In what has been an endless and fierce saga since the season’s
end in May, Ronaldo had been tipped to leave Old Trafford in
pursuit of a “dream” move to the Bernabeu.
Quotes attributed to the 23-year old and his family have done
little to quell reports of a move, though Sir Alex Ferguson and
Manchester United have refuted all talk of Ronaldo’s exit.
The Old Trafford club also reported Real to FIFA in the belief that
the Spanish side had broken legislation with regards to tapping up
a player via the media, though no action was taken by the game’s
governing body.
Calderon, however, appears to have accepted defeat in his pursuit
of the majestic forward, who netted an incredible 42 times last
season for The Red Devils, though he left the door open for a move
in the future should Ronaldo’s current employers decide to cash
in.
"Ronaldo has stated that it would be a dream to move here, that he
would be excited to come to Real Madrid but it is a desire of the
player which can not be fulfilled without Manchester's assent,"
Calderon told Marca.
"Manchester must first agree to it. Once they decide to sell him
and tell us, we talk about a possible transfer. But as of today
that is not happening," Calderon said.
"Theoretically we still have some time. There are still two months
left of the transfer until the end of August and if Manchester get
in touch with Real Madrid and makes an offer, we can talk," he
added.
Ronaldo is yet to discuss his plans with Manchester United
officials, though reports suggest he is set to meet with chief
executive David Gill in Switzerland next week.
With the club having arranged for Ronaldo to undergo surgery on a
troublesome ankle injury, the player is set to miss out on the
team’s pre-season tour of South Africa.
The Premiership and Champions League champions have slammed
speculation that the two clubs had agreed a fee for former Sporting
Lisbon man, describing the stories as "utter nonsense and totally
laughable” while repeating that the player is “not for sale”.
Will Wood