Former Real Madrid President Ramon Calderon has asserted that Manchester United were initially hesitant to part ways with their superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009.
The Portuguese international went on to become an iconic signing in the annals of Los Blancos’ history, completing a then-world record €94 million transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid.
At the time of the transfer, Ronaldo was the reigning Ballon d’Or winner and stood among the elite talents in the English Premier League.
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Under the management of Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United were understandably reluctant to part with their prized asset.
In a recent interview with Madrid Xtra, Calderon remarked, “It wasn’t very difficult; he wanted Real Madrid. It was more challenging to convince Manchester. Logically, they didn’t want him to leave. Thanks to the player’s desire and the commitment from both parties in December 2008, the deal was finalized at the end of the season.”