Real Madrid star slams Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo, the subject of the longest transfer saga in the history of the world, has already had criticism from a Real Madrid player - even before his future has been finalised.
Euro 2008 star Wesley Sneijder has questioned the wisdom in bridging Cristiano Ronaldo to the Bernabeu because his wage demands and what effect it will have on the current team. Sneijder was pleased to praise the ability of the Portuguese winger but fears that his lucrative contract may have knock on effects within the changing room and cause rifts amongest players.
Sneijder, a reported Manchester United target, stated: "The truth is that could happen a bit. It would be bad for the squad if one player had a much higher salary than the rest. It would not matter to me, but I know that there are other players that would not like that. We cannot comment on it now because to speak highly of him would be slightly disrespectful to the players that are already here and have shown their class."
Sneijder went on to compare Ronaldo with already established Real Madrid players in former Chelsea player Robben and former Santos forward Robinho. Sneijder added: "I want Robinho to stay with Madrid because I think that he is almost the same as Cristiano Ronaldo. People criticise him a bit and say he does not play well in big games, but I have seen Ronaldo disappear in some of Manchester United's big games."
Not a great start for the 42 goal player of the season if he is to move to Real Madrid. Sneijder was one of the stars of Euro 2008, in which Ronaldo was largely anonymous, and played some superb football towards the end of last season. Ronaldo is also not in the good books of Manchester United fans and staff, so expect a backlash wherever he ends up.