[Nima]

Calderón Names His Price For Ronaldo
Madrid sports daily As claims to have had access to Ramón Calderón's proposed offer to Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo. The price: €85 million...

With the Real Madrid president having recently ruled out breaking the €100m mark for Ronaldo, he appears to have set his price limit slightly lower.

A source who held contact with Calderón stated: "Cristiano is most likely going to come to Madrid because he's made a decision that he's unlikely to go back on. The transfer will close in at €85m."

That seems to fit in with recent rumblings from the Madrid camp, who apparently set their maximum expenditure at €90m - ten short of coach Bernd Schuster's nine-figure prediction.

Should the €85m transfer go ahead - the largest in the history of football, greater than the €75m paid for Zinedine Zidane by Madrid - then players must be offloaded to raise funds. Robinho tops the list: the Brazilian is said to be unsettled after recent contract negotiations broke down, and he could be en route to Chelsea.

That would raise up to €45m, which is apparently what Calderón and sporting director Pedja Mijatovic are looking for for the 24-year-old, who is in their eyes a potential Golden Ball winner in future.

In any case, more could become clear after today's Bernabéu board meeting, which takes place at 19:00 local time.

__________________

R.I.P Michael Jackson

[Nima]

Ronaldo Finds House In Spain
Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has been house-hunting in Madrid ahead of his potential move to Real Madrid this summer, according to Spanish media reports.

Indeed it has been reported in various Spanish and Madrid-based newspapers that the Portugal international has already chosen a house in the Spanish capital.

The Manchester United winger is suggested to have decided upon a property in the district of Morajela, an upmarket area, which close to where Madrid’s president Ramon Calderon and head coach Bernd Schuster live.

Former United and Madrid star David Beckham was located in the area for the majority of his four-year spell at the Bernabeu.

In what has been a sensationally protracted transfer saga, Ronaldo was quoted last week as saying that he would be prepared to upset Sir Alex Ferguson to secure what would be a world-record transfer to Madrid, underlining his determination to secure his dream move.

Ronaldo, who scored an incredible 42 goals in all competitions last season, stated after Portugal's elimination from the European Championship finals in Austria and Switzerland by Germany that he hoped to join the reigning Spanish champions, although a formal bid is yet to materialise with Calderon saying that his side can do nothing unless United initiate a move.

Hopes of United fans who are still hoping that the player stays at Old Trafford were handed a boost this morning however, after it was reported by The Sun that Ronaldo is definitely prepared to return to Manchester for pre-season training, after his three-week holiday to Italy comes to an end.

However, the report did state that although he would be fulfilling his contractual obligations with the European Champions, his desire for a move certainly hasn’t been dampened.

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R.I.P Michael Jackson

[Nima]

Profile: Cristiano Ronaldo
Goal.com looks at the rise and rise of Cristiano Ronaldo from his humble beginnings in Madeira to the brink of a move to Real Madrid...

Particulars

Name: Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro
Date of Birth: February 5, 1985
Place of Birth: Madeira (Portugal)
Height: 1.85 meters
Weight: 75 kilos
Position: Attacking Midfielder/Winger

Growing Up

Born in Madeira, Portugal Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro had greatness not in his blood, but in his name, his second ‘given name’ that is, which was derived from his father's fondness actor-turned-US president, Ronald Reagan. Fortunately, Cristiano didn’t choose to follow in either of his namesake’s career paths, but rather did what came naturally to him even at such a young age: play football.

At the age of eight he joined his first team, an amateur club named Andorinha, where his father José was the kit man. Even at such a tender age his desire to succeed was clear, regularly breaking into tears when he passed the ball to a team mate and they lost possession or wasted a chance, resulting in inevitable teasing. However, over the next two years his reputation grew and by the time his age hit double figures he had already attracted the attention of Madeira’s top two clubs, CS Marítimo and CD Nacional, the latter of which secured his signing in 1995.

Nacional could only hold onto for him for so long, though, and after winning the league title in his second season at the club he was offered a trial with Sporting Lisbon. Despite initial concerns from his parents the young Ronaldo was signed by Sporting for an undisclosed sum in 1997 and moved to the Portuguese capital in a bid to pursue his professional career.

Lisbon

However, it didn’t all go according to plan for the young Maderian when he began life in Alcochete, Sporting’s world-class training facility. Ronaldo was constantly teased for his accent by the local boys and on more than one occasion got involved in fights; he also had trouble with a growth spurt, which put his career on hold for a year. Despite these setbacks he continued to progress, and with his mum eventually joining him in the Portuguese capital at the insistence of the club, he became the only player in Sporting’s history to play for the Under-16, Under-17, Under-18, B team and first-team within a season.

To cap off what was already a highly successful year for the youngster he also shone at the UEFA Under-17 Championships, catching the eye of the Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier, who made the costly mistake of deciding to wait for Ronaldo to mature before making a move for him. While Houllier watched and waited it was another Premier League manager who pounced.

After seeing his Manchester United side lose 3-1 to Sporting in a pre-season game, Sir Alex Ferguson was recommended the youngster by his own players, who were apparently incredibly impressed both with his ability to play on both wings and his fast and skilful feet. Through the association United had with Sporting they were able to beat both Chelsea and Liverpool to the signing and Ronaldo joined the Red Devils in the summer of 2003 for £12.24 million - the most a British club had ever paid for a teenager. With Beckham having left to join Real Madrid it was symbolic that the now vacant number 7 shirt, worn by greats such as Best, Cantona and Robson, should be bestowed upon the incoming youngster by Ferguson himself, who declined Ronaldo’s initial choice of number 28, giving him the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of legends.

Theatre of Dreams

Unlike the teething problems he had suffered at Sporting, Ronaldo hit the ground running at United, coming on as a substitute for his debut to win a penalty and help turn a narrow 1-0 into a handsome 4-0 victory with his now trademark step-overs and surging runs. It was these same moves though which, while delighting much of the Old Trafford crowd, also earned Ronaldo a large amount of criticism in his first season. He was accused on more than one occasion of diving and often he would disappear in games when his step-overs were not effective, resorting to going to ground easily in an attempt to win free kicks. These were problems Ronaldo desperately needed to iron out, and after a man of the match performance in the FA Cup Final, he had a platform to do so.

Indeed, next season he improved his all round game both for club and country, and finished the season with 9 goals from 50 appearances for United. He was named FIFPro Special Young Player of the Year in both 2005 and 2006 and was ranked 20th in the FIFA Player of the Year standings. The following season things continued to improve apace, as he notched up 12 goals in 47 appearances, including both the goal of the season against Portsmouth and the third in a 4-0 demolition of Wigan in the League Cup Final. Despite the tragic death of his father at the age of 52, Ronaldo continued to dazzle on the field, and come the summer of 2006 he had the world at his feet.

World Cup Controversy

With the unforgiving English media starting to warm to him and the fans starting to admire his more mature style of play, there was only one thing Ronaldo could do to taint his reputation in the summer of ‘06, help beat England at the World Cup. Not only did he successfully do that, but he also gave the now notorious ‘wink’ to the bench when Wayne Rooney was controversially sent off. Naturally the English press erupted and accused Ronaldo of complaining aggressively to the referee in a bid to get Rooney a red card. Rumours began to circulate that Ronaldo wanted to leave United rather than face the hostile crowds which would await him the following season, and it took the persuasion of both Ferguson’s assistant Carlos Quieroz and Wayne Rooney to eventually get him to stay at Old Trafford.

Red Devil

Following the World Cup it was inevitable that Ronaldo would become the villain of the piece, booed by opposition fans across the country, taunted and jeered, many felt he had made a rod for his own back. Far from put him off his game though, the abuse spurred him on, driving him to become United’s joint top scorer for the season with Wayne Rooney on 23 goals. He became only the third player in the Premier League to win successive Player of the Month awards and he scooped an array of personal trophies including PFA Players' Player of the Year, PFA Young Player of the Year and PFA Fans' Player of the Year. Surely not even he could imagine what the next season could hold though.

Much like the season before it began with Ronaldo and a red card controversy, this time for a head butt against Portsmouth in only the second match of the season. What followed though could only be described as sensational. By the time Manchester United were victorious in the Champions League Final in May, Ronaldo had scored 42 goals in all competitions, including 31 in the Premier League, he won the domestic Golden Boot and finished top scorer in the Champions League, he also picked up another Premier League winners medal and was named Barclays Player of the Season. With a more mature style of play and an obvious end product, Ronaldo was beginning to prove that Ferguson’s belief in the new number 7 was totally justified.

Portugal

With the national team, much like at club level, Ronaldo has grown in stature and has now become one of the crown jewels of a very talented midfield. Despite their creative and attractive football though, the team have failed to win any trophies and Ronaldo has often been criticised for failing to deliver against the bigger teams. His 21 goals at international level have mainly come against lower ranked opposition and at times it appears that he has struggled playing as part of a team rather than as the centrepiece like at Manchester United.

Real Madrid

Ever since the ‘06 World Cup incident, following which Ronaldo allegedly told Spanish daily Marca he wished to move to Real Madrid, the Spanish giants have never been far off his trail. In the summer of ’07 they were apparently ready to pay a staggering £54 million for the youngster and despite him signing a new five-year, £120,000-a-week deal with United, they have continued to pursue him with great interest. This summer it looks more likely than ever that he could finally give Los Meringues their wish as he refuses to clarify where his future lies amidst reported quotes that he does wish to play for them. Many United fans have resigned themselves to his sale and despite his legend-like status at the end of last season his reputation amongst some fans has suffered due to his refusal to rule out a move and the perceived arrogance in the way he has handled it. The latest rumoured price that Real are willing to pay for Ronaldo is £80 million.

Did You Know?

As a youngster Ronaldo would practice dribbling with weights tied to his feet so his feet would become faster.

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R.I.P Michael Jackson

[Nima]

Chelsea Launch Mammoth Robinho Bid - Report
Madrid-based sports daily As claims that Roman Abramovich's Chelsea have tabled a bid of €35m for unsettled Real Madrid winger Robinho...

According to As, new Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari met with club owner Roman Abramovich and Frank Arnesen, sporting director, with a view to planning the shape of the squad for next season. Near the top of the agenda was Robinho.

Apparently Scolari is particularly eager to land his former protégé, who was on the fringes of the Brazilian national team during the coach's tenure as Seleçao boss.

Abramovich, eager to accommodate his new recruit, has thus apparently earmarked €35m that will either be used to bid for Robinho, or has already been utilised for that purpose.

Apparently Scolari sees Robinho as a missing piece of the puzzle as the Blues look to go one better than their losing finalists status in the Champions League. While Scolari's attempts to prevent Frank Lampard from leaving may be fruitless, Robinho would nonetheless be an asset.

Madrid's Point Of View

Still, all is not clear-cut. Madrid, led by sporting director Pedja Mijatovic for the purpose of these negotiations, are apparently holding out for €45m as they seek to raise money for their ongoing crusade to land Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United.

That said, the blancos are said to be not exactly unwilling to let Robinho go. The player has recently displayedh is anger over fruitless contractual negotiations at the Bernabéu, and despite his world-class form earlier in the season he dropped out of the side towards the end of the Liga campaign.

At present Robinho is back in his hometown of Santos with his wife and son for a holiday. He remains in touch with the European footballing world via his agent, Wagner Ribeiro.

The two apparently see continuing in Madrid as 'Plan A', but if an economically sound offer comes in from elsewhere then he will not refuse. All should be clear before he is due to return to first-team training on July 14...

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R.I.P Michael Jackson

[Nima]

Madrid Include Ronaldo In Pre-Season Plans
Real Madrid are including Cristiano Ronaldo in their pre-season plans and are convinced that he will be with them for their trip to Austria on July 21, according to Marca.

Bernd Schuster knows that given the price and the emphasis placed on prising the Portuguese star away from Old Trafford, that he is likely to be the only signing of the summer.

That pressure has meant that Madrid cannot now afford to miss out on him because it would require a rapid redrawing of the plans and would sees calls for president Ramón Calderón to go.

A date of July 7 was stated by Marca, who have been accused of being the public voice box of the club by pundits, as the date when a deal could be announced, but that has now changed.

Ronaldo is in the middle of a month's holiday, that he began after Portugal's exit from Euro 2008, but he is predicted to return to Manchester next week and finalise a move to Madrid.

Schuster is confident that he will have the player in his ranks in time for the trip to Irdning for the start of pre-season training and has made accommodation plans for him.

The limited transfer movement at the Bernabéu has so far only seen Javier Balboa go to Benfica, although, Roberto Soldado and Julio Baptista are expected to sold soon.

Robinho could also go even if Ronaldo does not arrive because he is reportedly becoming upset at being tipped to made a makeweight in a deal for the United star.

While Ronaldo remains away from the media spotlight, the saga will continue to drag on with the latest predictions turning full circle as many people believe that he could not stay at Old Trafford.

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R.I.P Michael Jackson

[Nima]

Robinho Agent Confirms Chelsea Interest
Robinho's agent has made it clear that they are at the very least open to listening to an offer from Chelsea.

Madrid-based sports daily As claims that Roman Abramovich's Chelsea have tabled a bid of €35m for the unsettled Brazilian winger, and his representative is now anticipating to be approached by the English giants directly.

“It is not new but now with the arrival of Scolari to the bench they have increased the contact,” Ribeiro told the Daily Star.

“I expect there to be an official contact between the clubs this week after the end of the Euros.”

Apparently Scolari is particularly eager to land his former protégé, who was on the fringes of the Brazilian national team during the coach's tenure as Seleçao boss.

At present Robinho is back in his hometown of Santos with his wife and son for a holiday, but needless to say this will not stand in the way of his agent doing his job and wheeling and dealing on his behalf.

__________________

R.I.P Michael Jackson

[Nima]

Robinho Upset With Madrid Over Ronaldo
After revealing this week that his client was aware of a bid in the works from Chelsea, Robinho's agent, Vágner Ribeiro, has added that the Brazilian is disappointed at his treatment during 'Ronaldogate'...

Robinho has in recent times been linked not only to Chelsea, but also to Manchester United.

With the latter club, though, he has not been mentioned as a transfer target in his own right, but rather as a makeweight in Madrid's attempts to land Cristiano Ronaldo.

This status as the "player" in a "player-plus-cash" deal does not sit well with the young winger, who still aims to one day be crowned the best player in the world.

Ribeiro explained, "Neither he nor I liked that he's being used as a bargaining chip. It devalues him as an athlete.

"Robinho is better than or equal to Cristiano Ronaldo. Had Real Madrid won the Champions League I have no doubt that he'd have been named as the best in the world."

This, coupled with rumours of disagreements over a new contract at the Bernabéu, could see Robinho move on, but Ribeiro preferred not to be hasty.

"Robinho must be back in Madrid on the 14th (of July)," said the agent.

"I'll travel with him, or I'll see him a little earlier. Let's see how things end up."

__________________

R.I.P Michael Jackson

[Nima]

Madrid Undervaluing Robinho Is Not On - Agent
Robinho's agent believes that the player is being undervalued by Real Madrid and claimed that he has held talks with Chelsea in London about a move to Stamford Bridge.

Vagner Ribeiro is upset that los Merengues rate Cristiano Ronaldo higher than his client and are willing to include the Brazilian forward in a swap deal for the Portuguese star.

With Chelsea reportedly offering €36m for Robinho recently, Ribeiro has told Madrid that unless they begin to appreciate their player more then he will have no choice but to leave.

"It is true that Chelsea are interested in signing Robinho. They have been for some time and that interest has become much stronger since Scolari took over as their new manager," Ribeiro told AS.

"I have met with Frank Arnesen in London and he confirmed to me that they want the player for next season.

"Neither Robinho or myself like that Real Madrid are prepared to use him as part of an exchange in their bid to sign Cristiano Ronaldo.

"We do not understand this attitude and we want them to begin to value Robinho because they are not at the moment.

"Robinho is as good if not better than Cristiano Ronaldo. The difference is that Ronaldo reached the Champions League final and Robinho did not, but if he had and won the trophy too, then he would be considered on the same level."

Despite claiming that Chelsea could be an attractive option, Robinho wants to stay at the Bernabéu if possible, but only if the club's attitude towards him changes.

"Robinho's priority is to stay with Real Madrid, but he cannot be in a place where he is not valued and for the time being he is not, and I am not talking about financially," Ribeiro continued.

"I refer to the fact that he is being undervalued in comparison to Ronaldo."

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R.I.P Michael Jackson

[Nima]

Real Left To Ponder After Missing Out On Ben Arfa
Real Madrid’s failure to land Harem Ben Arfa has caused the club to redesign their summer transfer plans according to Sport.

Los Merengues were looking at the young French prodigy as a possible replacement for the out-going Robinho.

The Brazilian was supposed to be used as bait as part of the Cristiano Ronaldo deal where Real would have played the Robinho card in order to try and land the Old Trafford star.

Ben Arfa was close to signing for Los Blancos but he changed his mind last minute and signed for Olympique Marseille instead.

Reports claim that Real had told Lyon not to sell Ben Arfa until their capture of Ronaldo was complete.

However, Lyon couldn’t wait and Real seem to have been sold down the river by the French champions.

Los Blancos now need to come up with an alternative replacement for Robinho who is likely to leave the Bernabeu.

It’s not an ideal situation for Pedrag Mijatovic but Ben Arfa’s move to Marseille has made Real’s intentions for Ronaldo a little more dicey

__________________

R.I.P Michael Jackson

[Nima]

Parejo Chased By Four Primera Clubs
Marca contends that Real Madrid youth product Daniel Parejo Muñoz is being monitored by four Liga clubs with a view to a summer transfer move...

Dani Parejo, who counts Alfredo Di Stefano among his admirers, has just enjoyed a relatively successful season with Real Madrid Castilla after scoring 10 goals in 33 Segunda B appearances.

Depsite being left out of the Real Madrid first team squad ahead of the new season, the youngster could soon be in line for a Primera debut if one of his four alleged suitors succeeds in landing him.

Racing Santander, Getafe, Valladolid, and newly-promoted Sporting Gijón are said to be interested in the 19-year-old, who has already represented Spain at youth level.

Getafe are said to be confident of landing the forward, given that their president, Ángel Torres, maintains close ties with his Madrid counterpart, Ramón Calderón. The club from the south of the cityt are said to be looking for Parejo on loan.

Manuel Preciado, boss at Sporting Gijón, is seeking much the same deal as the Asturias side look to strengthed for their return to the top flight.

English side Queen's Park Rangers, too, are said to be looking for a loan, although most concerned parties would rather that Dani remain in Spain.

Finally FC Barcelona, who are said to be deeply impressed by the player's abilities, will most likely not make a move as they seek to retain positive relationships with the Bernabéu hierarchy, these possibly being spoiled by a battle for a young talent.

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R.I.P Michael Jackson