Brazilian legend Ronaldo said he was glad
he opted to stay in Madrid despite close season interest from both AC
and Inter Milan. ADVERTISEMENT
Ronaldo cut an unhappy figure at times last season as he looked
overweight, out of shape and was routinely berated by his own team's
fans.
But the three-time world player of the year and twice world champion
with Brazil now says he is happy he opted to remain at Real.
"(Ramon) Calderon (Real's president) was always very clear with me from
the beginning," Ronaldo, known as 'el gordo' in Madrid due to his weight
problems, told Radio Marca.
"Only the people thinking about economics wanted to sell me.
"I could not decide (to go) because I am a Real Madrid player and I have
two years left on my contract."
Currently recovering from injury, Ronaldo has promised to score 30 goals
this season for the nine-time European champions.
"I was delighted to learn that AC Milan and Inter Milan wanted me. I
treated it calmly and seriously.
"I didn't negotiate anything with anyone and sent everyone to speak to
Real Madrid. I wanted to stay. That's what happened and I'm happy to
stay."
Ronaldo's claims are a complete turnaround from earlier this year when
he suggested his future lay elsewhere after he was jeered by Real fans
during a Champions League tie with Arsenal in February.
"I don't understand why the fans don't have any patience with me," he
said at the time.
"That's something important I will have to take into account when
considering the future."
Ronaldo went under the knife at the end of July for a leg injury and
only returned to training a week ago. He is unlikely to be ready for
first team action for another fortnight.
However he may face a fight to regain his place in the team with new
Dutch forward Ruud van Nistelrooy having made a great start under
Italian manager Fabio Capello.
"Capello is a serious man, he is very capable and most of all he has his
own ideas that demand respect," added Ronaldo.
"As for my recuperation, I am getting better every day and I am getting
back to my best physical condition."
