In the saga of Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid, the twists and turns were as captivating as a thrilling football match. Let's delve into the timeline of events that unfolded during this significant period.
The Prelude
May 21, 2008:
The Spanish newspaper Marca reported that Ronaldo was set to join Real Madrid.
May 22, 2008:
Following the Champions League final, Ronaldo expressed his desire to move to Real Madrid.
June 5, 2008:
Sky Sports revealed that CR7 had communicated his wish to join Real Madrid, with a staggering £71.6 million price tag.
The Legal Hurdles
June 9, 2008:
Manchester United filed a complaint with FIFA regarding Real Madrid's pursuit of Ronaldo.
June 16, 2008:
FIFA officially dismissed any wrongdoing on Real Madrid's part concerning Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Negotiations
July 10, 2008:
After CR7 was honored in Amsterdam, reports surfaced that Real Madrid was willing to break the bank with a substantial offer.
July 14, 2008:
Sir Alex Ferguson met Ronaldo in Lisbon, both acknowledging the imminent departure, but hoping for a continued connection with Old Trafford.
The Turning Points
Aug. 5, 2008:
Ferguson informed the press that talks with Real Madrid had concluded, anticipating Ronaldo's stay at Manchester United for at least another season.
Dec. 8, 2008:
Spanish newspaper El Mundo hinted at tensions between Manchester United and Real Madrid, suggesting a potential blockbuster transfer.
The Presidential Shift
Jan. 13, 2009:
Real Madrid's new president, Ramon Calderon, signaled an interest in bringing Ronaldo to the club, marking a turning point in negotiations.
May 27, 2009:
Manchester United reached the Champions League final, eventually losing to Barcelona, concluding Ronaldo's last major appearance with the club.
June 1, 2009:
Florentino Perez returned as Real Madrid's president, announcing the acquisition of Ronaldo and Kaka to revive the 'Galacticos.'
June 8, 2009:
Kaka joined Real Madrid from AC Milan, setting the stage for Ronaldo's imminent move.
The Record-Breaking Transfer
June 10, 2009:
Manchester United accepted Real Madrid's offer of £80million, marking the most expensive transfer in football history at that time.
June 11, 2009.
Following discussions between Ferguson, the Glazer family, and David Gill, Manchester United officially agreed to Real Madrid's £80 million deal for Ronaldo.
The Aftermath
Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from Manchester United marked the end of an era, setting the stage for his illustrious career at Real Madrid. The £80 million transfer fee not only shattered records but also became a defining moment in the history of football transfers.
In conclusion, the Ronaldo transfer saga was a rollercoaster of emotions for football fans worldwide. The twists and turns, legal disputes, negotiations, and the eventual record-breaking transfer showcased the magnitude of one of the most iconic moves in football history.
After Manchester United won the Champions League in 2008, the then Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon publicly expressed his desire to sign him. Sir Alex was not impressed by Calderon's comments. He felt that his words were disrespectful towards United.
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