As the United-Real tug-of-war for Cristiano Ronaldo continues, a member of Real’s Dutch contingent has felt the need to speak out at rumours he may be heading to Old Trafford as part of an exchange agreement to assist the transfer.
Wesley Sneijder released a statement on his personal site, rejecting claims he was on his way to Manchester as part of a deal to bring Ronaldo to the Santiago Bernabéu. He told his fans that, despite interest from the newly-crowned European champions after a sparkling display at Euro 2008, he will remain in Madrid:
I’d like to comment briefly on the reports and rumours that I might be going to Manchester United as part of some kind of exchange deal
As I’ve said already, when I left Ajax, all I wanted was to go to Real Madrid. They are the best club in the world. And now that I’m here, all I want is to win as many trophies as I can with them and wear the white shirt for as long as possible.
In short, I’m flattered to be linked to Manchester United…but it’s not happening. End of story.
Many different types of deal have been flying about with regard to Ronaldo’s protracted move to Real. Some have been as high as €100million (£80million), others have including Real players, including Sneijder himself, Sergio Ramos and Brazillian Robinho. Sneijder proclaimed his objection to Robinho being mentioned, hoping the two linkwith Ronaldo this coming season:
The same rumours have been doing the rounds about Robinho. Well, I hope he stays too, and I hope that Cristiano Ronaldo joins us at the Bernabéu.
I’m sure United fans would like to see Sneijder or Robinho (or both) at Old Trafford, whilst also pocketing £40million or so. Yet, does Sneijder’s snub show that United are always second to Real Madrid’s reputation and money in terms of attracting players?