Ex-Blancos President Ramon Calderon has revealed that Barcelona tried to sign Cristiano Ronaldo, but he turned the opportunity down to join Real Madrid for a world record fee.
The Portugal icon joined the Bernabeu from Manchester United in 2009 for a world record sum of £80m and has been a major hit in the capital, earning the Ballon D’Or 2013 for his world class performances for both club and country.
However ex-President Calderon has revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson had tried to complete the deal to send Ronaldo to Barcelona, but he refused. When asked whether Ferguson did try to make the move happen, Calderon told talkSPORT: “It is totally true. In the few weeks he tried to avoid him going to Real Madrid, offering him to Barcelona.
“Barcelona were very happy but in that moment it was very crucial as Ronaldo said: ‘I’m not going to any other club but Real Madrid.’
“That’s why we signed the deal. Everyone was happy: Manchester United got the £80 million, Real Madrid got the best player in the world and Cristiano got what he wanted because players like him are not only looking for money, they look for glory, and they look for anyone who is giving them that opportunity to win titles, to be the best in the world, to win golden boots.
“There are only three, four or five clubs that can give him what he wants.”
In this league campaign alone, Ronaldo has managed 22 goals from 21 appearances to send his side to the top of the table.
By Phil Wellbrook
