MADRID (Reuters) - Real Madrid have defended themselves against accusations from Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson that they were using underhand tactics to pressure Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo into joining them.

"I am really surprised to hear what he said about us. I don't understand Ferguson," Real president Ramon Calderon told sports daily Marca on Sunday.

"Real Madrid have conducted themselves exquisitely is this whole affair with Cristiano Ronaldo. We have always said that he is a player who has a contract and that Manchester United is not a selling club. That's everything."

Ferguson attacked the Spanish champions on Friday criticising their methods in trying to lure the 23-year-old to Spain by using the local media as their mouthpiece.

"Do you not think we've not had interest from big clubs around Europe about our best players? Of course, we have. But they don't get into the nonsense (Real) get into," Ferguson said.

"They think they can ride rough-shod over everyone, but they won't do it with us."

Ronaldo has added to the speculation with some ambiguous statements after Wednesday's Champions League final victory.

The Madrid-based sports newspapers have had the player on their front pages the last few days.

On Sunday, Marca reported that given the chance, Real would open their bidding with an offer of 80 million euros ($126.2 million), for a five-year contract that would net the player 9.5 million euros per season.

Brazil forward Robinho could move in the other direction as a make-weight in the deal.

Ronaldo, who has just joined up with the Portugal squad to start preparations for next month's Euro 2008, has said he will make a decision on his future in the next two weeks.

(Writing by Mark Elkington; Editing by John O'Brien)