Florentino Perez: We want Cristiano Ronaldo, the model professional

Real Madrid’s new president, Florentino Perez, already made effect in his first hours in post by appointing a new manager (Pellegrini). Now he is determined to bring in a world class player that comes in the name of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Florentino Perez: What I know is that I’ll splash cash on Ronaldo

Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo are known to have signed a secret agreement that could see the Portuguese Superstar switch easily from Manchester United to the Spanish capital, but Ramon Calderon’s successor Florentino Perez insists that he was unaware of such an accord.

“I don’t know anything about the story of Cristiano Ronaldo. I only just took charge,” Perez was quoted as saying in the TV program 59 segundos.

However, the President is keen on luring the Portugal captain from Manchester United. The hunt for Cristiano Ronaldo certainly wouldn’t be an easy one. If Los Blancos manage to win Manchester United’s Board and Ferguson’s mind over the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo, they will also have to deal with Ronaldo’s astronomical tag price set by the English and World Champions Manchester United.

With the world financial crisis being an issue in Europe, the debate over the transfer saga turns in a different way. Now the question is: Will Real Madrid opt to splash an enormous sum of Euros on one player or will they abandon their fight against Ferguson to rather concentrate on signing a bunch of talented and home grown players that will fill the holes in Real Madrid’s wounded squad?

Either way, Florentino Perez is convinced that a record bid to get the signature of Cristiano Ronaldo will not be a wasted effort.

Speaking on TV in 59 segundos, the Real Madrid President continued:

“But what I am sure of is that which seems expensive is sometimes the cheapest.

“In my last era the cheapest was [Zinedine] Zidane, who seemed very expensive because we paid €73 million for him.

“Without knowing who we can get, there will be a massive effort for the great players of the world, because that is the Real Madrid model.”

Florentino Perez: Cristiano Ronaldo is a model professional

The main talk is over the possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo joining Real Madrid following the Portuguese’s reaction after Manchester United’s loss in the Champions League. But how will Cristiano Ronaldo – known to be hot-tempered and characteristically agitated – deal with the pressure at the Santiago Bernabeu if he indeed signs for Real Madrid?

Real Madrid’s fans are tough, rough, and the club is full of expectations. But this doesn’t bother Florentino Perez. The President is adamant that Cristiano Ronaldo’s character as a player will not cause him any damage at Real Madrid.

“I have not seen anything about him that would prohibit him from playing at Real Madrid,” he added. “I have seen him get angry because he wants to win and [because of] his competitive spirit.

“The information I have on him says that he is an example on the pitch, a model professional.”

Have your say, share your opinions. Is Cristiano Ronaldo really a model professional?

Angela Asante: CRF Chief Editor