view photoBASEL (Reuters) - Cristiano Ronaldo said on Thursday there was a strong possibility he would leave European champions Manchester United for Real Madrid.
"The possibilities (of going to Real) are big but it doesn't depend on me and because of that I don't want to talk about it," the 23-year-old winger told reporters after Portugal's 3-2 quarter-final defeat by Germany at Euro 2008.
view photoAsked if there had been an offer from Real, he said: "I think so, I don't know. In the next few days we'll see if we reach an agreement.
"Everyone knows what I want. But in the next two or three days you'll have something new."
Asked when he had made the decision about his future he said: "Some time ago, before this competition. I didn't want to say anything because we were in competition and these are important decisions."
Ronaldo also revealed he had been playing with a foot injury for three months and would need an operation to correct it.
view photoHe has just won a Premier League and Champions League double with United, scoring 42 goals last season, and been named England's Footballer of the Year for a second successive time.
He was asked by reporters whether he wanted to leave for personal or sporting reasons.
RONALDO'S DREAM
"Personal, it's something I want, something I dream about," he said before quoting the advice of Portugal's Brazilian coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.
"(It is) a dream, a step forward... For me it's a very good opportunity. As Scolari says, this only happens once."
He added that leaving Manchester United would be difficult "but I think it could be good for both (of us)".
Regarding his unspecified foot injury, he told reporters: "I'm going to have an operation now. I have had a small problem for about three months, in my foot.
"(The operation) is going to be in Manchester. I'm going to speak with them and in three or four days I'll have the operation and then I want to make a good recovery."
Ronaldo said he had not spoken to Alex Ferguson, who unsuccessfully reported Spanish champions Real to soccer's world governing body FIFA over what the United manager saw as an illegal approach for a player still under contract.
Ronaldo's comments came on the day a senior Real figure said they were waiting for Ronaldo to make the first move before starting negotiations with United over a possible transfer.
"We are waiting for Ronaldo to say something, and as soon as he says he wants to play for Real Madrid there will be conversations between the two clubs," Real's director general of the presidency Miguel Angel Arroyo was quoted as saying in sports daily Marca on Thursday.
"We would willingly reach an agreement with Manchester United if it is possible, that is to say, if they want to sell and if the price was affordable."
(Additional reporting by Iain Rogers, Carlos Pontes in Lisbon and Mark Elkington in Madrid)
(Editing by Tony Jimenez and Ken Ferris)
Comment 1 - 4 of 4
Today Ronaldo said that he wants to go to Real Madrid.Man U still say he is not for sale.
Firstly Deco's legs are going and Ronadino went to Barca instead of Man u.
Secondly I'm looking forward too see ronaldo in spain and wreck his career as spainish football will not suit him at all.
Thirdly Man u should look for some youngsters and hopefully 2 class players with the money.
Good bye ronaldo you complete @#$%
It is always about dreams. Dreams, dreams, dreams...
Strangely, all (yes, all) religious masters in the world, including Buddha, Lao Zi, Jesus, they have been telling people, to WAKE UP, no need to dream anymore....
I know, some people (or most people) says, without dreams, means without propeller, again means we would not be going anyway. But... dreams are just pushes, pushing us to go forward. Do we really need dreams to push us forward?
Well, of course, it is up to individual, whether they want to follow their brains, to pursue their dreams, or follow their hearts, to be ready, to wake up....
People just love dreaming, including me, never listen...
The most important character a player must have is the heart to play for employer whom hires him (The best example would be Gigs and Scoles).
I think if Ronaldo desires to leave, then that would be best for both him and the teams. I am sure MU can survive without him. MU faced this situation before. When Cantona left, Nistelroy came, when Nistelroy left, Ronaldo came, if Ronaldo leaves, there will be someone else rising. The club will not sink. MU has grommed and popularised many players. It has served as the best football university and many players had graduated from it. Although MU has only won the Champions League three times, it has always been the team to beat and respected by every big clubs in the world.
If MU tries to hold Ronaldo and sterilise him on the bench, two consequences is certain to happen.
1. MU may killing a football talent.
2. Commercially, the money inflow of his sale will be held. I am sure the Glazers would not want that.
My personal opinion is MU should get in a play-maker rather than a finisher. This may help to groom local talents. The probably may get two midfield players to feed the likes of Rooney and Nani. Try to get players like Ronaldino or Deco. Please bear in mind that Ryan Giggs & Paul Scholes needs to be replaced when their matured legs get tired.
Thank you
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