Following on from the Red Devils' public statement about Madrid's conduct, this personal letter appears to be a step further.
Allegedly signed by David Gill, the Old Trafford CEO, it states that not only are United unwilling to sell Ronaldo at present, but that they will not do so even if Cristiano Ronaldo publicly asks for a move.
Furthermore, Gill requests that Madrid publicly renounce their desire to land the Portuguese ace.
To Marca, of course, this betrays nervousness on the part of the English side.
The Godfather
Meanwhile, Marca claims that Ronaldo's godfather, one Fernao Sousa, has said that Cristiano is on the verge of deciding that the time is right for a move.
He said, "Cristiano must seize this opportunity to go to Real Madrid.
"I think that he's already decided to do so, but he'll wait until after the Euros before saying anything.
"His main goal is to win everything. That's what he wants - the Champions League in particular, but also going all the way with Portugal at Euro 2008."
Fergie Slams Madrid’s Ronaldo ‘Nonsense’
Happy Ramos flattered
Schuster: Ronaldo Will End Up At Madrid
Friday, May 30, 2008
Aragonés Tips Italy And Bemoans Fatigue
The veteran coach was asked who he could see winning the European Championships in Austria and Switzerland if the Spanish were out and he plumped for the Azzurri and Luiz Felipe Scolari's Iberian neighbours.
"For me, Italy is the favourite, then Portugal, but there are others that nobody has mentioned like Romania. But that is just my opinion. In reality there are 12 or 14 teams that could win it," Aragonés said.
Looking ahead to the group stage, the trainer explained that he expects a tough time and recognised that all three teams that Spain will play have a chance of doing well.
"Sweden will be difficult, as will Russia and Greece. We always say that it is easy after seeing the draw, but now we are close it never easy. The Swedes, for example, have more chance of beating maybe because they have traditionally gone further in major competitions," he explained.
Aragonés then bemoaned the timing of the championships and hopes that the rest and recuperation time that he has allowed his squad will help them perform afte such a long season.
"We are not in the best moment, but most teams will not be. These competitions do not come at the best time for the players physically speaking after the league, cup and Champions League," he continued.
"The work we have done to help them rest should be good, but we know it is the same for everyone."
Spain are due to play Peru at the weekend and then take on the United States before travelling to their base for the tournament and Aragonés thinks he has found the right balance.
"It is difficult to be ready if we overdo things. Other teams prefer to have three games, but I have made my mind up on two because of how the European Championships are and the fact the player need mental rest over physical," he added.
Del Piero silent on Italy
Toni has plans for future
Platini: Italy, France & Germany Favourites
Wilhelmsson Surprised By Raúl’s Spain Absence
"For me, Italy is the favourite, then Portugal, but there are others that nobody has mentioned like Romania. But that is just my opinion. In reality there are 12 or 14 teams that could win it," Aragonés said.
Looking ahead to the group stage, the trainer explained that he expects a tough time and recognised that all three teams that Spain will play have a chance of doing well.
"Sweden will be difficult, as will Russia and Greece. We always say that it is easy after seeing the draw, but now we are close it never easy. The Swedes, for example, have more chance of beating maybe because they have traditionally gone further in major competitions," he explained.
Aragonés then bemoaned the timing of the championships and hopes that the rest and recuperation time that he has allowed his squad will help them perform afte such a long season.
"We are not in the best moment, but most teams will not be. These competitions do not come at the best time for the players physically speaking after the league, cup and Champions League," he continued.
"The work we have done to help them rest should be good, but we know it is the same for everyone."
Spain are due to play Peru at the weekend and then take on the United States before travelling to their base for the tournament and Aragonés thinks he has found the right balance.
"It is difficult to be ready if we overdo things. Other teams prefer to have three games, but I have made my mind up on two because of how the European Championships are and the fact the player need mental rest over physical," he added.
Del Piero silent on Italy
Toni has plans for future
Platini: Italy, France & Germany Favourites
Wilhelmsson Surprised By Raúl’s Spain Absence
Rennes Look To Sinama-Pongolle
Recreativo Huelva's forward Florent Sinama-Pongolle remains one of the most sought after forwards for French clubs. PSG and Saint-Étienne have already had their interest in the player well documented but Rennes are also believed to have joined the list of Ligue 1 suitors.
The Réunion-born 23 year-old scored 10 times for Recreativo last season but has previously enjoyed success in Ligue 1. Le Havre was the quick forward's first senior club and where he attracted the attention of Liverpool, who subsequently signed him.
Although relatively unsuccessful in England, the player found a new lease of life in Spain. Sinama-Pongolle could also choose to remain on the Iberian peninsula as Valencia, Real Zaragoza and Atletico Madrid have all expressed an interest in the player.
Jimmy Briand, a similar kind of player, has spearheaded Rennes' attack this season but has failed to progress a great deal after initially looking a great prospect for the Bretons.
The former French under-21 international has been linked with a move to Monaco adding credence to the potential arrival of Sinama-Pongolle at the Stade Route de Lorient.
Monaco, who are also thought to be interested in midfielder Fabrice Abriel of Lorient, are desperately short of forwards and badly need to increase both their depth and quality in that particular area of the field.
Mexes to shun Milan interest
Spurs Set To Increase Fred Bid
Atlético Set For Racism Fine
The Réunion-born 23 year-old scored 10 times for Recreativo last season but has previously enjoyed success in Ligue 1. Le Havre was the quick forward's first senior club and where he attracted the attention of Liverpool, who subsequently signed him.
Although relatively unsuccessful in England, the player found a new lease of life in Spain. Sinama-Pongolle could also choose to remain on the Iberian peninsula as Valencia, Real Zaragoza and Atletico Madrid have all expressed an interest in the player.
Jimmy Briand, a similar kind of player, has spearheaded Rennes' attack this season but has failed to progress a great deal after initially looking a great prospect for the Bretons.
The former French under-21 international has been linked with a move to Monaco adding credence to the potential arrival of Sinama-Pongolle at the Stade Route de Lorient.
Monaco, who are also thought to be interested in midfielder Fabrice Abriel of Lorient, are desperately short of forwards and badly need to increase both their depth and quality in that particular area of the field.
Mexes to shun Milan interest
Spurs Set To Increase Fred Bid
Atlético Set For Racism Fine
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Paulo Assunção Leaves Porto
The Portuguese club had expressed their wish to keep in the squad the 28-year-old, who has been linked with a move away from Estádio do Dragão in the summer.
But Assunção has decided to leave the Dragons, terminating his contract with Porto without just cause under the Webster ruling.
According to Article 17 of FIFA's transfer regulations, any player who signs a contract when aged under 28 is able to unilaterally break that contract after a period of three years.
It is believed that Spanish side Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Assunção, now a free agent.
The Brazilian midfielder, who returned to Porto in 2005 after a one-year stint in the reserve squad in 2000, made 38 appearances for the Dragons this season.
Schlaudraff leaves Bayern
Schuster Hopes For Go-Ahead
Jiménez Leaves Out Poulsen
But Assunção has decided to leave the Dragons, terminating his contract with Porto without just cause under the Webster ruling.
According to Article 17 of FIFA's transfer regulations, any player who signs a contract when aged under 28 is able to unilaterally break that contract after a period of three years.
It is believed that Spanish side Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Assunção, now a free agent.
The Brazilian midfielder, who returned to Porto in 2005 after a one-year stint in the reserve squad in 2000, made 38 appearances for the Dragons this season.
Schlaudraff leaves Bayern
Schuster Hopes For Go-Ahead
Jiménez Leaves Out Poulsen
Valencia Seek Elmander
It may not be a like-for-like change but Johan Elmander has been lined up by Valencia as a potential replacement for David Villa.
Bustling centre forward Elmander remains on the shopping list of many big clubs but is not considered quality enough to pay big money for nor is he considered value for money.
Valencia are believed to be willing to pay anything up to €7 million for the Swedish international forward, however le Téfécé are thought to be holding out for considerably more than that for their prize asset, who's under contract until 2012.
Unlike David Villa, Elmander is not such a potent threat in front of goal. Rather his strengths lie in holding the ball up and bringing others into play, but nonetheless he has a keen eye for the net when in good form.
Many of Europe's top clubs are believed to be keeping an eye on the powerful forward. Barcelona, Juventus and Liverpool have all watched the forward, who has just turned 27.
Galatasary, Hamburg and Manchester City have all been keeping tabs on the forward too and are perhaps more likely destinations. All three may well be put off by Toulouse's excessive demands for the player.
Toffees eye Joaquin
Valencia In Crisis: Villa, Silva And Joaquín Out And No Marcelino
Manchester United Target Miguel
Valencia Track Zapater And García
Bustling centre forward Elmander remains on the shopping list of many big clubs but is not considered quality enough to pay big money for nor is he considered value for money.
Valencia are believed to be willing to pay anything up to €7 million for the Swedish international forward, however le Téfécé are thought to be holding out for considerably more than that for their prize asset, who's under contract until 2012.
Unlike David Villa, Elmander is not such a potent threat in front of goal. Rather his strengths lie in holding the ball up and bringing others into play, but nonetheless he has a keen eye for the net when in good form.
Many of Europe's top clubs are believed to be keeping an eye on the powerful forward. Barcelona, Juventus and Liverpool have all watched the forward, who has just turned 27.
Galatasary, Hamburg and Manchester City have all been keeping tabs on the forward too and are perhaps more likely destinations. All three may well be put off by Toulouse's excessive demands for the player.
Toffees eye Joaquin
Valencia In Crisis: Villa, Silva And Joaquín Out And No Marcelino
Manchester United Target Miguel
Valencia Track Zapater And García
Piqué At Barça To Win Champions League
The Spanish defender re-joined his boyhood club from Manchester United this week in a deal reported to be worth an initial £5 million, after struggling to attain a regular starting spot at Old Trafford.
And the talented youngster admits that he will complete a lifelong dream by playing for the Blaugrana next season.
“It is a dream I have had since I was small. I used to go the ground when I was young and played at all youth levels until I was 17, and when I left I knew there was a risk I’d never come back,” he told the club’s official website.
“Returning is a dream come true and playing for Barca is something you can’t describe in words. It’ll be so nice.”
Above all, though, he's after continental success.
“Of course I am hungry to win, if I'm not at 21... I have won the league and Champions League with Manchester and if I can do that with Barça that would be even better, because it’s my team,” he beamed.
“It would be great to win the league, the Champions League, everything we possibly can. People always remember you for the things you have won.”
Messi Messiah
Piqué, who is yet to win a full Spanish cap, is keen to link up with Lionel Messi with his new club.
“Yes, yes [it will be great to play with Messi],” he added.
“I remember when we were young and wondering if we could do this professionally. What he does now is what he always did, and it was and will be a pleasure to be with him.”
The former Manchester United man, who was an unused substitute in Moscow for the Champions League victory over Chelsea, feels that he will achieve more success under new head coach Josep Guardiola, who he has backed to succeed.
“I didn’t know him personally when I was young but he was one of my heroes when my dad brought me to games, he always spoke about him, and what a leader he is,” Pique stated.
“It is important to have a coach like that. There is trust and with him we will win titles and the fans will be proud of us.”
Proud, Very Proud
The tall defender concluded by discussing the differences between the Spanish and English cultures and discussed the influence that Sir Alex Ferguson had had on his budding career.
“It’s a different culture. Professionally in Spain I have only been on loan to Zaragoza but you can still make comparisons,” he said.
“There is a distance between Manchester and Zaragoza. Ferguson was more like a father to the players than a manager. In fact a manager is not the same as a coach, which is what Carlos Queiroz did - he prepared the training sessions.
“Sir Alex Ferguson is closer, he is about the way you live and feel inside the club.”
Piqué: It Is A Dream Come True
Fergie Slams Madrid’s Ronaldo ‘Nonsense’
Calderón: Barça’s Man Utd Draw Shows Spanish League Is Strong
Forlan Backing Barca To Beat United
And the talented youngster admits that he will complete a lifelong dream by playing for the Blaugrana next season.
“It is a dream I have had since I was small. I used to go the ground when I was young and played at all youth levels until I was 17, and when I left I knew there was a risk I’d never come back,” he told the club’s official website.
“Returning is a dream come true and playing for Barca is something you can’t describe in words. It’ll be so nice.”
Above all, though, he's after continental success.
“Of course I am hungry to win, if I'm not at 21... I have won the league and Champions League with Manchester and if I can do that with Barça that would be even better, because it’s my team,” he beamed.
“It would be great to win the league, the Champions League, everything we possibly can. People always remember you for the things you have won.”
Messi Messiah
Piqué, who is yet to win a full Spanish cap, is keen to link up with Lionel Messi with his new club.
“Yes, yes [it will be great to play with Messi],” he added.
“I remember when we were young and wondering if we could do this professionally. What he does now is what he always did, and it was and will be a pleasure to be with him.”
The former Manchester United man, who was an unused substitute in Moscow for the Champions League victory over Chelsea, feels that he will achieve more success under new head coach Josep Guardiola, who he has backed to succeed.
“I didn’t know him personally when I was young but he was one of my heroes when my dad brought me to games, he always spoke about him, and what a leader he is,” Pique stated.
“It is important to have a coach like that. There is trust and with him we will win titles and the fans will be proud of us.”
Proud, Very Proud
The tall defender concluded by discussing the differences between the Spanish and English cultures and discussed the influence that Sir Alex Ferguson had had on his budding career.
“It’s a different culture. Professionally in Spain I have only been on loan to Zaragoza but you can still make comparisons,” he said.
“There is a distance between Manchester and Zaragoza. Ferguson was more like a father to the players than a manager. In fact a manager is not the same as a coach, which is what Carlos Queiroz did - he prepared the training sessions.
“Sir Alex Ferguson is closer, he is about the way you live and feel inside the club.”
Piqué: It Is A Dream Come True
Fergie Slams Madrid’s Ronaldo ‘Nonsense’
Calderón: Barça’s Man Utd Draw Shows Spanish League Is Strong
Forlan Backing Barca To Beat United
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Spurs To Make £3m Diaz Bid
29-year-old Argentine Díaz is set to become the latest defensive addition to the White Hart Lane squad, according to The Sun.
With Alan Hutton, Jonathan Woodgate and Chris Gunter already signed by the Spaniard, Ramos continues to look to strengthen what he perceives as the club’s weak area with another reliable purchase.
Díaz, who has been capped four times by his country, is a strong centre-back, but one that can also play out on the right.. The former Boca Juniors man was an important factor for Getafe as they had a strong campaign in both La Liga and the UEFA Cup, having only joined the Spanish side in 2007.
And Ramos sees the experienced player as a solid squad player to cover for his side in instances of injury and poor form as he exercises his vast array of knowledge and contacts in the Spanish top flight.
According to The Sun, Díaz would welcome a move to England, presuming the two clubs can come to an agreement – with the fee set to be similar to the 4 million Euros paid by Getafe last year.
Spurs are still being linked to big name signings such as Samuel Eto’o, with Croatian star Luka Modric already signed for £18.6 million this summer as they look to build on the Carling Cup success already achieved this year.
Happy Ramos flattered
Milan To Bid For Unsettled Ramos
González Praises Getafe
With Alan Hutton, Jonathan Woodgate and Chris Gunter already signed by the Spaniard, Ramos continues to look to strengthen what he perceives as the club’s weak area with another reliable purchase.
Díaz, who has been capped four times by his country, is a strong centre-back, but one that can also play out on the right.. The former Boca Juniors man was an important factor for Getafe as they had a strong campaign in both La Liga and the UEFA Cup, having only joined the Spanish side in 2007.
And Ramos sees the experienced player as a solid squad player to cover for his side in instances of injury and poor form as he exercises his vast array of knowledge and contacts in the Spanish top flight.
According to The Sun, Díaz would welcome a move to England, presuming the two clubs can come to an agreement – with the fee set to be similar to the 4 million Euros paid by Getafe last year.
Spurs are still being linked to big name signings such as Samuel Eto’o, with Croatian star Luka Modric already signed for £18.6 million this summer as they look to build on the Carling Cup success already achieved this year.
Happy Ramos flattered
Milan To Bid For Unsettled Ramos
González Praises Getafe
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