Ronaldo - 'My future lies away from Inter'

The World Cup Golden Boot winner has been linked with a move to Real Madrid and Manchester United over the last week, although Inter coach Hector Cuper denied that the player was available for transfer.

Real have confirmed that no approach has been made on their behalf, but sports director Jorge Valdano did say that they would be interested should he become available.

It now seems a move is in the offing as Ronaldo confirmed to the Italian press that he was ready to leave Inter.

"I have arrived and I spoke almost immediately with the club to put my point of view to them," said Ronaldo.

"I must add that my opinion is the same as my agent [Alexandre] Martins told to president Moratti three months ago," said Ronaldo.

Martins complained to Inter suprmeo Massimo Moratti about Ronaldo's wages in comparison to team-mates Alvaro Recoba and Christian Vieiri - who both earn nearly £100,000 per-week.

As Ronaldo arrived back on Tuesday, Inter fans greeted him with a banner calling him an 'ingrate', which did not go down well with the Samba star.

"I am very sad about the reaction of the fans, although I understand their disappointment.

"I will live through the situation rather than going public on the reasons that are making me think that my future lies away from Inter."

Ronaldo denied that money was behind his seeming ambition to leave Inter.

"People who know me, know that money is not important to me," he said.

"I will respect my contract, like I have always done, but I hope in the next few days that the situation will be solved positively for both me and Inter."

With United dismissing their interest in Ronaldo, it would seem that the player's future lies in Spain with Real and his former club Barcelona ready to do battle.

Real are favourties to land him, although Barca have stated that they would match any offer for him.

Reports are emerging that Real will now make their move for Ronaldo official, after the player seemingly invited them to come in.

Real have previously denied that they would be willing to use French midfielder Claude Makelele in exchange, but reports are claimiung that he and Roberto Carlos plus ‚é¼30 million cash could be used in exchange.

It now seems that Ronaldo's future will be resolved within the next seven days.