Advertisement

Ronaldo is 'very angry' but will not leave Real Madrid for Man Utd - Fiorentino Perez

Cristiano Ronaldo in Confederations Cup action for Portugal on Sunday - AFP
Cristiano Ronaldo in Confederations Cup action for Portugal on Sunday - AFP

Real Madrid president Fiorentino Perez says Cristiano Ronaldo will resolve his differences with the Spanish taxman and remain in La Liga.

Perez acknowledged Ronaldo is ‘very angry’ due to the allegations of tax fraud in Spain, which has prompted those close to the player to claim he has decided to quit the world’s biggest club and would welcome a return to Manchester United.

United have inevitably emerged as a likely destination should Ronaldo carry out his threat to leave Spain – although that possibility is being treated with caution at Old Trafford. United have no desire to be a pawn in Ronaldo’s political game and are watching developments with a degree of care having been burned before in similar circumstances.

READ MORE: Ronaldo to be swapped for EITHER Eden Hazard OR David De Gea - plus LOADS of cash

READ MORE: Is the Ronaldo/Man Utd partnership good for either of them? 

READ MORE: United are ‘NOT confident’ of signing Ronaldo

On Monday, Perez gave an address to mark his re-election as the Bernabeu president for a further four years and initially avoided questions about the star player’s future.

But in a later radio interview with Onda Cero he discussed Ronaldo’s sour mood but said he was adamant the 32-year-old will not be sold.

Cristiano Ronaldo and 17 other players we'd love to have back in the Premier League
Cristiano Ronaldo and 17 other players we'd love to have back in the Premier League

“He is a Real Madrid player and will continue to be,” said Perez.

“I haven't talked to Cristiano but what I do know is that you're not always treated well in this country.

“When Cristiano is back from the Confederations Cup, we will deal with the matter. All I know is that he is very angry.

“We were on the deadline for (presidential) nominations and I wanted to be respectful, but I am convinced we will talk and we will solve it. Cristiano has a contract and he is a Real Madrid player.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Seven potential clubs and seven possible replacements
Cristiano Ronaldo: Seven potential clubs and seven possible replacements

“I have always said I have great affection for Cristiano. He is one of those players who stands out, and whenever there has been a problem we have solved it.

“Cristiano is playing the Confederations Cup. We will wait until the tournament ends and then we will see the extent of everything that has been written. I am sure it will work out fine.”

United know Real will be seeking to appease Ronaldo, even though his camp have briefed that he is unhappy and have told interested clubs, including Paris St-Germain, that he wants to leave to find a “new challenge”.

Any deal would be problematic. Ronaldo signed a new five-year contract at Real only last autumn and his buy-out clause is over €1 billion (£785 million).

Ronaldo 
Will Ronaldo be returning to Old Trafford?

United also recall how things played out four years ago, when Sir Alex Ferguson retired, and they believed that his successor, ­David Moyes, would be presented with Ronaldo as a marquee signing. The Portuguese instead ended up agreeing a new deal at Real. United felt let down.

At the same time United will want to be involved in any discussion over Ronaldo’s future if the threat to force his way out is serious. It has been suggested a bid of £131 million could prompt Real to sell.

In the meantime United are pressing ahead with the transfer plans they already have in place.

That includes a bid for Real striker Álvaro Morata and continued negotiations over Ivan Perisic, the Inter Milan attacking midfielder. Both Real and Inter, however, are attempting to hold out for higher fees than those offered, but United do not want to overpay for either player. Even so, they would like to conclude the bulk of their transfer business before they embark on their pre-season tour of the United States, which begins against LA Galaxy on July 15. United have already bought Swedish defender Victor Lindelof for £30.7 million.