Though Alex Ferguson is no longer in charge at Old Trafford, the former Manchester United boss said recently that he believes Man U higher-ups could have demanded a steeper fee for two-time Ballon d'Or Award winner Cristiano Ronaldo. The current Real Madrid star signed with the Spanish club for 80 million pounds in 2009 but Ferguson says the Red Devils could have received more from Los Blancos. CR7 is viewed as one of the premier scorers in the game and because of his significant talent, Ferguson -- who won numerous titles in his 26 seasons at Old Trafford -- feels strongly that Real president Florentino Perez would have paid a higher price.
“I told David Gill to ask for 150 million pounds,” he said. “Perez would have paid. The only thing that hurt me, and I said this repeatedly to David Gill, was that we didn't demand enough. I told David, 'Ask for 150 million.' He said: 'Don't be silly. They'll never pay 150 million. I believe he cost 80 million pounds or something like that. But I still keep asking myself what senor Perez would have said if we asked for 150. Considering that they signed Gareth Bale for 85 million pounds, I believe they would have agreed to pay between 80 and 150 million. I am sure, because I know that Perez knew perfectly the quality of the player he was getting, as shown by Cristiano's stats at United.”
Ronaldo starred in England from 2003 to 2009, notching 84 goals in 196 league appearances with Manchester United while claiming his first Ballon d'Or trophy. Catapulting to international stardom during that time, the 29-year-old forward also helped United claim 3 Premier League titles, one FA Cup and the 2007-2008 UEFA Champions League crown. In 22 La Liga matches this season, Ronaldo has been outstanding, registering 23 goals and 6 assists to help solidify Real Madrid as one of the top teams in the competitive Spanish Primera Division.
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