Farewell Cristiano Ronaldo And Thanks For The Memories!

Cristiano Ronaldo. He was a diver. He was a poser. He was a faker. He was a primped up poodle, a dummy-spitter and a prima donna. He was flash, he was vulgar, he was diva-high maintenance, a fresh-flowers-in-my-hotel-room type of new-age footballer. He was stretch limos and blacked-out windows, diamond-stud earrings and clothes with his name written on them. In case he forgot who he was. He sulked, he flirted, he pouted, he sat on his backside in protest if he didn't get a free-kick. Like it was an offence against his divinity. He was fickle, he was restless, he was rootless, he was rude. He turned his back on his manager when he had the temerity to substitute him.

His little wink at the Portugal bench after Wayne Rooney had been sent off in the 2006 World Cup said a lot, it was as if we had looked through a window into his soul. There was no Eric Cantona warmth about him. He was not a vulnerable man. Not a football philosopher. Not a man who played with joie de vivre.

But he is a fucking good footballer, there's no question about that. I am an avid Manchester United supporter and I found it hard to like him but it was even harder still not to admire him.

Despite all his faults and his foibles, he established beyond all reasonable doubt during his Manchester United years that he was the best player in the world.

Frank Lampard, Fernando Torres and Ryan Giggs rolled into one. A midfiled goalscoring machine, a classic centre-forward and a wizard of dribble. A man built to terrorise defences and reduce goalkeepers to quivering wrecks.

Take the towering header he scored against Roma in the Champions League quarterfinal back in April 2008. The height he reached with his leap was simply incredible, the way he brushed the defenders aside like they didn't exist, the bravery of his commitment: Any out and out striker throughout history would have been proud of that.

He was just a never ending joy to watch, whether you are a United fan or not.

The goal he scored against FC Porto in Portugal was the goal of the season. An absolute thunderbolt from 40 yards to end the Portugese teams record of never having lost to an English team at home in the CL. That was a magnificent goal.

His one man demolition of Arsenal in the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals was one of the performances of the season, maybe the best performance of ANY player in a Champions League game.

HE REALLY IS THE PLAYER WHO HAS EVERYTHING. Even if Lionel Messi had the last laugh when Barcelona beat United in Rome last month, Ronaldo is still the best player on the planet.

Messi is easier to like than Ronaldo, so he will always have an advantage purely on that basis with those who are rubbed up the wrong way by Ronaldo's petulance and strutting arrogance.

But all this talk of warmth and how easy Messi is to like obscures the fact that Ronaldo is the harder man to play against.

The day before the Champions League final, one of the best defenders the world has ever seen, Marcel Desailly, declared that Ronaldo, not Messi, would have been his worst nightmare.

Unpredictable, powerful, good in the air, lightning fast, an explosive shooter, a fine crosser, a dead-ball expert: there was nothing he couldn't do. United will not miss his attitude. Nor will they regret the absence of his posturing and his selfishness but even if Sir Alex Ferguson is allowed to invest all the £80m from his sale in the purchase of new players, United will be a poorer team without Ronaldo.

The sad thing is that Ronaldo will almost certainly be a poorer player without United, too. At Old Trafford, he had men like Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez who were willing to run themselves into the ground for the team and leave the glory to Ronaldo.

The attacking part of the team was built around him. Others made sacrifices. He reaped the rewards.

Despite all that, he has agitated for a move to Madrid like a little boy tugging at his mummy's sleeve and whining and whimpering until he gets what he wants.

Well now he's got his wish and so to Ronaldo the footballer I say good luck and may you have many, many years of good fortune and success and thankyou so much for all you did for Manchester United and us, the fans.

But to Ronaldo the man consumed by narcissism and hubris, I say grow up and good riddance.

Even if Lionel Messi had the last laugh when Barcelona beat United in Rome last month, Ronaldo is still the best player on the planet.....no one will make me believe otherwise.

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Manchester United Accept World Record Bid Of £80 Million For Cristiano Ronaldo From Real Madrid

Well, it would seem Ronaldo is off to join Real Madrid.

A statement was placed on the official Manchester United website this morning which reads:

Record Ronaldo bid accepted

Manchester United have received a world-record, unconditional offer of £80million for Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid.

At Cristiano's request - who has again expressed his desire to leave - and after discussion with the player's representatives, United have agreed to give Real Madrid permission to talk to the player.

Matters are expected to be concluded by 30 June. The club will not comment until further notice.

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CR7 Intends To Open More Shops

Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has already opened two branches of his boutiques in his home town of Madeira swiftly followed by another in Porto. He is now planning to make the next branch Madrid based. This will naturally get those clowns at Marca, Spain's Sporting Newspaper who have more fantasies than a teenage boy watching Cheryl Cole perform in the latest Girls Aloud video, crowing on about how he MUST be joining Madrid because of this latest expansion of his business interests.

The shops are all called 'CR7' which is quite a trendy name, but if he were to join Real Madrid all the shops would have to be renamed 'CR9' as Raul currently fills the number 7 jersey for Real. Ronnie has already Trademarked the name 'CR9' - I guess he is covering all bases with that move.

Ronaldo's own website reports that he has plans to open new shops in Paris, Milan, Madrid, London, Berlin, Prague, Tokyo and Los Angeles, but NOT in Manchester. The plot thickens !!

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Fernando Gets His Knickers In A Twist

Fernando Torres, who I think looks better in a dress personally, has warned Manchester United "You're Next" !!! It's good to see that he keeps a close eye on the fixture list and is aware of his next opponents.

The Liverpool ladyman scored the first goal as Rafa Benitez's side blasted into the quarter-finals of the Champions League last night. With confidence sky high at Anfield, Liverpool travel to Manchester United on Saturday where they will meet a team of a slightly higher calibre than that which I saw them play last night. In fact, Real Madrid were dreadful. Little wonder tehy have never managed to limp past the last 16 of the CL for the past 5 years..

Torres added: "We now have the belief for Saturday against United. That is a massive game. I hope to win that and have more chances in the league. We know it's very important to win there - if not they will be many points ahead. I am very proud. I am proud at the performance of the team and the performance of the fans. We knew the atmosphere would be amazing but it was even better than we thought. This was a big night for Liverpool and for English football as well. We showed Real Madrid that this is Anfield and that Liverpool can win against any team here. It was a fantastic performance. After the first goal they knew it would be difficult because they had to score two. The penalty finished the game."

"The plan before the game was to play with intensity and with a high-tempo. Spanish football has quality but it is slower, so we knew it would be difficult for them if we played with intensity. I think we prepared the game better than them. The boss was brilliant in explaining how to play against them."......Back To Home Page...

Rafa Beneathus Smells Blood......

Rafael Beneathus claimed that his side could have scored more than the four goals they got against Madrid tonight. and he is now keen to get on with the mundane task of Premier League football again, against Manchester United at high noon on Saturday. Fernando Torres, Andrea Dossena and a Steven Gerrard brace helped the Reds to a 5-0 aggregate win, which still left their manager calling for even more.

I would have thought The Fat Spanish Waster would have kept hush hush after his last attempts to say he was keen to have a go at United. He went ten games without a win after that effort. Bearing in mind after his Bindippers won in Madrid they came to back to mighty Middlesbrough and duly got beaten 2-0. Just exactly how does Rafa conjure up these bizarre results, it's a rare talent indeed.

Benitez was mostly satisfied with his side's display, and was keen to talk up morale in the Liverpool camp in the wake of the win. He insisted that the Saturday lunchtime clash presents his side with a realistic chance to close the gap on Sir Alex Ferguson's side at the top of the Premier League.

He told a press conference at Anfield, "We played really well, and I am happy for the players and fans. The team was very good. We tried to put them under pressure from the start, and today is another good day for us. If you play so well against a team like Real Madrid it is good, but we could have scored more goals and we have to improve. We have a few days to prepare for the Manchester United game and hopefully we can reduce the gap. Manchester United are a good team, but we will approach the game with confidence."

Manchester United are a damn sight better than these wasters from Spain you played tonight Mr Benitez !! .....Back To Home Page...

AC Milan And Real Madrid Keen On Jonny Evans

The Mail on Sunday are reporting that AC Milan are joining Real Madrid in their interest for Manchester United defender Jonny Evans. That doesn't impress me much at all. When all seemed lost with injuries to Rio, Neville and Wes, Jonny Evans stepped in and did a sterling job, he was immense for us when needed. I'm sure he will get many chances to play first team football for United so I do hope he decides to stick around.

Real Madrid see him as a possible successor to Fabio Cannavaro. They spent last summer in pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo, and have also been linked recently with United marksman Carlos Tevez......then again, having said that, Real Madrid keep on linking themselves to EVERY player at United, such a show of public jealousy of what we have must be embarassing for them but such is life.....Back To Home Page...

Real Madrid And Manchester United Chase Brucie's Bonus

The battle to sign Luis Antonio Valencia is still raging on in the background and it looks like Steve Bruce holds all the aces for this one. Manchester United and Real Madrid are both casting their envious eyes in the direction of Luis Antonio Valencia and as far as Wigan Athletic are concerened they are prepared to do an 'EL Zamalek'.

With the Egyptian outfit preparing to sell Latics' loanee striker, Amr Zaki, to the highest bidder, Steve Bruce will do likewise with regards to Valencia.

It is expected that the English and Spanish giants will now have to break through the £20 million barrier in order to get their man.....Back To Home Page...

Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona And Mario Gomez

There is still no news from Manchester United on the Carlos Tevez saga. It took forever and day to sign him and now it is taking even longer to put an end to this transfer issue now. Real Madrid have shown an interest in him. They have also been showing an interest in Manchester United target Mario Gomez too. The stuttgart striker has been watched by scouts from United several times. Given this fact, it looks like Tevez is being edged out the door.

The news comes from Sport Bild. Manchester United and Real Madrid could be joined in the race for Gomez' signature by Barcelona too.

With a contract set to last until 2012 he wont come cheap. But that said, a striker who has scored 24 times in 31 matches wont be available at a bargain price anyway.

He does have a buy out clause in his contract for this summer believed to be in the region of €35 million which could be agreeable to any of the clubs after him.

If he were to move to Madrid it seems likely that he would either be used as a replacement for Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who has not settled well in Spain, or would be a long-term replacement for Raul whereas at United he would more than likely replace Carlos Tevez who appears to be on the way out from United.....Back To Home Page...

Manchester United, Liverpool And Real Madrid Chase Middlesborough Starlet

Manchester United, Liverpool and Real Madrid are set to lock horns over the signature of Middlesborough winger Adam Johnson. Rumoured to be valued at £12 million. Which seems to be rather expensive as he is unable to get into the Middlesborough first team because of the presence of a certain Stewart Downing. Downing's future at the club is hardly set in concrete as he himself had a recent transfer request turned down by the Boro management team.

Johnson has played for the England U21 side and was spotted by the big guns of Manchester United, Liverpool and Real Madrid while on a loan spell with Watford.

So right now Middlesborough are in the situation of deciding whether or not to sell Johnson for about £10 million or hold out for their valuation of the guy, thought to be around £12 million. The other option is to part with Stewart Downing, probably to Spurs, and let Johnson take his chance in the first team.

Johnson has already been taking some jibes from his team mates, he said: "It was the usual banter from them. I was getting all of it, calling me a Galactico and getting shouts of Raul. I don't know if there was anything in it - the manager never said anything to me. Who knows?".....Back To Home Page...

Ronaldo Plays Monopoly

Cristiano Ronaldo has developed a new habit, that of purchasing properties just like you and I would during a game of Monopoly. His portfolio currently consists of four homes which include a £4 million home in Cheshire.

He recently added to his property portfolio further by buying a hotel, which overlooks the sea on Porto Santo, an island near his native Madeira, according to The Sun. A Manchester United insider reportedly told the newspaper: "If he carries on like this he'll have more properties than a Monopoly board."

Ronaldo already owns a villa and a flat near Lisbon, has bought a house in Madeira for his mum and invested in boutiques for his sister. He is also set to build a £6.1m home in Portugal.

Last month it emerged that Cristiano Ronaldo had reportedly registered 'CR9' as a trademark - as sources in Spain suggest he has been promised the number 9 shirt by Real Madrid.

The Manchester United star had already claimed CR7 for use on merchandise and his agent Jorge Mendes registered the new motif with the National Institute of Industrial Property in Lisbon. Mendes is said to have been in talks with Madrid president Ramon Calderon over a £77m summer move to the Bernabeu.

I have this bizarre image in my head of Ronnie running his hotel and becoming a rather ropey charatcter not unlike Basil Fawlty.....Back To Home Page...

Chelsea And Manchester City Join The Race To Sign Tevez

Chelsea and Manchester City have joined Real Madrid in the scramble for the services of Carlos Tévez if the Manchester United forward prices himself out of a long-term contract at Old Trafford.

United are currently negotiating to sign Tévez permanentlyonce their two-year lease arrangement expires in June, but progress has been slow with Kia Joorabchian, head of the companies that own the player’s economic rights, maintaining that they must pay a fee of £22 million in addition to the downpayments of about £10 million that have already been made and a salary well in excess of £100,000 a week. Other clubs have been alerted to the impasse and while Real’s interest is well-known, Chelsea and City have also made clear their desire to be kept informed of developments.

The Argentina forward has expressed a preference to stay with United but, as well as the financial complications, he has been frustrated at times this season by his demotion to third choice behind Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney. Madrid would be his preferred destination if he were to leave United, but Chelsea and City would offer alternatives.

City officials have discussed the feasibility of such a coup with Mark Hughes, the manager, since the failed bid to sign Kaká, the Brazil forward, from AC Milan this month. The fee would be £32 million, but Chelsea appear to be willing to match that valuation in the summer while also bidding to sign Luis Fabiano, the Brazil forward, from Seville.....Back To Home Page...

Manchester United Move In To Hijack Valencia From Real Madrid's Grasp

Real Madrid have been busy behind the scenes badgering Wigan to sell their Ecuadorian star Antonio Valencia and now it is Sir Alex Ferguson's turn to step in and upset the apple cart for the Spaniards as he has had an interest in Valencia for some time.

Madrid, along with United, have held a long-term interest in 23-year-old Valencia, it has been reported that Wigan have demanded £18million from Real in order to let Valencia leave the JJB Stadium.

Sir Alex Ferguson was hoping he could leave it until the summer transfer window before making any move to bring Valencia to Old Trafford, but with new Madrid coach Juande Ramos desperate to recruit a winger to the Bernabeu in January, Ferguson is understood to have approached Wigan asking for first option and an asking price for Valencia.

Manchester United are believed to be favourites to land Valencia, with Ramos reportedly wanting to take the winger on loan initially from Wigan and make the deal permanent in the summer, which is not a good deal for Wigan at all as they need him for there push for a place in Europe next seasona s they are currently seventh in the league.

Steve Bruce, Wigan manager, does not want to lose Valencia having already seen Emile Heskey leave for Aston Villa this month and Wilson Palacios join Tottenham Hotspur however, despite Bruce being desperate to keep Valencia at the Latics. In reality should United or Real offer somewhere near Wigan’s valuation then another departure from the JJB in January looks ever more likely.......Back To Home Page...

Manchester United And Real Madrid Go Head To Head For Brazilian Wonder Kid

The Sunday Mirror reports today that Manchester United and Real Madrid are chasing Sao Paulo youngster Wellington. The player is only 17, but has made his full Sao Paulo debut.

Wellington is not a big man, just 1.73m and is mostly used in a defensive midfield position.

His full name is Wellington Aparecido Martins or simply Wellington and he was born on January 28, 1991 in Sao Paulo. He currently plays for Sao Paulo having made his full debut this season and wears the number 28 shirt.

So far he has made just the one appearance with no goals for Sao Paulo. He has been with the club for 3 years.

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Cristiano Ronaldo Accuses Madrid Of Being Liars And He's Staying At Manchester United

Real Madrid have certainly perfected the art of how to look like a bunch of idiots. Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo has said they are liars and again pledged his commitment to Manchester United.

Good ol' Madrid again came out with their now boring "a deal has been struck" routine to try and infuriate Fergie. They said this last month saying an “agreement” had been made over the transfer of long-time target Ronaldo to the Bernabeu. Sir Alex Ferguson retorted by likening Real to “the mob” saying he “wouldn’t sell them a virus”.

Now Ronniw has joined in and said: “There’s always speculation, not just about me, but about the future of players all around the world. People were speaking about me last summer but that was normal because of what I did last season, what people are saying now is simply not true. Who is saying that is a liar. I’m very happy at the club. I want to stay here. I feel at home here.”

Ronaldo who is currently in talks with Manchester United to extend the three-and-a-half years remaining on his contract, says he was encouraged and delighted with the response of the United fans after last summer’s transfer saga helped convince him to stay.

“I wasn’t worried about their reaction because people do not forget quickly what you do for the club. When I arrived at the stadium to play my first game of the season I felt a little pressure. But the fans were very good and this is why I feel Manchester United supporters are amazing.

It seems teams like Real Madrid and now Manchester City with their new found wealth need to put a zip in it and stop assuming money can buy anything. Cristiano Ronaldo is NOT for sale. How can it be said any simpler for these people to understand ?

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Will Manchester United Keep Cristiano Ronaldo?

As the new transfer window opens today guess what? We have new Cristiano Ronaldo speculation. However, unlike in the summer, this time Ronnie is quick to suppress and 'silly talk' of him moving to Madrid and has said he is more than happy with Manchester United.

The whole of last summer was full of rumours and make believe newspaper stories about him moving to the Bernabau, most of them started by Marca, the Spanish sports newspaper linked to Madrid. They have a history of 'fantasy football'.

In a recent interview, Ronaldo insisted he was happy and settled in Manchester and not interested in a move.

He said: "There's always speculation, not just about me, but about the future of players all around the world. People were speaking about me this summer but that was normal because of what I did during the season. What people are saying now is not true. Whoever says that is a liar because I am happy at the club, I want to stay here. I feel at home here. I feel very happy here."

It was obvious rumours would be started about moves to this club or that club last year. He had scored 42 goals in all competitions which is remarkable for a winger. But once the dust settled on the transfer market, he was welcomed back to Old Trafford by the United faithful at the start of the new season and insisted he was never worried about what the fans thought about him.

"I think the people don't forget quickly what you do for the club. When I arrived at the stadium, to play my first game of this season against Villarreal, I felt a little bit of pressure. But the fans were very good and this is why I feel the Manchester United supporters are amazing. I love the fans because they have been brilliant with me, not just this season but every season. Like I said before, I feel at home in Manchester."

I would be astounded if he were to go to another club any time soon. But in this weird and wonderful world of football, we can never be sure of anything!

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Manchester United WILL Lose Carlos Tevez In January

Well that is to say, Manchester United will lose Carlos Tevez in January if you believe everything Real Madrid say. According to them, Tevez is Spain bound because United have delayed for so long over his permanent signing.

Madrid failed miserably in their attempt to lure Cristiano Ronaldo during the summer and now seem to think they can get Carlos Tevez to join them. I guess with the injury to Ruud Van Nistelrooy they are desperate for a striker now. I'm baffled as to why they don't follow the traditional route in their transfer dealings. That is to say, call the manager of the player you are interested in and then see if you can strike a deal. Using Marca and other half baked newspapers to do your dirty work and alenating everyone seems pathetic to me.

They'd like to see a deal done in the January transfer window, but as United have him on a 2 season loan deal, he's just not available to them. Unless of course they show some good manners and call Fergie, eat some humble pie and realise they are just a club from Spain to us.

Tevez is understandably a bit upset he has started so many games on the bench and now Real have seized the opportunity and are confident of signing him. The part of this rumour was the fact they said it was "In a complicated arrangement with MSI, who own the economic rights of the player". What on earth that is supposed to mean is beyond me and just makes Real look foolish in their games., United have paid a total of £6 million to loan him for two seasons. They would then have to part with a further £26 million to buy him outright. Talks about sealing the permanent deal have been put off and then put off some more and I feel Tevez is resigned to a move. In my mind £26m is just too much, that kind of cash will buy Karim Benzema. Add to this the fact Fergie has been talking about the buy back clause for Giuseppe Rossi as well as bringing Fraizer Campbell back from Spurs along with the recent signing of Zoran Tosic, I think the writing is on the wall for Tevez here......Back To Home Page...

Zoran Tosic Signs For Manchester United For £8m

Manchester United have agreed an £8 million deal for Partizan Belgrade winger Zoran Tosic. The deal will be completed in the January transfer window subject to Tosic being granted a work permit next week.

The 21-year-old left winger became a target for Manchester United, Arsenal and Real Madrid after playing a big part for Serbia in last years U21 Euro Championships. Serbia made it to the final of this tournament. He made his debut for Serbia on March 23, 2007.

In order to qualify for a work permit a player must have appeared in 75% of their countries matches in the previous year but Tosic has only 6 from 14 or 43%. Chris Waddle has been appointed to the panel to hear this case by the Home Office.

As I said earlier Tosic is currently playing for Partizan Belgrade but he began his career with Proleter Zrenjanin before moving on to Banatski Dvor in 2005. Both of these teams actually combined forces to become FK Banat Zrenjanin. Tosic played 25 times for them in the Serbian Superliga scoring twice before making his move to Belgrade......
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Karim Benzema Says Manchester United Move Would Be Good

After talking so fondly about Real Madrid and Barcelona and a possible move to Spain, Karim Benzema has done a bit of a u-turn and when talking to L’Equipe, names Manchester United as a club which he dreams of joining.

"There are many clubs, Barca and Real, but also Manchester and Milan. It is all the big clubs which are dreams. I like Spain, but you can also really progress at Manchester or Milan. I want to reach a very high level.”

Benzema was linked with United in the summer but was believed to be interested in a move to Spain. Alex Ferguson is a big admirer of the 20 year old French striker who scored over 30 goals in all competitions last term and has so far bagged 13 goals this season for club and country in 22 appearances. Benzema has been valued at €100 million by Lyon and any discussions regarding a transfer will wait until then end of the season, he said: “People have been shocked because it’s a big amount…We’ll finish this season and then we’ll see.....Back To Home Page”.

Sign Tevez Or Sell Him, But Get On With It !!

Manchester United really need to get their arses in gear now if they have any REAL intentions of signing Carlos Tevez long term. Ruud Van Nistelrooy has crocked himself long term and is out for the rest of the season so guess who will come knock knock knocking on United's door again - yes Real Madrid !! I've had about all I can stomach of their nonsense in the press so I can't be bothered going through all that again. Either sign him or get rid of him. I personally think £30m for a 4th striker is silly money so I'd sell him but there we go, the final choice is Fergies.

United paid between £6 million and £10 million to sign Tevez on a two-year loan deal, which expires next summer, and those costs are expected to be included in the final fee, which could total as much as £30 million. That would leave United with about £20 million left to pay to Joorabchian, who owns the economic rights to the player......Back To Home Page

Karim Benzema For Sale ?

Lyon aren't big enough or succesful enough to hold on to Karim Benzema it's as simple as that ! They might not like people saying this but the truth hurts. Benzema is too good and too big a character to even want to stay there in my opinion. Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been alerted that Karim Benzema will be up for grabs next summer.

I personally think Lyon have finally accepted they cannot hang on to the talented striker and will accept bids in the region of £20million, unless one of these crzy bidding circuses begins. Fergie should stick to £20m tops and not bother trying a bidding war. I'd love Benzema at Old Trafford but we don't NEED him. Barcelona and Real Madrid will also be interested.....Back To Home Page