Ronaldo wants ‘dream’ Real move
Cristiano Ronaldo says he hopes to “complete his dream” of moving to Real Madrid, despite Manchester United insisting he is “not for sale”.
The European champions said on Friday: “We are not listening to offers.”
But the Portugal winger, 23, has signalled his intention to “take advantage of a great opportunity”.
“Everybody knows what I want but things don’t only depend on me,” he said. “I am not the person who decides but I hope to complete my dream.”
Ronaldo stated that he made up his mind before the Champions League final that he wanted to leave United for Real.
And he revealed that Luiz Felipe Scolari, about to take over at Chelsea after Portugal’s exit from Euro 2008, advised him to make the move.
“It is a dream, a step forward,” Ronaldo replied when asked about the prospect of playing at the Bernabau.
“For me, it is a great opportunity and, as Scolari says, that train passes by only once and we have to take advantage of it.”
Ronaldo indicated he will make a public statement about his plans over the next few days.
He said he had not spoken to Sir Alex Ferguson, who is on holiday in France, during his participation in Euro 2008.
And he insisted he is not worried about upsetting the United manager, who he is set to meet for talks about his future following Portugal’s exit against Germany on Thursday.
“It is my opinion,” added Ronaldo. “That is why I don’t mind if people get upset. It is my decision. It is what I want.”
The midfielder was in scintillating form throughout the domestic season and scored 42 goals as United clinched a Premier League and Champions League double.
United have already reported Real Madrid to world governing body Fifa over their public courtship of Ronaldo, although the organisation decided to take no formal action.
Real president Ramon Calderon insists any prospective transfer is far from a done deal, although admitted Ronaldo’s comments could be a “key step’ in the process.
“As we have already said many times, it is a problem between Manchester United and the player,” Calderon told Spanish sports paper 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.
“If the kid keeps himself in that strong position, the step he has taken could be key.”
Ronaldo’s possible transfer fee has been put at between £50m and £80m.
He said after Portugal’s 3-2 defeat by Germany that he requires surgery on a “small foot problem” that has been bothering him for three months.
“I’ll have the operation and then have a good recovery period,” he added.
Source: BBC Sport
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