Perez won't give up on '£80m' Ronaldo
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Real Madrid presidential hopeful Florentino Perez has claimed "an agreement" is in place for Cristiano Ronaldo to join the club.
Perez's comments in the Spanish press are bound to irritate Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Scot firmly believes the Portuguese winger will see out his contract at Old Trafford.
But Perez has gain stirred things up between the clubs following United's defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League final.
He is the overwhelming favourite to return to the post he held from 2000-06 and could be installed as president as early as Monday without the need for elections if no other candidates step forward before the May 31 deadline.
There had originally been three other candidates who had announced they would be mounting bids.
But Eugenio Martinez Bravo, Juan Onieva and Eduardo Garcia have all pulled out of the running in the last fortnight, with the £50.3million bank guarantee seeming to be the big stumbling block.
Perez is anxious for Madrid to regain the high ground from Barcelona and questioned about Ronaldo, he told Marca: "He's also a player that would be very good if he came to Real Madrid.
"What I know is what I've read, that there is an agreement by means of which he would come for £80million..."
Asked if he would pay that amount, Perez said: "Next week we will look at the numbers and nobody should doubt that we are going to design with our sporting advisors a spectacular project."
Kaka is another name on his wishlist and Perez added: "Until the competitions finish we are not going to talk with the clubs.
"But I've always spoken of my great relationship with (Milan vice-president Adriano) Galliani and this relationship maybe makes it easier that Kaka comes to Madrid."
Meanwhile Michael Carrick says there will be no self-pity in the wake of the defeat by Barcelona in Rome.
He is determined that they learn their lessons from the 2-0 reverse in Rome and kick on next season.
"I think we can be proud of what we've achieved in the last couple of years, but it's hard to take," said Carrick.
"However, the club moves on, we have to move on and come back stronger next season.
"We've got to defend the Premier League title and go again in this competition. That's what we are here for."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments