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Real issue apology to United over Ronaldo

28/05/2008

Real Madrid have apologised to Manchester United after the English champions threatened legal action over the allegedly illegal pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The president of the Spanish league winners, Ramon Calderon, released a frank statement on the club's website stating he had not, and had no intention of, 'tapping up' the Portuguese star.

He also referred to the clubs' "excellent relationship" and said he "regrets that Manchester… is bothered because Real Madrid has nothing to do with this matter".

"Real Madrid has never negotiated with players who have contracts… and we never will because we would not like it to be done to us," Calderon explained.

"I will speak to David Gill personally because I would like to clarify this matter with him and tell him that we will not influence any player so that he breaks his contractual relationship."

Calderon said the issue is "a problem between the player and his coach", adding Real "are only concerned about our own players and we have yet to see if we will have any new additions".

A number of senior officials at the Santiago Bernabeu, including head coach Bernd Schuster, have commented on their desire to see Ronaldo playing for the team next season.

And press reports have linked Real to a record-breaking £100 million bid for the winger this summer.

However, Calderon has now distanced the club from such talk, adding: "There is no Ronaldo case, and on behalf of Real Madrid I regret any inconvenience this may have caused.

"Our stance on this matter is just like that of other teams when there are players with contracts.

"It has been the press who has been adding fuel to the fire and we are not going to meddle in any affairs with Manchester, a club I consider a friend and who I hope to maintain a good relationship with."