Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon believes Manchester United should be
'happy and proud' to let Cristiano Ronaldo leave the club in what he believes
would be 'the transfer of the century'.
Calderon was set to meet United chief executive David Gill today, with the
Premier League side expected to issue an official 'hands off' warning to
Real.
Yesterday the Real president seemingly conceded defeat in his attempts to
capture the Portugal winger after admitting it would be difficult to convince
United to sell.
But 24 hours later he told Spanish newspaper AS that it was Ronaldo's wish to
join his club and the English champions should allow him.
Calderon said: 'I think that, first of all, it's the desire of the player (to
join us), but, of course, Manchester shouldn't be angry and they should open up
their stance.
'We can't be blamed if nearly every player wants to come to Real Madrid. If I
was Manchester United I'd be happy and proud to be able to negotiate such a
transfer for one of my players.
'Everything would be a lot easier if United realised that they could pull off
the transfer of the century.'
Calderon appeared confident a deal could still be reached, as he believes that
if a player wants to leave then there is little a club can do to stop him.
But he again insisted the Spanish champions would not act on their interest
until United agreed to talks.
Calderon continued: 'It depends on the player, on Ronaldo. Since I've known
football it has been the case that the desires of the footballer are what decide
matters.
'If Ronaldo wants to leave Manchester, he'll leave. If he wants to stay, he'll
stay.
'I don't think you can keep anyone in a place where they don't want to be, not
even in a family.
'But I insist that for a formal negotiation to start Manchester United will
have to open their doors to us. Manchester have to want to talk.'
On Ronaldo's ankle injury Calderon added: 'At the moment that is something
which should only concern the player and United.'
The Real chief admitted there was no plan B should the club fail prise Ronaldo
away, insisting there would be no 'comings and goings' this summer.
That includes reported Chelsea target Robinho, who Calderon claims the club are
not willing to sell.
'We have no intention of making any little touches to the squad, no comings
and goings,' he said.
'The squad is young and it's fine as it is. There is no negotiation going on
at the moment for Robinho to leave the club.'
