Sir Alex Ferguson has commented on continued speculation linking Cristiano Ronaldo with a move away from Real Madrid, declaring him ‘unbuyable’.
Ferguson’s Manchester United sold the Portuguese star to Los Merengues in summer 2009 for a world record €96m.
Rumours continue to bubble under the surface this season that the 27-year-old is angling for a transfer away from the Bernabeu, in light of the player’s September declaration that he was ‘sad’.
However, Ferguson does not see the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea or Paris Saint-Germain coming in for the attacker, who has a €1bn buyout clause in his contract.
“How do you know I haven’t [inserted a buyback clause]?” joked the Scot to the British Press this weekend.
“He always wanted to play for Real Madrid. It was his boyhood dream and he got that. I’m not saying he will stay there forever. There’s every chance he might leave, you never know.
“But I don’t think it will happen, him coming back here. I would like to think it would. You are talking about incredible amounts of money now. What do you think his value would be? He’s a fit boy. He’s never injured. He’s definitely unbuyable. No doubt about that.
“Who could afford him? Only the Russians could buy him but do you think he will go to Russia? He complained about the weather while he was here in Manchester. God, the middle of winter in Russia? Jesus Christ.
“But it’s been value for money for Madrid. It was good for us, too. It was cash up front.
“In many ways he’s manufactured himself, although he had a natural talent. But he practised and practised. He had a bit of the Eric Cantona about him in that way – and Paul Scholes – his habit was to do something after training.”
Ronaldo will be back in Manchester this midweek as Real Madrid prepare to face Manchester City in the Champions League, prompting Fergie to reminisce of their time together in the red half of the city.
“He’s an unbelievable player. One of the best. No doubt about that. I know we have had a great history of fantastic players but there is no question Ronaldo compares with any of them. Barcelona have had more success than Real Madrid. They have won Champions Leagues and I think that matters. If Ronaldo won the Champions League he would be the player of the year.
“Yes, if Real won the Champions League he would be the main player. He was only 24 when he left us and his goalscoring record is quite amazing, even for us. In his last season for us he made five chances every match. Five opportunities created all by himself.
“We never had any problems with him. Although he liked to look at himself in the mirror a wee bit. The players used to give him stick for that.
“But that’s a small handicap if he had any handicaps at all. He was good. I speak to him quite regularly. He’s always available.
“He’s always wishing us well. We’re the first team he looks for, no doubt about that.”
