Fergie had the last word on Ronaldo’s Real Madrid transfer
By ANIFriday, June 12, 2009
LONDON - Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson is reported to have had the last word in the Ronaldo-Real Madrid transfer saga.
According to the Daily Express, the club’s owners gave Fergie the sole vote on whether to cash in on his star player.
A spokesman for the Glazers said: “The decision reflects Cristiano’s desire to move on after six years of distinguished service for the club during which time he has won everything, and the manager has accepted that decision.
“The Glazer family, as owners, have always supported the manager consistently since their takeover of the club and that is again the situation in this case.”
Franck Ribery appears to be the top target as a direct replacement, with Wigan’s Antonio Valencia and possibly Carlos Tevez also on the shopping list.
United have also been linked with Lyon’s Karim Benzema.
The world-record transfer deal was finally struck after two years of speculation.
Ronaldo played 288 times for United, scoring 117 goals, and won the world player of the year award along with the Champions League, three Premier League titles and the FA Cup.
However, United fans began to suspect his heart was not at Old Trafford in his final season. (ANI)
