After Moscow, Cristiano Ronaldo’s first reaction when faced with the question was to dismiss any chance of him leaving – how could he leave? The players, the fans, the club. Hours later he made a partial retraction by stating he “didn’t promise” anything. Enter Real.
And so on. United fans are currently in the “middle” of Ronaldo’s 48 hour promise of a statement about his future. Hopeful fans are predicting that his agent was merely using this as a chance to bump up Ronny’s wages. Cynical fans are beginning to believe that after supporting Ronaldo following the World Cup – against their better judgement – he is now beginning to see himself as bigger than Manchester United.
The big question is should United and Fergie do everything they can to hold on to him, or just let him go?
Transfer fees for departing players have never been that spectacular. Fergie shot out Stam for around £15m when he was arguably the best centre half in the world, Beckham for £25m despite the rumour that Real recouped that in merchandising before he’d even kicked a ball, and Ruud for around £15m. Sheringham, Cantona, Hughes, Schmeichel, Bruce and Keane all left Old Trafford in recent times for free and (apart from Cantona) made useful contributions where they went.
So the money for a transfer fee for United isn’t an issue – nor is the wage element, United could match anything Real will offer.
However, the morale of the players is. Does Ronaldo really think that playing alongside Heinze and Ruud, two United rejects, is a step forward? Does he honestly think that moving to a club who hasn’t gone past the CL first knockout stage for 4 years is progression? Is he going starry eyed at the prospect of playing alongside Arjen Robben, Diarra, Higuain, Guti, Cannavaro, when surely the notion of playing alongside Nani, Hargreaves, Anderson, Carrick, and Ferdinand is more attractive? Is it the draw of playing alongside a legend like Raul – United have Giggs and Scholes.
The idea of playing with better players is the fantasy often connected with Real but at this moment in time it simply is just that – it is not a reality.
The heritage and tradition of both clubs is something that is difficult to contend with. As a United fan I would obviously prefer ours – Real have been bankrolled locally beyond their means for around half a century which gives an exaggerated trophy ratio.
Having already taken giant strides in immortalising himself at Old Trafford, and with the possibility of continental domination for a couple of years a real dream, Ronaldo has the opportunity to stamp his own mark as the best player of his generation. He has the team mates around him who actually support his frequent selfishness and petulant reactions. At Real, the likes of Robben and Robinho are not renowned for their cameraderie, and while they have won back to back titles, you just can’t see their side as serious perennial challengers for the European Cup.
The biggest question (for Ronaldo himself) is surely simple = where can I achieve more as a footballer? At the moment, leaving the Premier League and European Champions will be taking a step down. The main point is that with a chunky transfer fee of, say, £90m (or even £50m and Ramos, Robinho + AN Other as has been mooted), United CAN re-inforce and become stronger as a team even without the worlds best player.
Whether Ronaldo can individually spark a Real Madrid side – that, while good, is not the best in the history – to a level where United are at at present, let alone surpass it, is a real 50/50. As stated before, Ronaldo’s success is largely down to the unselfishness of the likes of Rooney, Giggs, Scholes, Tevez, Anderson and Carrick. He has a platform. At Real, he will not be afforded that kind of pedestal or indeed the service he enjoys.
The cost of Ronaldo going against either decision is as followed – leave United now and while revered for your 2 season performance as a number 7, you won’t go down as a true great alongside Best, Cantona, Robbo or even Becks. The fans will remember what you did to them after they supported you so well through what will prove to be the toughest times of your professional career. If he decides to stay, the cost regarding Real will be that they will simply just try again next summer. The Premier League is a tougher competition than La Liga – to depart at the competitions peak would speak volumes about Ronaldos ambition, his desire to play for Real, and his confidence to play at the highest level.
Do I think he will leave? If I’m honest, yes. He will leave and United probably won’t even cash in to the amount that the fans want.
Whether or not I want him to stay or go, the final thing I’ll say is – it will be a big shame for him (in terms of how he will be respected by his current teammates) if he ruins two years of brilliant work and shafts his supporting team mates by deciding to leave for supposed greater glory in a below-par Madrid team.
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