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United warn Real Madrid over Ronaldo comments

27/05/2008

Manchester United have issued a strong warning to Real Madrid over their continued courtship of winger Cristiano Ronaldo.

United claim that Real's public proclamations that they will do anything to bring the Portuguese star to the Bernabeu is against Fifa rules and insist they will report Madrid if they continue.

The Premier League side say Real are trying to unsettle Ronaldo in order to lure him to Spain.

However, United have firmly denied any intention to sell the player and therefore feel Real should cease making comments about the player to the media.

A club statement said: "Manchester United has watched with growing irritation the comments attributed to Real Madrid over their alleged desire to sign Cristiano Ronaldo.

"The player is on a long-term contract and his registration is held by Manchester United. The player is not for sale."

Ronaldo scored 42 goals in all competitions last season, earning him the European golden boot award.

His prolific season has prompted Real coach Bernd Schuster and president Ramon Calderon to both publicly state their desire see Ronaldo in a Real shirt. But United insist they will not be dictated to by the Spaniards.

The statement continued: "The club will have no alternative but to report Real Madrid to the world governing body, Fifa, if it continues to behave in this totally unacceptable fashion.

"These public attempts to unsettle the player are completely against the regulations and the club will not tolerate them any longer."

United also claimed that the speculation would not be helping the Portuguese national side while they prepare for Euro 2008.