Manchester United never wanted Ronaldo to leave — Calderon

Former Real Madrid President Ramon Calderon has opened up on how 5-time Ballon d’Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo was able to leave Manchester United in 2009.

In a recent interview, Calderon opened up on the hurdles encountered during Cristiano Ronaldo’s monumental transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid in 2009.

Calderon disclosed that while Ronaldo was keen on joining the Spanish giants, convincing Manchester United, then managed by the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, proved to be a formidable task.

Calderon’s insights offer a glimpse into the negotiations that led to Ronaldo’s then-world record-breaking €94 million move to Real Madrid. At the time, Ronaldo, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, was among the most esteemed talents in the English Premier League.

“It wasn’t very difficult, he wanted Real Madrid. It was more difficult to convince Manchester,” Calderon stated in a recent interview with Madrid Xtra. “Logically, they didn’t want him to leave. Thanks to the player’s will and the commitment made by both sides in December 2008, the deal was completed at the end of the season.”

Despite Ronaldo’s desire for a new challenge in Spain, Manchester United’s reluctance to part ways with their prized asset prolonged negotiations. However, through persistent efforts and mutual commitment, a deal was eventually reached, culminating in Ronaldo’s historic move to Real Madrid.