Ronaldo.. Hold The Phone!

As everyone may know by now, Real Madrid has been looking to sign Cristiano Ronaldo for quite some time now. Through the media, by AS and Marca newspapers, which both are Madrid based, Real Madrid has announced that Ronaldo is on the top of their list, and will be given an enormous amount of money: 9 million €/year, along with a bonus consisting of a (one of a kind) Audi R8 with all of its features and modifications, since Audi is one of Real Madrid's sponsors.

But I have to ask… Why??

Think about it. Spending 80 million € on one player, adding the car and the salary, that has got to be more than 100 Million €, and the reason for this as proclaimed by the club is “We do have the finances!”

I have rooted for Real Madrid since the day I first followed football, and I must say that this doesn’t make sense. Not that I don’t agree with buying Ronaldo (he did have a wonderful season), but in the end, no means no. Too much is too much. They have used all means necessary, so why persist? Real Madrid has been known to “attempt” to buy almost any player with a good track record, but if you look at the players willing to sign like Ricardo Quaresma, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, David Villa and Alexander Hleb, they all said at least once that Real Madrid’s interest is an honor.

In addition, Sir Alex Ferguson said that if they (Manchester) were to persist the likes of Iker Casillas or Sergio Ramos, Real would definitely say no because they are good players and Real would not let them go for any price. But also if you asked Casillas if he would leave Real he would definitely say no right away because he likes it in Real. However, when it came to Ronaldo, the first time Madrid asked him, all he said was that he had a contract with Manchester United for 4 more years, and he would like to stick to that; he never said no. The second time he was asked, he said that it's his "dream" to play in Spain. However, when he was asked after winning the Champions League, he said that his head is in Manchester. It seems like he can't make up his mind. Nonetheless, his mind will be made up by the Euro 2008, which is when he will inform the media about his decision.

Another Rumor

I read somewhere that it was written that Ronaldo’s godfather, who pushed him to play for Sporting Lisbon and advised him to move on to the Old Trafford, has told reports that he has advised him to move on towards Real Madrid. Also, Portugal manger Scolari has added that he should grasp the chance to evolve to the next level.

So many of the Manchester Fans started commenting on this article that if Ronaldo actually moved to Real, he would be considered a traitor. But why is that? Ronaldo did shine this season with Manchester, helping them win the Premiership and the Champions League; I think that if he really wants to try something new, he should. Remember when Esteban Cambiasso did the same thing after winning the Champions League with Real? He asked for a transfer. So he left, along with Luis Figo and Santiago Solari, to Inter Milan, but I thought that it was normal. They played and won a cup with Madrid, and after they won, they felt like they needed something new. At that time, Cambiasso and Solari were still very young, and they still felt like they should accomplish more with different teams.

Ronaldo should really make up his mind because it's not worth waiting a whole month for and putting both teams in all these problems. I really respect the two of the most prestigious clubs in Europe, but I believe they should not fight about players and morals; instead, they should keep their eyes on the prize, and try their best to win the league next year.

Anonymous Fanatic #1

132 days ago

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Yes you're probably right, but still i dont know, why would you leave if your happy and all?

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IbeargRed-Shirting

132 days ago

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i just can't see how moving on benefits Ronaldo. He's already considered one of the top 2 players in the world, kaka being the other. He's on the best team in the world and he's making a ton of money as it is. I can't imagine he'll become a truly better player, bigger star or have any better opportunities to win then he does at Man U. Champions league champion, Premier League Champion what more could you be looking for?

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RawbeezeitzAAA-er

132 days ago

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He may have a better opportunity at success in Champions League play with Madrid. He'd still be an amazingly luminous star no matter where he plays, and Madrid is hardly small time. You make a good point. He's already won the Premier League, why not take a shot at La Liga?

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MegECass110AAA-er

132 days ago

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Everyone from his mom to his godfather to Portuguese national coach Luis Felipe Scolari is telling him to go to Madrid. It'll be up to him, but I really don't know why he would go other than just to make a splash. He's rich, he's adored, he's won the two biggest football championships in the world. He probably feels like he's accomplished everything and now he can do whatever he wants.

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RawbeezeitzAAA-er

132 days ago

Score 3

At first I thought this article was about the Brazilian Ronaldo, which caused a great deal of confusion (I said to myself, "Didn't he already play for Madrid?") Since when did Cristiano Ronaldo become just Ronaldo?

Keep in mind that Real is the club that overpaid for David Beckham. Honestly, what is a few million Euros to them?

And why leave Manchester United? I don't know, ask Englishman David Beckham why he went to a Spanish side. It's another mountain to climb. It's an entirely different and new set of challenges for him.

To us in America, Man U is the #1 club in the world. But to a young Portuguese man like Cristiano, he might be looking to play somewhere a bit closer to home. Or it may be as simple as: winters in Manchester, or winters in Madrid? Vacations in Brighton, or vacations on the French Riviera?

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MegECass110AAA-er

132 days ago

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It's not a question of why go to Madrid, it's a question of why not. Madrid has all of the glamour of ManU, plus wonderful weather and he'd be closer to home. And he'd be getting paid more, probably. He's conquered everything English football has to offer, and the Spanish game is probably more suited to his style of play anyway. It's a new challenge, something he may want to take advantage of.

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SSreportersHall of Famer

132 days ago

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I've got a few suggestions for what Real Madrid should do but they would not make it on live TV either...

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DRE-LOAAA-er

132 days ago

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He's free to do what he wants. But as a MAN U FAN, I'm begging him NOT TO LEAVE!!

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RohandevganAll-American

132 days ago

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Apart from all the money being splurged, Madrid are willing to send Robinho, Ramos and one more to United.

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IbeargRed-Shirting

131 days ago

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i think its somewhat of a contradiction to say C. Ronaldo is a me first player and yet his team has won champions league and the premiership twice. Being selfish is only a problem if it hurts the team. Look at the Celtics for instance, they need KG to be MORE selfish. C. Ronaldo is doing exactly what his team asks him to do... make plays.

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IbeargRed-Shirting

131 days ago

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whoops that was supposed to be a reply to Romi's comments...

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RomiezzoLegend

131 days ago

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You're absolutely right, Ibearg. However, I still have my doubts about him going because Man U is Man U. Real Madrid is Real Madrid. Both of them use different techniques in order to win. Man U is used to passing to Ronaldo for just about every single goal because it's almost a given goal whenever he gets the ball in the penalty box. Real Madrid is used to running down the court with the left side. Do you think they'll adapt to something new that quickly? Being selfish could actually hurt this team due to the fact that many of the best players on Madrid play on the left side of the field. Like I said below your comment... Robinho, Robben, Drenthe... they're all lefties. Putting one guy who is new to the league is like moving a pitcher from the American League to the National League. There's a big difference, and they need to adapt to new things. And I just don't think that giving up so much for one good player outside of their league is going to do much. If anything, it'll do worse, as there is a rumor that other players not stay with Real if they get Ronaldo.

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RomiezzoLegend

132 days ago

Score 2

Well, let's put it this way...

Cristiano Ronaldo: one of, if not the best player in the game right now.

Real Madrid: one of, if not the best team in the world right now.

Technically, it is a perfect fit because Real Madrid does not have a good right winger. Sneijder plays right winger, but does much, MUCH better as a center midfilder. Everyone is a frickin' lefty! Robinho, Robben, Drenthe, Guti (although he plays center)... that's the one thing that Madrid needs to focus on.

However, when looking at it from the perspective of whether Real should sign with Madrid, I don't think they should bother... at least not this year. Why? It doesn't look like he's very sure of whether he wants to leave or not. If he wants to stay with Man U, let him; Madrid has a good enough team to win La Liga again anyways. #2: I keep saying this, and I'm going to keep saying this: Madrid's team chemistry is AMAZING. It's one of the main reasons I love the team, besides the fact that they have talented players. They work very well together. On the other hand, Man U is all Cristiano Ronaldo (at least to some extent). He does not have good sportsmanship, and is nothing but a goal scorer. Once he gets the ball, he thinks "that's it", I'm going for the goal myself."

However, he did lead his team to both the Champions League and the Premier League. Gotta give him props for that.

I guess I'm just scared that the team is going to do worse than how it did this year if Ronaldo is on the team. This year, Real Madrid depended a lot on teamwork, which I truly loved. Teamwork is definitely key to any goal and any win. Is it going to be the same if Ronaldo is on the team?

That's why I'm not all for Ronaldo joining to RM squad.

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SalmanpourVarsity

131 days ago

Score 2

Well Man U doesn't give passes to Ronaldo if they know he is going to HOG the ball, watching Man U Premiership and Champions leagues, they has sooo much Team Work, and C.Ronaldo was passing forwards and backwards, and when he needed to he would charge the ball on the side of the field and give a magnificent lob ball to his team mate. Yes, C.Ronaldo loves to Hog the ball, but he doesn't anymore...because he is forced to pass the ball, because two or three players on one, he isn't going to pass them is he? so, his team work ability shot up ;p

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RomiezzoLegend

131 days ago

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Well, Salmanpour, obviously (as you can tell) I haven't watched many Man U games. I've only read stuff on the internet, and have heard rumors. That's just about it. If he has some sort of good teamwork, like you say, then I'll have to reconsider. However, what I'm saying is that Real Madrid doesn't have to spend so much or worry about getting Cristiano Ronaldo. They're fine the way they are. And like many of us (including both you and I) have said, guys like David Villa, Quaresma, etc. can fill in for a right winger easily. That way, Sneijder, Guti, etc. can alternate and they don't have to play as much, which won't get them as tired, and therefore, they'll probably do better in other games where they should be: in the center where they play the best.

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A QQJV Squad

131 days ago

Score 2

Good Point Romi, like i didn't know you were gonna say that...

Also Sorry About that i Wanted to Write C.Ronaldo, but i thought everyone knows him as Ronaldo anyway...

Also I'm not For or against, but as a Madridista i don't mind the transfer but if he said no there are others that will fit instead..

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SalmanpourVarsity

131 days ago

Score 3

First of all, Its not easy for a player to choose between a CLUB that he played for years, and a CLUB that is offering a great deal of money and accompanied with a car (Audi R8 a kick ass car), and Ronaldo did win everything their is to win in the English Premierships, However he has won any Italian, Spanish, French, German Championships, he would be delighted to win something different for a change, but lose his reputation in England is still hard for him. So he has a Right to stall for a bit.

Second of all, it isn't stupid how much Real Madrid is willing to pay to have C.Ronaldo, because he is the best player so far, but isn't David Beckham getting the most salary in the world now, as a football player? That is something that should be talked about, he isn't one of the best players in the world? but is getting the most paid! For the best player in the world that isn't shocking to me.

finally, Real Madrid doesn't really need Ronlado they have lots players they should pick, like how Amir pointed out "Ricardo Quaresma, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, David Villa and Alexander Hleb", any of these players can do a great job as right winger!, in the end its Madrid choice to wait or not for the player final agreement.

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RomiezzoLegend

131 days ago

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Exactly. There's all this talk about how Ronaldo would make a good fit for Real Madrid since they're in need of a right winger. Quaresma, Huntelaar, Villa, and Hleb could be paid 1/2 or 1/3 of the money with the bonus and they'd be more than happy. Real doesn't need the best players of the world filling in for positions. Instead of being known as the team who is interested in buying EVERY single player to "improve" their team, rely on the stars that they have. They have a good youth league, and look for people who have a lot of potential.

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RohandevganAll-American

131 days ago

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Real Madrid didn't win much when they bought all the star players i.e Figo, Ronaldo, Zidane, Beckham when everyone thought they would be unbeatable. However it took them time to build. United too took a long time to get to where they are today. I guess Ferguson knows he'll have trouble finding a playmaker and goal scorer like him and will have to start rebuilding. Scholes, Giggs, Neville, I feel are on their last legs as well.

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RomiezzoLegend

131 days ago

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Let's look at the facts: Real Madrid won La Liga 6 times since 1995: 1995, 1997, 2001, 2003, 2007, and 2008.

Figo joined Real Madrid in 2000, and left in 2005.

Ronaldo joined Real Madrid in 2002 and left in 2007.

Roberto Carlos joined Real Madrid in 1996 and left in 2007.

Zidane joined Real Madrid in 2001 and left in 2006.

Beckham joined Real Madrid in 2003 and left in 2007.

So basically, Real was supposed to have 4-5 good years with them playing together (at least for the most part). However, look at their competition too. Ronaldinho was in his prime, not to mention Eto'o was on the team as well (who led La Liga in goals in the 2006 season). Both Cañizares (Valencia) and Valdes (Barcelona) were great too. In fact, they both allowed 9 less goals than Casillas. There was a lot of competition in the early 2000's, which is what proves my point exactly: although there was such great talent on a team based on what they did in the past, they weren't able to win that title of being #1 in La Liga. Sometimes it pays off, and sometimes it doesn't. It all depends on how well the team does as one unit. That's why Barcelona won it two years in a row earlier this decade ('05-06).

However, look at it this way: Real Madrid has won 4 out of the last 8 La Liga titles. So, it must've paid off in the long run...

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SalmanpourVarsity

131 days ago

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Man U has to get their act together from now, cuz like u said most of the players are at the end of their peak for soccer. If they don't start finding replacements its gonna hit them really BAD. Madrid is a team that proved the world that they are one of the best teams in the world, 31 La Liga wins....Barca like 19. 9 Champion league wins....Man U is 3. They don't have to be greedy now, they got the most wins in the top two biggest event in soccer history.

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RomiezzoLegend

131 days ago

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So? 31 La Liga wins for Madrid. Make it 32. There's always an urge for winning a championship the very next year. Sure, Real Madrid has proved that they're the better franchise when it comes to La Liga (I mean, they have 1 1/2 more title wins than any other team in the division). However, think about the guys who haven't won a Champions League yet with Real Madrid. Think about the new guys if and when they are acquired and play for the first time for RM. I would never EVER call winning another championship (whether it's La Liga or Champions League) greed; I would call it the desire to become the top dogs in the division (or country, or continent, or world, whatever). Keep 'em coming, Madrid... keep 'em coming.

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RomiezzoLegend

131 days ago

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CRAP! I forgot to mention Raul in my first reply. He's been playing since the very start of his career (1994), in case you guys didn't know.

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SalmanpourVarsity

131 days ago

Score 2

When i said greedy i didn't mean greedy to win more, greed of getting more Big Named players, we don't want the same problem we had with Goalacticos, these youngsters are enough and more than enough.

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RomiezzoLegend

131 days ago

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OH, right. Yeah, that too.

!	Well, Romi, you made a right mess of that.

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SalmanpourVarsity

131 days ago

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Figo: 2 wins period of 5 years

Ronaldo: 1 win period of 4 1/2 years Roberto Carlos: 4 wins period of 11 years Zidane: 2 wins period of 5 years Beckham: 1 win period of 3 years

that isn't a good streak for real madrid, even with strong teams like Barcelona, Valencia & Atlentico Madrid. However, with the new youn recruits such as Robinho, Gago, Higuain, Drenthe and many more made a big diff...they played for madrid for period of 2 years and already won 2 in a row, that is big change.

You forgot to mention Raul.

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RomiezzoLegend

131 days ago

Score 0

That is definitely true. All of that crap with Valencia and Barcelona winning is in the past. Now, it's all about Real Madrid. They're the team to beat now. Like you said, Salmanpour, they've won 2 La Liga championships in a row, and why is that? First off, there has been great potential in the younger players, like you said. Robinho, Sergio Ramos, Sneijder, Gago, etc. Plus, they've got experienced players. Casillas gets better and better every year. Raul has still got it. He knows everything about this team and has been through every move that has happened with Madrid within the last 13 years. Also, look at Guti. He used to suck. Now, he's making great passes and is involved in many of the plays that help Madrid win games. Everything seems to be working in Madrid's favor, and I hope it stays that way for a while.

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A QQJV Squad

130 days ago

Score 1

but don't forget that Manchester have won 2 in a Row and are sitting on top of a Champions League as well, so they are another team to beat, they are English Champions and also European as well, also they have a balanced team team both young and experienced, which i believe is essential to win and dominate a league. like AC Milan and Arsenal, AC Milan Wont be in the CL next year and Arsenal even though had the Premiership most of the season lost it and didn't get anything this season.

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RomiezzoLegend

130 days ago

Score 1

Yeah, I know that. I was talking about La Liga only. When it comes to the "Champions League" though, I'm going to have to say that Man U is the team to beat. I mean, they did win it all this year, and seemed to do well against any obstacle that was thrown at them. I like the fact that you pointed out that a soccer (or should I say "football") team needs a balanced team of young and experienced players. That's what you need to keep a franchise on top of the league for a while.

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Baltimoresports247Red-Shirting

130 days ago

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I am a huge ManU fan and I was getting nervous for awhile, but after taking Barclay's and the European Cup I am no longer worried about Ronaldo leaving the mighty reds...

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