Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon believes the Spanish champions will be a force to be reckoned with next season regardless of whether they sign Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Manchester United winger has been tracked by the Primera Liga champions all summer, with the player himself fuelling speculation by refusing to commit his future to the English club.
United coach Sir Alex Ferguson, who met Ronaldo for clear-the-air talks last week, is adamant there is no chance of the Portugal international quitting United for Spain.
But Calderon insists, even without the Portuguese, Real will go into the new campaign with a "complete" squad.
"We can't talk about footballers who aren't ours," he told Spanish television channel Atena 3.
"I've already said several times that we have a very complete squad, who have just won the Primera Liga.
"We built a great team last year. If we finally make some signings, they would be few but very good."
The Real chief claimed the Spanish side are mere spectators in the transfer saga which has dominated the summer.
"We don't have anything to say about that issue," he said. "We are only spectators, a passive observer in this whole story.
"It is the player and the club who are talking about a possible problem, we are unconnected to all that."
Calderon also poured scorn on suggestions unsettled Barcelona forward Samuel Eto'o could return to Madrid.
Eto'o has been told he can leave the Nou Camp this summer, and although he is reportedly the subject of interest from Real, it would be a controversial move for the player who left the Bernabeu on a sour note in 2000.
And Calderon has laughed off suggestions that the striker could move back to Barca's bitter rivals.
"There is not an 'Eto'o case'," he added. "I don't know where all this came from, because moreover Barcelona, as is logical, will not sell a player to Real Madrid."
The few players who have moved between the arch rivals have felt the full wrath of their former fans on their return to their old home.
One of Barca's favourite sons, Luis Figo, caused such a stir when he moved to Madrid he was pelted with bottles, coins, bricks and even a pig's head on his return to the Nou Camp.
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Comment 1 - 17 of 17
calderon, it will be a very big mistake if u sell robinho to bring in ronaldo. consider the nature and style of league you are playing in connection with the players u buy. dont consider commercial values alone
calderon, it will be a very big mistake if u sell robinho to bring in ronaldo. consider the nature and style of league you are playing in connection with the players u buy. dont consider commercial values alone
calderon is a bloody @#$% i cant stand this man maybe someone shouldlockhim in a cupboard and shout abuse at him he doesn't know what to say to the press so he just blag's them tells them one thing and then another real madrid might be a big spanish club but its not a big english club home of the beautiful game how on earth can he figure that one out somebody please ask him this man thinks he know's everything obviously not or he would workout the premiership is better than la liga
@#$% u benbear real madrid will maul man utd 6-0
WHO THE @#$% ARE CHELSKII???????????? WHO THE @#$% ARE CHELSKII???????????? WHO THE @#$% ARE CHELSKII???????????? WHO THE @#$% ARE CHELSKII???????????? and the red devils go marching on to another double!
@#$% u lawence s chelsea r a team full of cheaters nd divers like drogba who i hope dies of malaria forever the greatset team in the world
MAN UTD
Hey Lawrence S, the Blues didn't do much marching after they lost the Champions League.. I remember a bit of crying though HAHAHAH
To: Lawrence S
WE ARE THE PREMIERHIP CHAMPIONS AND THE CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE!!!
Next question.
WHO THE @#$% ARE MAN UTD???????????? WHO THE @#$% ARE MAN UTD???????????? WHO THE @#$% ARE MAN UTD???????????? WHO THE @#$% ARE MAN UTD???????????? and the blues go marching on on on.
I wonder if CR has read that RM do not need him?
i think real madrid will make bid for eto,o next week.i was talking with the his agent yesterday.and i suggest that real is the team for such a fantastic striker,and i trust eto,o because anytime they meet barcelona he will show them that he is one of the best!
To: benbear76
Twice LOL
madrid should go for etoo, forget the river cry, that is who they need not ronaldo.
Haha, Calderon.... Are you pulling our legs!!! You do not need Ronaldo, don't @#&#$#, it is not right for the game
This guy Calderon amuses me if he does NOT NEED RONALDO WHY SPEND A WHOLE SUMMER CHASING AND CONFUSING THE BOY!!!moreover madrid can suffocate with thrir team;united fans take note
Let these guyz from Real Madrid leave Man United and Ronaldo alone. He deserves to be left alone by outsiders to do the job he is contractually obligated to at Old Traford. Thank God they have finally started seeing sence in this protracted saga but they ought not to have started the whole thing in the first place
Olonde Steve
I hope man united meat real madrid in the champions league and Man united stuff them 4-0
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