Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon believes Manchester United
should be 'happy and proud' to let Cristiano Ronaldo leave the club
in what he believes would be 'the transfer of the century'.
Calderon was set to meet United chief executive David Gill
today, with the Premier League side expected to issue an official
'hands off' warning to Real.
Yesterday the Real president seemingly conceded defeat in his
attempts to capture the Portugal winger after admitting it would be
difficult to convince United to sell.
But 24 hours later he told Spanish newspaper AS that it was
Ronaldo's wish to join his club and the English champions should
allow him.
Calderon said: 'I think that, first of all, it's the desire of
the player (to join us), but, of course, Manchester shouldn't be
angry and they should open up their stance.
'We can't be blamed if nearly every player wants to come to Real
Madrid. If I was Manchester United I'd be happy and proud to be
able to negotiate such a transfer for one of my players.
'Everything would be a lot easier if United realised that they
could pull off the transfer of the century.'
Calderon appeared confident a deal could still be reached, as he
believes that if a player wants to leave then there is little a
club can do to stop him.
But he again insisted the Spanish champions would not act on
their interest until United agreed to talks.
Calderon continued: 'It depends on the player, on Ronaldo. Since
I've known football it has been the case that the desires of the
footballer are what decide matters.
'If Ronaldo wants to leave Manchester, he'll leave. If he wants
to stay, he'll stay.
'I don't think you can keep anyone in a place where they don't
want to be, not even in a family.
'But I insist that for a formal negotiation to start Manchester
United will have to open their doors to us. Manchester have to want
to talk.'
On Ronaldo's ankle injury Calderon added: 'At the moment that is
something which should only concern the player and United.'
The Real chief admitted there was no plan B should the club fail
prise Ronaldo away, insisting there would be no 'comings and
goings' this summer.
That includes reported Chelsea target Robinho, who Calderon
claims the club are not willing to sell.
'We have no intention of making any little touches to the squad,
no comings and goings,' he said.
'The squad is young and it's fine as it is. There is no
negotiation going on at the moment for Robinho to leave the
club.'
dam this guy
again
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