him for a picture and he didn’t know who she was.

Paris Hilton today said the story about Ronaldo dissing her last week at Villa was made up.

Oh, and even more hilarious, Ronaldo is snapped hanging out with Adrian Grenier before LC walks up. So Ronaldo knows who Grenier is but doesn’t know Lauren Conrad? How Z-list of him.

Guti would welcome Ronaldo

Guti would welcome Ronaldo

Guti has heaped praise on Manchester United winger and Real Madrid target Cristiano Ronaldo.

Everbody has opinion on the winger and there is a split in the Real dressing room, as the likes of Raul and Sergio Ramos have insisted he would be welcomed to the club, while Wesley Sneijder has suggested his wages would cause unrest.

Guti would appear to be singing from the same hymn sheet as Raul as he is a huge fan of the Portuguese.

“Real Madrid need good players and Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player that can be attracted at this hour,” Guti told Marca.

“We’d be delighted to have him. He would not disturb the atmosphere, as I have been told he’s a great lad and a good team player.”

Guti understands Ronaldo deserves an important salary for his exceptional talent.

“Everybody works to earn the maximum and if he’s one of the best players in the world he’ll have to earn more (than other team-mates),” he added.

“It’s possible that he doesn’t help you win a Champions League on his own, but he’s very tricky and wins games for you.

“You can compete to win many titles with such players.

“The press speaking about the players that can be signed by Real Madrid is normal, and Cristiano Ronaldo is one of them.

“The team needs one more signing to help us not only play for La Liga but to help us fight for the Champions League as well.”

Samuel Eto’o’s has been linked with a move to Real and Guti feels the forward would fit in well despite being on the books of rivals Barcelonal.

“He already moved here a few years earlier and he’s one of football’s greatest players,” he said. “I’m a good friend of his; he’s a fantastic footballer and a nice guy.

“If he came he’d bring a lot to this team. He’s a great footballer and Real Madrid only sign great players.

“Madrid’s fans are very much comprehensive and if Samuel does things right and score goals we’d all be happy.”

Ferguson warns Ronaldo over Real

Ferguson warns Ronaldo over Real

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has warned Cristiano Ronaldo that moving to Real Madrid would be the "worst thing" for his career.

Ferguson, who met the injured winger in Lisbon last week, said a switch from Old Trafford would be a big mistake.

He said: "If you were asked for advice by your son, you would give him the best advice and the worst thing Ronaldo could do is to go to Real Madrid.

"He is at the right club and a fantastic football club."

Ronaldo, who scored 42 goals for United last season and whose contract runs until 2012, refused to rule out a move to the Spanish champions over the weekend.

Give your reaction to Ferguson's comments

The 23-year-old is currently recuperating after ankle surgery, which ruled him out of United's trip to South Africa.

But Ferguson, who was speaking in Durban ahead of United's pre-season friendly clash with Orlando Pirates on Tuesday, has reiterated his belief that Ronaldo will be staying at Old Trafford.

"In the modern day, young lads can be twisted by the talk of money, but if you saw Ronaldo after the Champions League final, he was the happiest boy in the world," he said.

"I genuinely believe that I know what the best club in the world is for him and that is Manchester United.

"When you have young players, you want the best for them and you want to do the best for them."

Ronaldo: No decision made yet

Ronaldo: No decision made yet

Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to confirm Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's claim that the winger will remain at Old Trafford.

Ferguson met Real Madrid target Ronaldo for clear-the-air talks on Monday and insisted on Friday that there was no chance he would be quitting United for Spain.

But Ronaldo - who is on holiday in America as he recovers from ankle surgery - claims he has still to make a firm decision on his future.

"I've had hundreds of questions about Manchester United and Real Madrid," he told ESPN. "What do you want me to say? That I'm going or I'm staying?

"I don't know about the future, only God knows it. I can't say any more.

"Great players are always hounded by great clubs. It's a normal situation. There are other great players who are in the market who are good and who other clubs want.

"I have always been hounded, not only this year. It's not strange for me, to see what happens."

Madrid are reportedly ready to offer Ronaldo massive wages, while United chief executive David Gill is adamant he will not receive a pay rise should he stay at United.

But Ronaldo, who signed a new deal at Old Trafford 18 months ago, claims any decision on his future will not be based on money.

"I want to be happy regardless of where I play," he added. "I can be happy everywhere, if I am with people I like, if I am animated, motivated.

"Am I motivated to continue at United? I am always motivated.

"I am ambitious and I want to always improve. I don't know the future, but I will be motivated."

Ronaldo will be out for three months as he recovers from the operation.

And the winger claimed he just wants to concentrate on getting back to full fitness as quickly as possible.

"I'm not anxious about the future, I'm feeling normal," continued Ronaldo. "Normal is resting my head, my body, having a good recovery and the future belongs to God, not to me."

Ronaldo will remain at United - Fergie

Ronaldo will remain at United - Fergie

Sir Alex Ferguson has categorically ruled out the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid, insisting he ‘will be a Manchester United player next season’.

In what should bring an end to one of the most drawn out transfer sagas in football history, Ferguson confirmed the news after a showdown meeting with the Portugal international.

The United boss, who was in jovial form at a press conference in South Africa, explained that he and Ronaldo had both expressed their points of view in a frank tete-a-tete.

Ferguson was still unable to comment on the attacker’s long-term plans, but he stated in no uncertain terms that Ronaldo would be a United player next season.

“The meeting went well – I think we both put across our points of view – where we stand and where the player stands,” explained Ferguson.

"The player is under contract so the strength and the rights are with Manchester United.

“I can say he will be a Manchester United player next season. That’s our stance, he won’t be sold.”

Elaborating on the reason why this meeting had not taken place sooner, Ferguson pinned the blame on himself.

"I was on my holiday and I was not going to interrupt my holiday, believe me," he added. "I wasn’t panicked because the player is under contract so the strength and the rights are with Manchester United.

"What we have done well is to say nothing. We’ve kept quiet on this matter and kept it private and what I said to Cristiano remains private. I did go and see him last week in Portugal and it was very amicable – there were no problems. That’s where we are and we carry on."

United fans will not see their 42-goal hero until October though, with Ferguson confirming a three-month absence.

"He’s had an operation and he’ll be out for three months. He’s on crutches for the first four weeks, he’ll be in rehabilitation for the next four and then the following four he’ll be back into football training.

"The time mapped out is three months and we won’t bring him back a day earlier than that.

"I think when players have operations we have a responsibility that the player comes back 100 per cent and we’ll carry that out as we normally do. There’ll be no risk-taking – we never take risks."

Ronaldo's prolonged stay at Old Trafford is not expected to affect United's bid to land Dimitar Berbatov, which Ferguson confirmed on Friday.

The Scot would not comment any further on the Bulgarian's situation during the press conference - preferring instead to speak about Saturday's friendly against Kaizer Chiefs, which can be seen live on Setanta Sports.

Ronaldo will remain at United - Fergie

Ronaldo will remain at United - Fergie

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted Cristiano Ronaldo will be at Old Trafford next season and will not be joining Real Madrid.

Ferguson met the winger - now out for three months following ankle surgery - in Lisbon last week after speculation about the 23-year-old's future.

"It went well. We put across our points of view, where we stand and where the player stands," explained Ferguson.

"I can say he'll be a Manchester United player next season. He won't be sold."

United will hope that Ferguson's comments at a press conference during the club's pre-season tour of South Africa will put an end to rumours linking Ronaldo with a switch to the Spanish champions.

Ferguson added: "It's not a difficult position. I was on my holiday and I was not going to interrupt my holiday, believe me.

Give your reaction to Ferguson's comments

"I wasn't panicked because the player is under contract so the strength and the rights are with Manchester United.

"What we have done well is to say nothing. We've kept quiet on this matter and kept it private and what I said to Cristiano remains private."

Ronaldo, who scored 42 goals for United last season and whose contract runs until 2012, is currently recuperating after his surgery, which ruled him out of United's trip to South Africa.

Ferguson confirmed: "I did go and see him last week in Portugal and it was very amicable - there were no problems. That's where we are and we carry on.

"He's on crutches for the first four weeks, he'll be in rehabilitation for the next four and then the following four he'll be back into football training.

"The time mapped out is three months and we won't bring him back a day earlier than that.

"I think when players have operations we have a responsibility that the player comes back 100% and we'll carry that out as we normally do.

"There'll be no risk-taking - we never take risks. Our goal is to always make sure that the player gets back 100% and that will be the same in the case of Cristiano Ronaldo."

Fergie reiterates Ronaldo stance

Fergie reiterates Ronaldo stance

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has met with Cristiano Ronaldo and insists the winger will not be sold to Real Madrid.

Ronaldo has been heavily pursued by the Spanish giants but at a press conference in South Africa to mark the start of United's pre-season trip, Ferguson confirmed the 23-year-old is going nowhere.

The veteran Scot said: "The meeting went well - I think we both put across our points of view - where we stand and where the player stands.

"I can say he'll be a Manchester United player next season. That's our stance - he won't be sold."

Asked why he had not commented on the matter until now, Fergie replied: "It's not a difficult position. I was on my holiday and I was not going to interrupt my holiday, believe me.

"I wasn't panicked because the player is under contract so the strength and the rights are with Manchester United.

"What we have done well is to say nothing. We've kept quiet on this matter and kept it private and what I said to Cristiano remains private.

"I did go and see him last week in Portugal and it was very amicable - there were no problems. That's where we are and we carry on."

The Portuguese international is currently recovering from ankle surgery and Ferguson confirmed the Red Devils star is unlikely to be back in action until October.

"He's had an operation and he'll be out for three months," said the 66-year-old.

"He's on crutches for the first four weeks, he'll be in rehabilitation for the next four and then the following four he'll be back into football training.

"The time mapped out is three months and we won't bring him back a day earlier than that.

He added: "I think when players have operations we have a responsibility that the player comes back 100 per cent and we'll carry that out as we normally do.

"There'll be no risk-taking - we never take risks. Our goal is to always make sure that the player gets back 100 per cent and that will be the same in the case of Cristiano Ronaldo."

Bitter Keane supports Ronaldo

Bitter Keane supports Ronaldo

Sunderland manager Roy Keane has supported Cristiano Ronaldo's fight to leave Manchester United by saying clubs are just as disloyal as the players.

The Irishman is still hurt at the way he was forced out of Old Trafford after sterling service for The Red Devils when a controversial unbroadcast MUTV interview saw him openly criticise his team-mates individually and signal the beginning of the end of his United career.

Although he is strongly fancied to return to Manchester one day to manage the European champions, Keane has clearly not forgotten the way in which he was swiftly ushered out of the club.

Despite not referring specifically to his former team-mate, Keane did state that his advice to players is to look after themselves.

"I think it's always been the case if players fancy leaving and make it hard for a manager and their attitude isn't up to scratch, then you sell them," he declared.

"Having said that, in defence of players, when a club is finished with you, they get rid.

"My advice is look after yourself. If you get a chance for bigger and better things, then go for it.

"I've experienced that myself.

"People question players' loyalty. I question clubs' loyalty.

"It's a business to them. If you're not needed then you can be out of the door in 10 minutes, and I'm speaking from experience.

"It works both ways."

Barca may swoop for Robinho

Barca may swoop for Robinho

Barcelona could be set to table a shock bid for Chelsea target Robinho, according to the player's agent Wagner Ribeiro.

Speculation has been rife that the Real Madrid forward is on his way to the Premier League, with Chelsea admitting their interest and Manchester United also linked.

Ribeiro claimed on Tuesday that the Blues were winning the race, with Robinho attracted by the idea of linking up with their new boss, fellow Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari.

But reports in Spain suggest that Madrid's bitter rivals Barca could be preparing a bid, with both club president Joan Laporta and coach Pep Guardiola in favour of the idea.

And Ribeiro insists the notion is not a surprise to him.

"It's only logical that a club like Barcelona want Robinho," he told Spanish sports daily El Mundo Deportivo.

"He is also wanted by Chelsea and Manchester United.

"Chelsea have presented a big offer for Robinho to Real Madrid, but it seems as if the club don't want to sell him."

Chelsea have reportedly made an offer of £48million for the 24-year-old - something the Blues deny - who has also been mooted as a possible makeweight in a deal to bring United's Cristiano Ronaldo to the Spanish capital.

However, it is believed Madrid are reluctant to let Robinho go until the Ronaldo saga reaches its conclusion, and Ribeiro has reiterated his client's claim that he is be happy in Madrid.

"Robinho has a contract at Real Madrid," he added. "And for that reason he is not looking to leave the club."

Bitter Keane supports Ronaldo

Bitter Keane supports Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted there is no chance of him heading for a spell in Major League Soccer at this stage of his career.

The winger is regarded as the finest player on the planet and he has no intention of heading out of Europe at this juncture.

The Manchester United star could be on the move this summer, as he is a target for Real Madrid, but a move to America is not on his radar despite being told of the benefits by LA Galaxy defender Abel Xavier.

“I play in Europe and at the moment it is better, but in the future no-one knows,” Ronaldo said on Setanta Sports News during a trip to Los Angeles.

“Beckham and Abel Xavier play there and I spoke with him a few times and he says it is a great place to be, so you never know. Maybe in the future.”

Ronaldo is recuperating following ankle surgery and he is champing at the bit to get back on the field.

“I am injured now but I hope to come back soon, I miss playing football,” said Ronaldo.

Pele orders Ronaldo to stay put

Pele orders Ronaldo to stay put

Pele insists Cristiano Ronaldo should forget about moving to Real Madrid and honour his Manchester United contract.

The Brazil legend also dismissed Fifa president Sepp Blatter's claim that there is "modern slavery" in football and Ronaldo should be free to move.

Pele, in Stoke for a charity match for the Gordon Banks Foundation, said: "You are a slave if you work without a contract or you don't get paid.

"If you have a contract then in any job you have to finish the contract."

Pele added: "I think that when he finishes his contract, then he should be free to go wherever he wants to go."

Ronaldo has four years left on his Old Trafford contract and is currently recovering from ankle surgery which will rule him out of the start of next season.


Former England goalkeeper Banks accused Cristiano Ronaldo of showing a lack of respect to Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

Banks said he could not understand why Ronaldo, who scored 42 goals for United last season, would want to move away from Old Trafford to Real Madrid.

He said: "I can't understand why he said he felt he was being treated like a slave. If he has just signed a new contract then he should respect his manager and honour it. It's stupid.

"I don't understand what the problem is. He plays for a team that has just won the European Cup and the Premier League. He plays for his country. What more does he want?

"It's like anything in life. If a businessman signs a contract then he has to honour it. It' s no different than a professional footballer."

Banks was speaking at a press conference ahead of a charity match in his honour on Saturday when a Banks XI will take on a Pele XI at Stoke's Britannia Stadium.

The former England keeper pulled off arguably the best save in history from a Pele header at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico.

United issue response to Blatter

United issue response to Blatter

Manchester United have answered Sepp Blatter’s comments regarding Cristiano Ronaldo by refreshing the Fifa president's understanding of the contract-signing process.

Blatter declared on Thursday morning that Ronaldo should be allowed to leave Old Trafford for Real Madrid, and he likened United’s treatment of the player to slavery.

In comments that will have no doubt angered Sir Alex Ferguson, Blatter stated: "I’m always in favour of protecting the player. If he wants to leave, let him.

“In football there’s too much modern slavery.”

United have issued a dignified reply, which reminds Blatter that players enter into contracts at Old Trafford with the help of a Fifa agent.

They also remind the Fifa president that players are never forced into signing new deals, although no indication is given over the current state of Ronaldo’s on-off move to Madrid.

A club spokesperson told the club’s official website: "All our players - like at other clubs - enter into their contracts after an open and free negotiation.

"Most of whom do after taking advice from a FIFA-registered agent.

"Many do so on a number of occasions and enjoy long and successful stays at Old Trafford."

Blatter irks Man Utd over Ronaldo

Blatter irks Man Utd over Ronaldo

Manchester United have disputed Fifa president Sepp Blatter's suggestion that winger Cristiano Ronaldo should be allowed to leave the club if he wants.

Ronaldo, 23, has been heavily linked with Real Madrid and said it would be a "dream" to play for the Spanish side.

Blatter insists players should be free to play where they want, comparing transfer trends to "modern slavery".

But a United spokesman said: "All our players enter into their contracts after an open and free negotiation."

And the statement continued: "Most of whom do after taking advice from a Fifa-registered agent.

"Many do so on a number of occasions and enjoy long and successful stays at Old Trafford."

Portugal international Ronaldo, who scored 42 goals as United won the Premier League title and Champions League last season, has a deal until 2012 and the club have repeatedly said he is not for sale.

But Blatter told Sky News: "I'm always in favour of protecting the player and if the player wants to leave let him leave.

"If the player wants to play somewhere else, then a solution should be found because if he stays in a club where he does not feel comfortable to play then it's not good for the player and for the club.

"I think in football there's too much modern slavery in transferring players or buying players here and there, and putting them somewhere.

"We are trying now to intervene in such cases. The reaction to the Bosman law is to make long-lasting contracts in order to keep the players and then if he wants to leave, then there is only one solution, he has to pay his contract."

Real president Ramon Calderon is keen to sign Ronaldo and last week he said that the player will be the one who ultimately decides where he plays next season.

Real boss expects Ronaldo to stay

Real boss expects Ronaldo to stay

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon says he expects Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at Manchester United.

Madrid have been linked with Ronaldo, who has often spoken of his "dream" to play for the Spanish La Liga champions.

"The most probable outcome as of today is that Cristiano Ronaldo will continue to play for Manchester United next year," said Calderon.

"Theoretically we still have time, there are still two months left until the end of August."

Calderon also said that Real's attempts to sign Ronaldo had hit an impasse due to United's reluctance to sell.

"We have not had any discussions with Ronaldo because United said they don't want to sell and we don't want to be disrespectful to them," Calderon told BBC World Service Sport.

"I wouldn't like to interfere in a relationship between player and club."

Real are yet to make an official bid for the forward, who scored 42 goals for his United last season as they won a Premier League and Champions League double.

The Spanish giants are rumoured to be preparing a package to bring Ronaldo to the Bernebau, but Calderon has said that Real will not go against United's wishes.

"I have heard that he has said many times that he would like to go to Madrid and it is his dream," he said.

"But we can't say any more as it could be misinterpreted and we wouldn't like to upset Manchester.

"I don't know if he will play for Real Madrid next season. We will only do what Manchester United want to do with the player.

Your thoughts on the on-going Ronaldo saga

"We are very good friends with Manchester United and they have said many times that they don't want to sell the player so we can't do anything.

"If they say sometime that they would like to sell we will be there and will ask."

Calderon and Manchester United chief-executive David Gill will come face-to-face on Monday at the European Club Association general assembly in Switzerland for the first time since rumours of Ronaldo's departure surfaced.

Ronaldo remaining coy over future

Ronaldo remaining coy over future

Manchester United winger and Real Madrid target Cristiano Ronaldo is still unsure where his future lies, according to the latest quotes attributed to the player.

Ronaldo is currently in Lisbon but on Friday afternoon he travelled to the Italian island of Capri where he was asked by journalists to clarify his future.

The Portuguese star insisted though that he still does not know whether it will be the red of United or the white of Real that he will don next season.

“I still don’t know,” Ronaldo is quoted as saying in AS, when he was asked if he would be going to Madrid.

Real's protagonistic chairman Ramon Calderon claims he has an inkling.

Calderon said: "It looks like Cristiano Ronaldo will be playing in Manchester next season. Today that is more likely."

Meanwhile, there is still no confirmation regarding the remedy for the player’s ankle problem.

United have yet to announce whether Ronaldo will require surgery that could, according to one report on Sunday, sideline him for three months.

Ronaldo set for ankle operation

Ronaldo set for ankle operation

Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to have surgery on his ankle early next week after seeing a specialist on Friday.

The specialist echoed the view of medics from United and the Portuguese FA that the problem requires surgery.

The Manchester United winger could be sidelined for up to six weeks, and may miss the start of the new season.

Ronaldo was not going on United's pre-season tour of South Africa anyway, but surgery could make him a doubt for the Premier League start on 16 August.

The 23-year-old initially met with United's club doctors and Portuguese FA staff in Lisbon on Wednesday to assess the extent of his injury.

Ronaldo revealed after the European Championships that he had been playing with the problem for weeks, and felt it required an operation.

Your thoughts on the on-going Ronaldo saga
He is not due back at United for another fortnight and manager Sir Alex Ferguson is yet to speak to him about the statements from Real Madrid - which went unchecked by the player - during Euro 2008.

After Portugal were knocked out in the quarter-finals, Ronaldo spoke of his desire for a "dream" move to Real.

United reiterated their stance on Friday that the winger is "not for sale" amid reports that a move to Real Madrid is imminent.

"It is utter nonsense and totally laughable," said a club spokesman.

Ronaldo reports 'nonsense' say United

Ronaldo reports 'nonsense' say United

Manchester United have issued a terse denial to reports on Friday that Cristiano Ronaldo is set for an imminent move to long-term suitors Real Madrid.

Madrid based sports daily Marca claimed that a deal for Ronaldo was nearing a conclusion but a spokesman for United described the latest reports as ‘laughable.'

The spokeman said: "It is utter nonsense and totally laughable. Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale."

Marca insisted Ronaldo's transfer could be announced 'in a matter days, if not hours.'

United's stance has remained the same throughout a campaign of media speculation and they are confident their star player will kick off the new campaign at Old Trafford.

Whether Ronaldo will be fit to start the new Premier League season remains to be seen, though, with United still assessing the extent of the Portuguese's ankle injury.

Reds rubbish Ronaldo reports

Reds rubbish Ronaldo reports

Manchester United have described latest reports claiming that a move by Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid is imminent as "utter nonsense" and insisted that the Portuguese winger is not for sale.

Ronaldo is expected to undergo surgery on an ankle early next week after he was seen by a specialist today and may miss the start of the new season.

United, meanwhile, have been infuriated by a report in Spain claiming that the 23-year-old will sign for Real within a matter of days.

A club spokesman said: "It is utter nonsense and totally laughable. Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale."

Despite Ronaldo's desire to move and a huge fee of around £70million being on offer, United chiefs believe selling the player would cause huge disruption to the club.

Apart from the effect on the team's playing style and formation, it would also send a signal that United are in some way a lesser team than Real.

The Glazer family bought United because they viewed it as the biggest club in the world so they cannot afford to been seen as weaker than Real Madrid, one of their biggest European rivals, or in thrall to their star player.

The message chief executive David Gill has given to the Glazers is that if they stand firm on Ronaldo and neither sell him nor give him another big new contract then it will strike a major blow against player-power and have long-term future benefits for the club.

There is no real financial incentive to the Glazers either - the club's profits are already covering their debt repayments easily so there is no requirement to raise new capital.

If they considered selling him, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson would argue that he would need all the £70million fee as transfer funds to replace his most valuable player.

Confirmation of Ronaldo's operation comes after a specialist echoed the view of medical staff from both United and the Portuguese FA that the ankle injury needs surgery.

He could be out for up to six weeks, and could be out for the start of the season.

United leave for their tour of South Africa on July 18 but Ronaldo was not going on the trip anyway.

Ronaldo tight-lipped on future

Ronaldo tight-lipped on future

Cristiano Ronaldo has met with Manchester United officials for the first time since speaking of his desire to leave Old Trafford.

But Ronaldo only met with club doctors, as well as medical staff from the Portuguese Football Association, to assess the midfielder's ankle injury.

Wednesday's meeting between Ronaldo and United doctors took place in Lisbon.

No decision has been made on whether the 23-year-old will have surgery on his right ankle.

"Manchester United medical staff met with the medical teams of the Portuguese FA and Cristiano Ronaldo in Lisbon on Wednesday regarding the ongoing treatment of an injury to his right ankle," United said in a statement.

"As a result, further specialist advice is being sought and an announcement will be made on any action in due course."

Ronaldo revealed after the European Championship that he had been playing with a foot injury, which he felt required an operation.

He is not due back at United for another fortnight and manager Sir Alex Ferguson is yet to speak to him about the statements from Real Madrid - which went unchecked by the player - during Euro 2008.

After Portugal were knocked out in the quarter-finals, Ronaldo spoke of his desire for a "dream" move to Real, but United insisted the winger was not for sale.