OK, imagine the following scenario. Some time ago, my family tried to steal your most precious asset. My family and your family fell out big time and had a very public row. Now, I am telling anyone who cares to listen, that I am going to try to steal your most precious asset again. At the same time, I am holding up an olive branch of peace and asking you to be my friend. I would imagine that you are quite likely to tell me to f**k off!
Far fetched
Although that scenario sounds a little far fetched it is exactly what Florentino Perez is doing to Manchester United about Cristiano Ronaldo. I really had to smile when I saw that Perez was promising that he will not fall out with United over Ronaldo.
Since he returned to his role as President of Real Madrid Perez has made absolutely no secret of his wish to target the signing of Ronaldo and take him to the Bernabeu.
Last Summer, when Real and United fell out over the player Perez was not involved. Despite that, he would have to have been living on the moon to be unaware of what went on.
Rejected
As you will recall, Fifa rejected a complaint from United last June that Real’s public attempts to sign Ronaldo amounted to an illegal approach. Although the complaint was rejected, Fifa warned Real against inducing the player to breach his contract in the future.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson denied in December that there was any secret arrangement to sell Ronaldo at the end of the season.
“Do you think I would enter into a contract with that mob? No chance. I would not sell them a virus. Sometimes I get really annoyed with them. But we know their game. I think we should play ours and ignore them.”
Perez has claimed that Real could exploit a clause in the Ronaldo’s contract which runs until 2012.
“From what I hear, there is an agreement between the player and his club. If one day there is a chance of him playing for Real Madrid, that would be an honour for us.”
With three years still to go on his contract it sounds pretty much like Real are trying to induce him to breach his contract in exactly the way Fifa warned them not to.
The sanctimonious way in which Perez is trying to offer a hand of friendship towards United is hardly likely to be appreciated by Sir Alex Ferguson and the United management team.
“If I had to choose between the friendship with United and Ronaldo, I would choose the friendship. Plus, I have never said that Cristiano will arrive in June. That is an arrogant and false statement. I shall be talking with United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and chief executive David Gill to build bridges.”
I doubt whether he has the expertise required to build a bridge as big and complicated as that one!
Good relationship
Having said that, Perez, unlike Calderon his predecessor, has maintained a good relationship with his United counterparts since the days of the G-14 group. It may also be interesting to note that Fergie has not yet responded to any of the comments made by Perez. Could that be because Fergie likes Perez? Could it be because he has come to terms with losing Ronaldo? Could that be because he knows Ronaldo is going nowhere? Could that be because he is now quite happy to lose Ronaldo for the sort of ridiculous money that Real will have to pay?
Deals have been done relatively trouble free between the clubs with David Beckham, Ruud van Nistelroy and Gabriel Heinze all leaving Old Trafford for The Bernabeu. It is a pretty safe bet that Cristiano Ronaldo may well join that list of moves but it is an even safer bet that it will not be trouble free.
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
