Calderon waiting on Ron

Real president watching United 'soap opera'

Last updated: 30th July 2008

Ramon Calderon Real Madrid president

Calderon: Waiting for conclusion

Related links

News

Feature

Teams

Players

Also see

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon insists the Spanish champions are spectators in the 'soap opera' transfer saga of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Calderon has conducted a summer-long pursuit of Ronaldo as he attempts to prise the Portugal international away from Manchester United.

However, a move has yet to materialise as United refuse to sell, while Ronaldo has kept his cards close to his chest since announcing it was his 'dream' to move to the Bernabeu.

And Calderon, who has been criticised by Real manager Bernd Schuster for an obsession with Ronaldo, now admits he can do little more than wait for a conclusion.

"Look, this (the Ronaldo saga) is a problem that wasn't created by Real Madrid," he told AS. "Madrid are just spectators in this soap opera.

Argument

"At the moment Manchester United and the player are in an argument and Madrid are waiting, and we can't do any more for the time being.

"Obviously, it's clear that we want Cristiano with the quality that he has. But there is a contractual problem that United and the player have to resolve, not us.

"Will he persuade the club to let him go? I can't say that. That question's for the player, who has publicly said his dream is to play for Madrid.

"We hear those words with pride and satisfaction, but his departure doesn't only depend on Cristiano. United are the ones that have to sort it out and it will either happen or not."

Ronaldo, who is recovering from ankle surgery, is yet to return to Manchester, but Calderon believes when he finally does it could be decisive for player and club.

Development

"It could happen then, but it's true that we have to wait developments," he continued.

"Everyone's thinking so much about this matter that people can get confused and I understand that they're fed up.

"They (United and Ronaldo) will talk next week and if after this conversation United decide to sell him, then of course Madrid will be there."

United have been aggravated by Real's quest for Ronaldo and reported the Primera Liga giants to Fifa, but Calderon insists his club have done nothing wrong.

"I would like to remind everyone that Madrid didn't generate this expectation but the player himself," he added. "The club has been respectful.

"(To want to sign him) is a natural and logical desire, equal to that of Chelsea wanting Robinho and (Iker) Casillas or United wanting Sergio Ramos. We didn't blow this all up. The club at which I'm president sleeps with a clear conscience."