Manchester United fans can gasp as their hopes of landing Cristiano Ronaldo were dashed on Thursday when Real Madrid president Florentino Perez announced that he had no intentions of selling the Portuguese superstar for anything in the world.
"I will do everything in my power to renew the contract. He has two years left on his contract, he is the best in the world and we would like to give a boost to the team with him as a leader and an emblem," said Perez. "I would not sell him for 1,000 million euros (1 billion Euros). We are not a selling club."
Perez noted that Ronaldo, who has scored 146 goals in 134 games since joining Madrid in 2009, is the team's cornerstone player.
"He is a winner and he wants to win titles and Real Madrid is the right place for it... When he said he was sad, he talked to me and I told him I would do everything possible for him to be happy."
Perez has been vocal about his intent to keep Cristiano Ronaldo. He recently stated that he was hoping to make the 27-year old the highest paid player soccer player in the world.
"We want to build the Madrid of the future around him," Perez told Spanish radio station Cadena Ser. "And I would like Cristiano to be the best-paid player in the world."
Many have speculated that Ronaldo could be headed to Manchester United after the superstar reportedly told a friend that he wanted to return to the Old Trafford. The imminent exit of Wayne Rooney only increased the rumors. Additionally, Manchester United fans have united to create an online campaign called "Bring Ronaldo Home" that aims to raise money to help their beloved club buy the player from Perez. As made clear by Perez, the group might have to attempt raising well over one billion euros if it wants to make its dream come true.
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
