Calderon - Let Ronaldo go

Real president urges United to respect player's wish

Last updated: 7th July 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Calderon - Let Ronaldo go

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Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon believes Manchester United should 'open up their stance' in the Cristiano Ronaldo transfer saga.

United have stressed time and again that Ronaldo is not for sale and chief executive David Gill is expected to issue an official 'hands off' warning when he meets with Calderon on Monday.

Calderon seemed to admit defeat in Real's pursuit of the Portuguese winger over the weekend but he has now urged United to let the player go if that is his wish.

Calderon feels United are being too stubborn and insists he would welcome the chance to get involved in such a unique transfer if the roles were reversed.

He told AS: "I think that, first of all, it's the desire of the player (to join Real), 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."

Ronaldo's decision

Calderon maintains that Real will not act on their interest until United agree to talks, but he believes it is Ronaldo who has to have the final say.

He said: "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."