Cristiano Ronaldo signs Real Madrid for 6 years

Cristiano Ronaldo agreed on a six- year deal with Real Madrid, completing his record 80 million pound ($132 million) move from Manchester United, the team said on its Web site.

Ronaldo is on vacation and the sale is to be completed July 1, the team said. He will be at the Santiago Bernabeu on July 6.

Manchester United of England’s Premier League accepted the record transfer fee for Ronaldo on June 10. The Spanish newspaper Marca said yesterday that Ronaldo will earn a salary of 13 million euros ($18.2 million), the highest for any soccer player.

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Happy Birthday El Capitano Raul Gonzalez

Happy birthday captain!

Today, 27 June 2008, Raúl González Blanco celebrates his 32'nd birthday .
Raúl has scored 317 official goals for Real Madrid and is shy of breaking the 307 mark set by Alfredo di Stéfano, Raúl is a charismatic player who possesses the traits that every footballer desires: physique, leadership, devotion, sportsmanship, and commitment. Happy birthday captain!

We all Real Madrid Fans love you Raul Gonzalez

Club career

Raúl ironically began his career with Real Madrid's cross-town rivals Atlético Madrid, the club his father supported. After then chairmain Jesús Gil decided to close down the youth set-up, and the striker moved to the Real Madrid youth academy.

Widely seen as one of the best forwards of all time, Raúl has spent his entire club career with Madrid, with whom he has won six Spanish league titles. He began the 1994-95 season in Madrid's C-team, but after a flurry of sixteen goals in seven games, he was promoted to first team status by coach Jorge Valdano. He became the youngest player (seventeen years and four months) ever to play for the senior side, scoring in his second senior game against Atletico Madrid. In all, Raúl registered nine goals in 28 appearances to help Real Madrid win the 1994-95 league championship in his first season. Over the next eight seasons, he won several honours, including another three La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues. For most of this time, Raúl struck up a prolific scoring partnership with Fernando Morientes (and later, Ronaldo). Raúl took over the captaincy of Real Madrid when Fernando Hierro departed in 2003, a responsibility he holds to this day. Unusually for such a successful and long-serving player, and despite appearing in two finals, 2002 (in which he scored) and 2004, Raúl has never won the Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup).

He became the first player to score fifty Champions League goals when he netted in a 2-1 group stage win over Olympiacos on 28 September 2005, and continues to be the all-time leader in both Champions League goals (40) and appearances (123). He was also the first player to score in two Champions League finals, netting in the finals of both 2000 vs. Valencia in Paris, and 2002 vs. Bayer Leverkusen in Glasgow. Samuel Eto'o later accomplished this feat, scoring in the 2006 final against Arsenal and in 2009 against Manchester United.

Raúl holds the distinction of having never received a red card throughout his 14 years at the professional level. Earlier this season, on 11 November 2008, Raúl scored his 270th goal for Real Madrid with a hat-trick against Real Union, with Real winning the game 4-3 but being eliminated on away goals after drawing 6-6 on aggregate. He has scored 270 career goals for Real Madrid, breaking the long-standing club record of Alfredo di Stéfano with a volleyed goal vs. Sporting Gijon on 15 February 2009. He is also the top active La Liga goalscorer with 223 of his 270 goals scored in La Liga matches, and is presently 5th on the all-time list, which is headed by Telmo Zarra with 251 goals. Raúl holds the record of all-time top La Liga scorer for Real Madrid with 223, a record previously held by Alfredo di Stéfano who scored 216 out of an overall La Liga tally of 227 in a Real Madrid shirt, for whom he played between 1953 and 1964.

On 14 February 2009, Raúl and fellow long-serving teammate Iker Casillas were both awarded a 'contract for life' in 2008 - the terms of which stipulate that it will be renewed annually for as long as they play 30 games per season.

International career

Raúl began his rise in the international scene with the youth teams and was chosen to represent Spain at the 1995 FIFA World Youth Championship, scoring 2 goals. He has scored a national record 44 goals in 102 caps for Spain. He is also second in terms of caps won for Spain, with 102. The former captain has made more international appearances for Spain than any other outfield player. Raúl was not chosen for Euro 1996 and had to wait until October 1996 to earn his first senior cap against the Czech Republic. He participated in three World Cups from 1998 to 2006, along with Euro 2000 and Euro 2004, scoring at least one goal in each of the three World Cup competitions. Raúl took over the team captaincy following the retirement of Fernando Hierro in 2002, but has not been chosen for the national team since September 2006, following a shock 3-2 defeat against Northern Ireland in Belfast (a game in which Raúl hit the post late on).

Of his 44 international goals, Raúl scored 25 goals in competitive games, 6 of which were in the finals of major tournaments. In a Euro 2000 qualifier, on 27 March 1999, Raúl scored one of only two international hat-tricks during Spain's 9-0 rout of Austria. Interestingly, his only other international hat-trick was scored 4 days later, against San Marino during the same qualifying tournament. Raúl is widely remembered, however, for a last-minute missed penalty in the quarter final of Euro 2000, when a goal would have forced extra-time against the eventual champions, France.

Raúl played his last game against Northern Ireland in the Euro 2008 qualifiers, which Spain lost 3-2. However, he was not selected for the actual tournament (which Spain eventually won) as Luis Aragonés preferred Fernando Torres and David Villa. His clubmate and goalkeeper Casillas succeeded him as captain.

He is still available for a call up, since he has yet to formally announce his international retirement. In late 2008, Spanish coach Vicente del Bosque stated that there is still a chance Raúl could be called into the national side once again. However, del Bosque did not choose him for the squad to play in the Confederations Cup in South Africa.

Personal life

For many years, Raúl's goal celebration has consisted of kissing his wedding ring as an acknowledgment to his wife, Spanish model Mamen Sanz, with whom he has four sons and is pregnant with the fifth: Jorge, named after Jorge Valdano; Hugo, named after Raúl's childhood hero, another Real Madrid legend Hugo Sánchez; and twins Héctor (after Héctor Rial) and Mateo, named after German footballer Lothar Matthäus. He enjoys reading, especially the books of Arturo Pérez Reverte, listening to Spanish music, as well as hunting.

Honours

Club

• Real Madrid
  • 6 La Liga titles: 1994-95, 1996-97, 2000-01, 2002-03, 2006-07, 2007–08
  • 4 Spanish Super Cup titles: 1997, 2001, 2003, 2008
  • 3 UEFA Champions League titles: 1997–98, 1999–00, 2001–02
  • 1 UEFA Super Cup title: 2002
  • 2 Intercontinental Cup titles: 1998, 2002
  • All time top scorer with 316 goals

Country

• Spain
  • All time top scorer: 44 goals

Individual

• Premio Don Balón (Young Player in La Liga): 1994-95
• IFFHS World Goalgetter: 1999
• Euro 2000 Team of the Tournament
• ESM Team of the Year: 1996-97, 1998-99, 1999-00
• Pichichi Trophy: 1999, 2001
• UEFA Champions League Top Scorer: 1999-00, 2000-01
• FIFA World Player of the Year Bronze Award: 2001
• European Footballer of the Year Silver Award: 2001
• UEFA Club Football Awards, Best Forward: 2000, 2001, 2002
• Best Spanish player in La Liga: 1996-97, 1998-99, 1999-00, 2000-01, 2001-02
• FIFA 100
• Trofeo Alfredo Di Stéfano: 2008
• Madrid Gold Medal: 2009

Orders

• Royal Order Gold Medal for Sports Merit: 2006

Statistics

Club goals

Last update: 26 April 2009.

Club performance			League		Cup		Continental		Total
Season	Club	League	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Spain			League		Copa del Rey		Europe		Total
1994-95	Real Madrid	Primera División	28	9	2	1	-		30	10
1995-96			40	19	2	1	8	6	50	26
1996-97			42	21	5	1	-		47	22
1997-98			35	10	1	0	12	2	48	12
1998-99			37	25	2	0	8	3	47	28
1999-00			34	17	4	0	16	11	54	28
2000-01			36	24	0	0	12	7	48	31
2001-02			35	14	6	6	13	6	54	26
2002-03			31	16	2	0	12	9	45	25
2003-04			35	11	7	6	9	2	51	19
2004-05			32	9	1	0	10	4	43	13
2005-06			27	5	0	0	6	2	33	7
2006-07			35	7	1	0	7	5	43	12
2007-08			37	18	1	0	8	5	46	23
2008-09			37	18	1	3	7	3	45	24
Career total			521	223	35	18	128	65	684 + 221	306 + 111

¹Includes app & goals in Copa Intercontinental, FIFA Club World Cup & UEFA and Spanish Super Cups.

Competition statistics

• Spanish League : 521 appearances 223 goals
• UEFA Champions League : 128 appearances 65 goals
• Copa Intercontinental : 3 appearances 1 goal
• Copa del Rey : 35 appearances 18 goals
• Spanish Supercup : 12 appearances 7 goals
• UEFA Supercup : 3 appearances 1 goal
• FIFA Club World Cup : 4 appearances 2 goals
• FIFA World Cup : 11 appearances 5 goals
• UEFA European Championship : 7 appearances 1 goal

International goals

Raúl González Blanco: International goals

#	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	1996-12-14	Estadio Mestalla, Valencia, Spain	Yugoslavia	2-0	2-0	1998 World Cup qualificaion
2	1998-03-25	Estadio Balaídos, Vigo, Spain	Sweden	3-0	4-0	Friendly
3	1998-06-13	Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes, France	Nigeria	2-1	2-3	1998 FIFA World Cup
4	1998-09-05	Tsirion Stadium, Limassol, Cyprus	Cyprus	2-1	3-2	UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying
5	1998-11-18	Stadio Arechi, Salerno, Italy	Italy	2-2	2-2	Friendly
6	1999-03-27	Estadio Mestalla, Valencia, Spain	Austria	1-0	9-0	UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying
7	1999-03-27	Estadio Mestalla, Valencia, Spain	Austria	2-0	9-0	UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying
8	1999-03-27	Estadio Mestalla, Valencia, Spain	Austria	5-0	9-0	UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying
9	1999-03-27	Estadio Mestalla, Valencia, Spain	Austria	8-0	9-0	UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying
10	1999-03-31	Stadio Olimpico, Serravalle, San Marino	San Marino	0-2	0-6	UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying
11	1999-03-31	Stadio Olimpico, Serravalle, San Marino	San Marino	0-4	0-6	UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying
12	1999-03-31	Stadio Olimpico, Serravalle, San Marino	San Marino	0-5	0-6	UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying
13	1999-06-05	Estadio El Madrigal, Villarreal, Spain	San Marino	5-0	9-0	UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying
14	1999-09-04	Ernst Happel Stadion, Wien, Austria	Austria	0-1	1-3	UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying
15	1999-10-10	Estadio Carlos Belmonte, Albacete, Spain	Israel	3-0	3-0	UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying
16	2000-01-26	Estadio Cartagonova, Cartagena, Spain	Poland	1-0	3-0	Friendly match
17	2000-06-18	Amsterdam ArenA, Amsterdam, Netherlands	Slovenia	1-0	2-1	UEFA Euro 2000
18	2000-08-16	Niedersachsenstadion, Hannover, Germany	Germany	4-1	4-1	Friendly match
19	2001-03-24	Estadio José Rico Pérez, Alicante, Spain	Liechtenstein	4-1	5-0	2002 World Cup Qualifier
20	2001-06-02	Estadio Carlos Tartiere, Oviedo, Spain	Bosnia and Herzegovina	3-1	4-1	2002 World Cup Qualifier
21	2001-06-06	Ramat Gan Stadium, Tel-Aviv, Israel	Israel	1-1	1-1	2002 World Cup Qualifier
22	2001-09-05	Rheinpark Stadion, Vaduz, Liechtenstein	Liechtenstein	0-1	0-2	2002 World Cup Qualifier
23	2001-11-14	Estadio Nuevo Colombino, Huelva, Spain	Mexico	1-0	1-0	Friendly match
24	2002-04-17	Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland	Northern Ireland	0-1	0-5	Friendly match
25	2002-04-17	Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland	Northern Ireland	0-3	0-5	Friendly match
26	2002-06-02	Gwangju Stadium, Gwangju, South Korea	Slovenia	1-0	3-1	2002 FIFA World Cup
27	2002-06-12	Daejeon Stadium, Daejeon, South Korea	South Africa	1-0	3-2	2002 FIFA World Cup
28	2002-06-12	Daejeon Stadium, Daejeon, South Korea	South Africa	3-2	3-2	2002 FIFA World Cup
29	2002-09-07	Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium, Athens, Greece	Greece	0-1	0-2	UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying
30	2003-02-12	ONO Estadi, Palma de Mallorca, Spain	Germany	1-0	3-1	Friendly match
31	2003-02-12	ONO Estadi, Palma de Mallorca, Spain	Germany	2-1	3-1	Friendly match
32	2003-03-29	Olympic Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine	Ukraine	1-1	2-2	UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying
33	2003-09-10	Estadio Martinez Valero, Elche, Spain	Ukraine	1-0	2-1	UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying
34	2003-09-10	Estadio Martinez Valero, Elche, Spain	Ukraine	2-0	2-1	UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying
35	2003-10-11	Hanrapetakan Stadium, Yerevan, Armenia	Armenia	0-2	0-4	UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying
36	2003-11-15	Estadio Mestalla, Valencia, Spain	Norway	1-1	2-1	UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying - Play-offs
37	2003-11-19	Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo, Norway	Norway	0-1	0-3	UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying - Play-offs
38	2004-03-31	El Molinón, Gijón, Spain	Denmark	2-0	2-0	Friendly match
39	2004-09-03	Estadio Mestalla, Valencia, Spain	Scotland	1-1	1-1	Friendly match
40	2004-10-09	Estadio El Sardinero, Santander, Spain	Belgium	2-0	2-0	2006 World Cup Qualifier
41	2005-02-09	Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos, Almería, Spain	San Marino	3-0	5-0	2006 World Cup Qualifier
42	2005-09-07	Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid, Spain	Serbia and Montenegro	1-0	1-1	2006 World Cup Qualifier
43	2006-06-03	Estadio Martinez Valero, Elche, Spain	Egypt	1-0	2-0	Friendly match
44	2006-06-19	Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion, Stuttgart, Germany	Tunisia	1-1	3-1	2006 FIFA World Cup

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Valdano: Real Madrid Giving Up On David Villa, New Target is Benzema

Real Madrid director-general Jorge Valdano has continued to stress that his club are no longer pursuing the signature of Valencia striker David Villa.

He did confirm, however, that Los Blancos are now interested in Lyon’s Karim Benzema, although he admitted that it would be equally difficult to prise the young France striker away from the Stade Gerland.

“Valencia have ruled out selling him [Villa]. When he was put on the transfer list, it was a well known fact that we tried hard to bid for him. But when Valencia changed their plans, we had to pull out with great disappointment because he was an objective of ours,” Valdano told reporters during the launch of a new book by Jose Manuel Otero Lastres, a former Madrid director during Florentino Perez’s first spell.

“Karim Benzema is one of the possible objectives of our club. But we are not going to make any speculations because the signings only become a reality when negotiations are resolved,” he added.

Bringing in a number of superstar signings isn’t Valdano’s only main problem. He also has to talk some of the unwanted players in the current squad into leaving, and he has reservations about fully clearing out those who are surplus to requirements.

“The club know what has to be done. Now, all we need is to find buyers and convince the players who, logically, do not want to leave,” he explained.

“To buy and sell simultaneously is a problem and the time will come when the problem will become substantial because there’s only two and a half months before the league campaign kicks-off.”

Valdano concluded his appearance on a more positive note as he spoke about Los Merengues’ latest acquisition, Raul Albiol.

“He will strengthen an area where he have had some problems,” he said. “We are also happy with the signing because he is a Spanish player, the second one we’ve made already after [Alvaro] Negredo. We are very pleased to have him.”

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Fabregas to Real Madrid

The Mill knows what it means to have loved and lost, how it feels when something happens on the way to heaven and against all odds two hearts are suddenly living separate lives. And not just from studying intently the alphabetised list of its collection of original 7-inch Phil Collins singles - mainly the Mill has learnt all it knows most surely about the mysteries of the heart by wallowing in the pages of the tabloid press.

So, when we read in this morning's Sun that Cesc Fábregas thinks Arsenal are "IMPOTENT" (note: not "important") and that he's finding himself increasingly drawn to irresistible, silicone-enhanced, puts-it-about-all-over-the-shop harlot Real Madrid, the Mill fears this is only going one way. How long before Cesc is talking wearily about Arsène Wenger's "walnut manhood", uploading scurrilities about Emanuel Eboué's lack of recent success as a pop-reggae act on his Twitter feed, and being papped cavorting on a boat somewhere hot rubbing Ambre Solaire into his pendulous, over-sized udders?

Hopefully, quite long. But still, saying things like "of course my family would understand if I signed for Real Madrid because they love me" is hardly likely to discourage a summer of soul-destroying back-and-forths, is it?

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Real Madrid gets a deal for Raul Albiol

Real Madrid has reached a deal to sign Spain defender Raul Albiol from Valencia.

Real Madrid said on its Web site Thursday that the transfer will go through next week after Albiol has passed a physical and signs a five-year contract.

Real said the 23-year-old defender will be introduced next week.

No details of the fee were given, but Spanish media reported on Wednesday that Madrid has agreed to pay Valencia $21 million for Albiol, who has been playing at the Confederations Cup in South Africa.

Albiol, who also played at Getafe, will be new Real Madrid president Florentino Perez's first Spanish signing after bringing Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Albiol was a member of the European Championship-winning team last summer and has made 15 international appearances.

The center back played 126 league games in four full seasons at the Mestalla.

read more "Real Madrid gets a deal for Raul Albiol"

Quotes about Raul Gonzalez

• Jesús Gil (29/10/99): "Raúl is my bete noire".
• Fabio Capello (15/11/99): "He is a winner. He is the inheritance of Real Madrid".
• Javier Clemente (01/04/00): "Raúl is the best forward in the world".
• Franz Beckenbauer (09/05/00): "Raúl is one of the best of Europe. He is Real Madrid's spirit. He is like Matthäus for us: indispensable, and with a bad haircut".
• Thierry Henry (25/06/00): "When he plays, in his mind there is only the goal; it's the football essence. Every time they do something, you stand up over your seat".
• Sir Alex Ferguson (08/04/03): "I hope he doesn't like travelling, Failing that we will stop him entering the country. Real buy these big players like Figo, Zidane and Ronaldo but I think the best player in the world is Raúl".
• Zinedine Zidane (12/02/04): "For me I would say my favourite players in Europe are Raúl and Figo."
• Ottmar Hitzfeld (16/02/07) - Days before the Bayern vs. Madrid Match: "I’d sign him right here and now, and I’d go wherever it takes to land a player like that, he’s a "Crack" (a "match changing" player) player and I’m a fan of everything that he does, and what’s more now is the prefect time to sign him as he’s got a wealth of experience and has reached full maturity"
• David Trézéguet (08/05/03): "We all know what Raúl represents, not only for his team, but also for football".^{[citation needed]}
• Luís Figo (11/06/05): "I think he is the greatest player to have ever played the game. He walks on the turf and astounds. It is utterly amazing.
• David Beckham in his last appearance at Real Madrid City's press room (14/06/07): "I want to wish the captain good luck because he has been a tower of strength for many people and for the team, and he’s been a person that a lot of people should look up to because he is very dedicated to what he does and what he believes in. Thank you to him and the rest of the team, and good luck throughout the rest of their careers".
• Fernando Hierro (27/9/2007):"I once said that Raúl is like a Ferrari and now I think he is like a McLaren, Fernando Alonso's car."

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Ronaldo's Quotes and Quotes about Ronaldo

Sourced

• I don't play football just because I like it. I play because I've got an ambition to always win and be the best - to win every trophy and competition I'm part of.
  I'll be happy when I win the Champions League, the World Cup and the European Championship. That is every footballer's ambition.
  To finish my career and be able to say I did a good job overall, and say I was handsomely rewarded for it. That's it.
  • As quoted in "Ronaldo eyes trophy boost" in Manchester Online (22 April 2006)

• We have a good chance - we are at the top of the league, Arsenal and ourselves. But I don't think it is just between the two teams. Chelsea and Liverpool are still there and are strong.
  • As quoted in "Still a four-way fight" by Gemma Thompson at the official Manchester United website (20 December 2007)

Unsourced

• I'm living a dream I never want to wake up from.

• Lots of young players have triumphed at United, so why can't it happen to me? I'm not worried I'm young - it's an incentive to do the best I can.

• Now we're in the final we must win, and can't think the job is over. We'll give everything and we're convinced we can do it.

• The No 7 shirt is an honour and a responsibility. I hope it brings me a lot of success.

• I went over to our fans after the Charlton game to let them know that they have a special place inside of me. I wanted to thank them in a special way for all the support they have given me, particularly in this game here, and to tell them I am Manchester United through and through - in my heart and soul.

• It gives me the happiest feeling in the world. I just love scoring. It doesn't matter if it's a simple goal from close range, a long shot or a dribble around several players, I just love to score all goals.

• England were eliminated by Portugal, a situation they did not like at all, and I was involved in it. They had chosen me to be the star of a movie with a totally false plot.

• My free-kick secret? I just look at the net and say 'take the kick, Cristiano.'

• "I've never tried to hide the fact that it is my intention to be the best"

• "If I didn't become a footballplayer, i would become superman"

Quotes about Ronaldo

• He's a prat of a player and a prat of a person, and he will always do the little teams but when it comes to the big games he will cost them like he cost them the match against Arsenal last week, no I don't like him, I love him!
  • Eamon Dunphy on Ronaldo

• We’ve had some great players at this club in my 20 years, but he’s up with the best.
  • Sir Alex Ferguson compliments Ronaldo, as quoted in "Ronaldo has last laugh as penalty puts United into semi-finals" in The TImes (20 March 2007)]

• When you've got a player who does what he does at that pace this late in the game than you know you've got an invaluable talent
  • Andy Gray

• I'm running out of words to describe this lad
  • Andy Gray

• He's six-foot two, brave as a lion, strong as an ox and quick as lightning. If he was good looking, you'd say he has everything.
  • - Paul Jewell "Premier League quotes of the season" BBC SPORTS (12 may 2008)

• The kid makes you sick. He looks the part, he walks the part, he is the part. He's six-foot something, fit as a flea, good-looking - he's got to have something wrong with him....Hopefully he's hung like a hamster! That would make us all feel better!
  • - Ian Holloway "Holloway column" , BBC SPORTS(4 april 2008)

• There have been a few players described as the new George Best over the years, but this is the first time it's been a compliment to me."
  • George Best, as quoted in "Funniest ever footie quotes" in The Sun

• When Ronaldo gets the ball, you can just leave him to it while he beats player after player!
  • Ryan Giggs

• For me, he is an exceptional player.
  • Cesc Fabregas on Ronaldo, as quoted in BBC News

• I have never played against anybody like that in my life - I was pleased to be taken off.
  • Millwall's Robbie Ryan, who played Ronaldo in the FA Cup final of 2004

• He's a gift from heaven, he is truly a gift from heaven. Whatever he touches turns to gold.
  • Commentator Alan Parry after Ronaldo's brilliant free-kick against Portsmouth

• Ronaldo is better than George Best and Denis Law, who were two brilliant and great players in the history of United.
  • Johan Cruyff, as quoted in

read more "Ronaldo's Quotes and Quotes about Ronaldo"

Cristiano Ronaldo:I moved to Real Madrid to be the World's greatest

Ronaldo held his first interview since his transfer with reporter Andy Dunn of the British tabloid news of the World.

In his interview, Ronaldo told the newspaper that after Manchester United beat Chelsea on penalties in the 2008 Champions League final, he felt that he accomplished everything that he could and only stayed for the 2008-2009 season to win a third consecutive Premier League title before he would move onto the Bernabeu to play for Real Madrid.

Ronaldo also said that he joined Real Madrid to become a greater player and he denied that he joined to earn more money.

He also denied that their wasn't any secret pact that former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon claimed he had sealed six months ago. Meanwhile, Ronaldo claimed that everything was finished in the last several weeks.

Ronaldo also told the paper that he made this move to ensure that he would become the greatest footballer in the world, and he also wished that he didn't open his mouth at all over the transfer during the last year.

Ronaldo also told the paper that Wayne Rooney could potentially become a better player than he could and he also acknowledged that his behavior during the 2006 World Cup match between England and Portugal was unacceptable. He also apologized for the wink that he did after Rooney got sent off during that game.

However, he said that he doesn't regret it because he claims that it made him into a better person and he would never act in that way again in those circumstances.

He also claimed that he had a really close, "father-son" relationship with manager Sir Alex Ferguson, and that was a and he wished that Ferguson could become "his life coach".

Finally, he claimed that the Old Trafford supporters were great to him and he really appreciated how they always stood up for him.

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Real Madrid 2009/2010 Kit

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Real Madrid deny Ibrahimovic speculations

Real Madrid have called themselves out of the race for Inter forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who had been linked to the club in recent days.

This was declared by the Merengues sporting director, Jorge Valdano, who also denied that his club were interested in Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan.

However, Valdano admitted that there are still two or three attackers which Real Madrid are following and who they will try to sign up in the coming weeks.

"We have been linked to Forlan and Ibrahimovic, but neither player will arrive," explained the director to Radio Marca.

"We are still searching for an attacker, we have two or three alternatives, but none of them are the Inter or Atletico Madrid player."

This means that the chances of Ibrhaimovic leaving are now diminishing, with Chelsea and Barcelona the only known suitors remaining.

Recently, Real Madrid have been linked to Juventus striker David Trezeguet, who could therefore be one of their objectives in attack.

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Zidane: Franck Ribery Should Be At Real Madrid

Real Madrid Sporting Advisor Zinedine Zidane has told Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery that should he decide to leave the Allianz Arena, his only port of call should be Madrid.

Ribery has been heavily linked with both Barcelona and Real Madrid this summer, with the latter stepping up their efforts to land the 26-year old to add him to the stellar list of transfers taking place under Florentino Perez this summer.

Zidane confirmed to French newspaper Le Dauphine Libere that Los Blancos has commenced negotiations with the winger and called Ribery ‘a fantastic footballer.’

He reiterated his desire to see the player at the Bernabeu next season, and said it makes sense, for his career, to move to Real Madrid.

“His [Ribery’s] place is at Real Madrid. Playing with us would be a great opportunity for his career and something that he could not refuse.”

Furthermore, Zidane responded to accusations that Perez is simply attempting to buy success for the club, by stating that, "bringing the best players in the world together has a cost."

After securing the capture of Kaka and the soon to be announced arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, Madrid have also been linked with Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Inter and David Villa from Valencia.

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Kaka speaks about Ronaldo

“Ronaldo would help us win titles"

Kaka made some comments on the possibility of Real Madrid signing Cristiano Ronaldo while in South Africa with Brazil, with whom he is playing in the Confederations Cup.

"Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world and I would celebrate his signing. I don't really want to say more about this because I'm here with my national team, hoping to win the Confederations Cup, but Ronaldo is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world and he would surely help Real Madrid win titles."

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Real Madrid's Ninth Ballon d'Or winner

Cristiano Ronaldo may join a long list of Madridistas honoured by France Football

Realmadrid.com / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

The Santiago Bernabeu is the stadium where many of the best players in the world have showcased their talents. Cristiano Ronaldo could become the latest addition in a list of Madridistas that have won the Ballon d'Or.

Cristiano Ronaldo (2008)
His spectacular campaign in 2008 made him the most prominent player at Manchester United, with whom he won the Premiership and the Champions League. He won the Ballon d'Or, the Golden Boot and the FIFA World Player awards.

Kaka (2007)
The year 2007 was very special for Kaka. He won the Ballon d'Or thanks to his great season at Milan, during which he won the Champions League, and he was also the tournament's top-scorer with 10 strikes. He was voted as the Best Striker in the Champions League, Best Player in the World by FIFPro and the Most Valuable Player of the World Club Championship. He also won the FIFA World Player award and was featured in the Golden Eleven.

Cannavaro (2006)
Fabio Cannavaro won the Ballon d'Or in 2006 thaks to his great season at Juventus and winning the 2006 World Cup with Italy. He also won the FIFA World Player award and signed for Real Madrid.

Ronaldo (2002)
The Brazilian won the Ballon d'Or in 2002 after coming back from a serious knee injury that kept him off the pitch for more than a year.

Owen (2001)
Owen won the UEFA Cup, the European Super Cup, the Carling Cup and the FA Cup with Liverpool. He became the youngest player to receive the Ballon d'Or.

Figo (2000)
His excellent season at Barcelona in 1999 gave him the award; he won the league title, signed for Real Madrid, received the Ballon d'Or and won yet another league title.

Zidane (1998)
Leader at Juventus and on the French national team, he helped his country win the World Cup against Brazil with two goals.

Di Stefano (1957, 1959)
A true symbol of Real Madrid and a world football icon. He is the only player with a Super Ballon d'Or.

Kopa (1958)
He won Real Madrid's third European Cup and starrred in the 1958 World Cup, in which France finished third.

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Manchester United:Record Ronaldo bid accepted

Manchester United have received a world-record, unconditional offer of £80million for Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid.

At Cristiano's request - who has again expressed his desire to leave - and after discussion with the player's representatives, United have agreed to give Real Madrid permission to talk to the player.

Matters are expected to be concluded by 30 June. The club will not comment until further notice.

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Kaka Transfer on World Press

Kaka's signing for Real Madrid made the world press. Here are some quotes.

La Gazzetta dello Sport
"Goodbye Kaka (...) Kaka signs a six-year contract with Real Madrid (...) Kaka and Milan: six triumphant years."

O Globo
"Kaka says his departure from Milan and signing for Real Madrid is partly due to the world financial crisis and his dream of playing for Real Madrid (...) Kaka has a great smile on his face."

Jornal do Brasil
"Real Madrid sign Kaka for six season's (....) Italians are sad for his departure, but Spaniards celebrate the arrival."

ESPN
"The new 'galactico' (...) Kaka is the new reinforcement of the Florentino Perez era. He had a medical in Brazil and both clubs confirmed the transfer."

Clarin
"Kaka is Real Madrid's new star player (...) This is a great start for Florentino Perez as President."

Ole
"Kaka is royal [play on the word Real] (...) Kaka is Real Madrid's brilliant new signing."

L´Equipe
"Kaka: new 'galactico' (...) It's official: Kaka joins Real."

The Sun
"Kaka signs for Real Madrid (...) He was advised to do so by former Madridista David Beckham."

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Official Announcement:Kaka signs Real Madrid

Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, Kaka, now plays for Real Madrid following the deal reached with A.C. Milan. The Brazilian footballer satisfactorily passed a full medical checkup. Kaka has signed a contract linking him to Real Madrid for the next six seasons.

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Real Madrid look to sign Franck Ribéry

Real Madrid want to sign Franck Ribéry from Bayern Munich during the close season, according to the club's president Florentino Pérez. "It would be a huge satisfaction to have Ribéry with us as soon as next season," Perez told the French daily L'Equipe today. "But we first have to talk to his club Bayern Munich. I will get in touch with my friends Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Uli Hoeness to ask them what they want to do with Ribéry. I'll tell them this player is one of our targets and that I want to discuss his possible move to Real."

Pérez added he was "very optimistic" about signing the Brazilian Kaka from Milan after he held talks with the Serie A side and the player's father this week. "If Kaka leaves Milan, he will join Real Madrid," Pérez said.

The Real chairman also said he tried to convince Arsenal manager, Arsène Wenger, to join the nine-time European champions before naming Manuel Pellegrini as Real's new coach. "We have always liked the Frenchman and we talked a lot with him," Pérez said. "But he feels very responsible of what is going on and of what is going to happen next at Arsenal. He did not want to leave this club which he has given a lot to."

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Zidane:Kaka is transfered to Real Madrid

Zidane who is consuler of Florentino Perez announced that Kaka will join Real Madrid.After press' question about Kaka,Zidane said Kaka signed for Real Madrid.Real Madrid paid 70 million Euro to Milan and 9.5 million Euro to Kaka each year.
Kaka will be introduced to press 11th of June.
WELCOME TO REAL MADRID KAKA.

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Real Madrid's new president is Florentino Perez

Real Madrid confirmed last night that Florentino Pérez has returned as club president. Pérez, who held the post for six highly eventful years from 2000 to 2006, will officially be sworn in today.

Pérez's previous spell in charge of Real was characterised by the famous 'galácticos' policy which saw Madrid bring in the likes of Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham and Ronaldo for massive fees.

Although Perez has kept his cards close to his chest regarding new players and who will coach the team next season, there has been speculation in the Spanish media over the past few months regarding who will be brought in if the election favourite returned to power.

"We are working towards and we will work to create a spectacular project, and that is to make Real Madrid the best club in the world once more," said Perez during a press conference a fortnight ago. "A club like Real Madrid needs to have several of the best players in the world and even though I can't discuss names today, we have a spectacular project on the sporting side."

Two of Madrid's long-term targets Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo are again reportedly near the top of Pérez's wanted list, along with Frenchman Franck Ribéry.

Spanish players are also believed to be on Pérez's agenda, even though during his previous spell only one of his 17 signings was a home-grown player - Sergio Ramos, who joined from Sevilla.

If the reports turn out to be true though, then the likes of Valencia quartet Villa, David Silva, Raul Albiol and Juan Mata, as well as Almeria striker Alvaro Negredo and Liverpool's Xabi Alonso could be among the Spanish signings gracing Real next season.

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Pellegrini to coach Real Madrid

Villarreal has reached an agreement that will allow coach Manuel Pellegrini to take over at Real Madrid, news reports said Monday.

Club manager Jose Manuel Llaneza told the national news agency Efe that contacts were made and "as is logical between two clubs that get on, an agreement was reached."

Pellegrini would replace Juande Ramos, who took over at Real Madrid midseason after Bernd Schuster was fired.

On Saturday, the Chilean said he had not had any contact with Real Madrid over a potential move to the club.

A spokeswoman for Villarreal said there had been contacts with Real Madrid but insisted there was no official confirmation of the deal.

Pellegrini has transformed Villarreal since arriving in 2004. The club finished fifth in La Liga this season, clinching a place in next season's Europa League, formerly the UEFA Cup.

Madrid finished second to Barcelona and was eliminated in the first knockout stage of the Champions League for the fifth straight season.

Recent reports have said incoming Real Madrid president Florentino Perez plans to present Pellegrini on Tuesday and Milan's Kaka as the club's new star player Thursday.

Perez was due to be confirmed as club president later Monday. He is the only candidate for elections that had been scheduled to be held on June 14.

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