Cristiano Ronaldo has reiterated his desire to join Real Madrid and agreed with the Fifa president Sepp Blatter’s criticism about the way the European Cup winners had handled the situation.
Blatter had encouraged United to allow the player to leave and complained that there was “too much modern slavery” in the sport.
Blatter had described himself as “very much in sympathy” with Ronaldo and urged United to allow him to leave.
“I agree with what he said,” said Ronaldo. “It’s true. I agree with what the president of Fifa said. I know what I want and what I would like. We have to see what happens. I do not know where I will begin next season.”
Ronaldo was subsequently asked whether that meant he still wanted to move to Madrid.
“At the moment I can’t say any more,” he replied. “But you know what I said [at the end of Euro 2008] and what I want.” He was asked when it would be sorted out. “I hope very soon.”
“What the president of Fifa said is correct,” he said when pressed further. “He is right.”
Speaking to the Portuguese television station TVI, Ronaldo denied he had agreed terms with Madrid.
“It’s not true,” he said. “There is not an agreement.” His interviewer then asked why he and Ferguson had not spoken this summer. “I don’t want to say anything,” he responded.
During the interview, Ronaldo refused to speak about United and did not express any regret about the decision of United assistant manager, Carlos Queiroz, to become Portugal’s new manager.
“Carlos is a great coach – he showed it many times in Manchester and before that in Portugal. I think he would be a great option for the national team.”
Ronaldo was due to report for pre-season training on Monday but it emerged he had been given permission to remain in Portugal while he recuperates from surgery on his right ankle.
