Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has declared that his club’s pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo is officially over.
Ronaldo, 23, was Real’s top transfer target during the summer, but United were firm in their resolve to keep the Portuguese winger.
United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, who claimed Real ”have no moral issues at all”, eventually kept hold of his man and now Calderon has maintained Real will not come knocking again until United are prepared to sell.
”It is forgotten, not only for January but forever,” said Calderon.
”We would only talk about it if Manchester decide they want to sell him.
”But the matter is over. We talked about it last season. Manchester decided not to sell the player and we don’t want to do anything against a club like Manchester.
”The player decided to stay in Manchester and we accept it.
”Madrid is not doing anything to disturb a ‘friend club’ like Manchester.
”We are two very big clubs. We want to be good friends forever. We are in the same market. I have a lot of respect for Manchester. I have a good relationship with David Gill and I want it to be like that for a long time.”
Calderon also speculated on the value Milan will accrue from signing former Real midfielder David Beckham on loan.
“He is a very well-known player. He is a player who can give a lot to the club he signs for,” said Calderon.
Beckham spent four seasons at the Bernabeu and Calderon added: “I have heard he is going to go to AC Milan.
“We wish David Beckham all the best. He performed fantastically. He decided to leave and now he has a new offer and it is up to him.
“He is a fantastic player, a nice person and we have a lot of good memories. The Real Madrid fans like him very much and he is always welcome at Real Madrid in any sense.”
