Transfer news: Cristiano Ronaldo less than enthusiastic over potential Gareth Bale switch to Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo refused to comment on the potential transfer after insisting he won't reveal his own opinion

Jack de Menezes
Monday 05 August 2013 17:18 BST
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Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo
Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo (GETTY IMAGES)

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Cristiano Ronaldo appeared less than enthusiastic when speaking about the proposed world-record transfer of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid.

Ronaldo became the most expensive player in the world when he left Manchester United in an £80m move to Madrid back in 2009, but it has been widely reported that the Spanish club are prepared to break that record with a bid of £100m to bring the Tottenham ace to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Speaking after Real’s victory over Everton in the pre-season International Champions Cup semi-final, Ronaldo said: "I'm not qualified to talk about new players, but I'm very happy with the players the team already has.

"In terms of the transfer fee, you should speak to the coach [Carlo Ancelotti] and president [Florentino Perez] about that. I have my opinion, but I'm not going to reveal it in front of the cameras."

His comments suggest he isn’t entirely happy with the move, as Madrid players have a habit of speaking of their appreciation and desire of players when the club are in pursuit of their signature.

Captain Iker Casillas and former midfielder Zinedine Zidane have already spoken of their admiration for Bale and their hopes to see him join the club, but Ronaldo refused to follow that lead, instead admitting he has his own opinion and would prefer not to say it.

Ronaldo is already unsettled at Madrid with his former club keeping tabs on the forward, having already expressed their interest in bringing the Portuguese star back to Old Trafford.

The 28-year-old has also confirmed he wants to return to the Premier League champions at some point in his career, and the arrival of Bale could be another step to pushing Ronaldo out the door despite Madrid’s best attempts to keep him.

He refused to confirm whether or not he had signed a new long-term contract, with fears in Spain that Ronaldo will choose to run down his contract which expires in two years and return to England on a free transfer, which would be a monumental financial loss for the La Liga club.

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