Calderon says United should let Ronaldo go

(GETTY IMAGES)

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon believes Manchester United should be "happy and proud" to let Cristiano Ronaldo leave the club in what he believes would be "the transfer of the century".

Calderon was set to meet United chief executive David Gill today, with the Premier League side expected to issue an official "hands off" warning to Real.

Yesterday the Real president seemingly conceded defeat in his attempts to capture the Portugal winger after admitting it would be difficult to convince United to sell.

But 24 hours later he told Spanish newspaper AS that it was Ronaldo's wish to join his club and the English champions should allow him.

Calderon said: "I think that, first of all, it's the desire of the player (to join us), but, of course, Manchester shouldn't be angry and they should open up their stance.

"We can't be blamed if nearly every player wants to come to Real Madrid. If I was Manchester United I'd be happy and proud to be able to negotiate such a transfer for one of my players.

"Everything would be a lot easier if United realised that they could pull off the transfer of the century."

Calderon appeared confident a deal could still be reached, as he believes that if a player wants to leave then there is little a club can do to stop him.

But he again insisted the Spanish champions would not act on their interest until United agreed to talks.

Calderon continued: "It depends on the player, on Ronaldo. Since I've known football it has been the case that the desires of the footballer are what decide matters.

"If Ronaldo wants to leave Manchester, he'll leave. If he wants to stay, he'll stay.

"I don't think you can keep anyone in a place where they don't want to be, not even in a family.

"But I insist that for a formal negotiation to start Manchester United will have to open their doors to us. Manchester have to want to talk."

On Ronaldo's ankle injury Calderon added: "At the moment that is something which should only concern the player and United."

The Real chief admitted there was no plan B should the club fail prise Ronaldo away, insisting there would be no "comings and goings" this summer.

That includes reported Chelsea target Robinho, who Calderon claims the club are not willing to sell.

"We have no intention of making any little touches to the squad, no comings and goings," he said.

"The squad is young and it's fine as it is. There is no negotiation going on at the moment for Robinho to leave the club."