Thu Jul 10 14:42:25 2008

Comment | Email | Print

United responds to remarks by Blatter

---

Manchester, England (Sports Network) - Manchester United has hit back at Sepp Blatter after the FIFA president accused them of "slavery" over its decision to deny Cristiano Ronaldo a move to Real Madrid.

Blatter launched an astonishing attack on the Premier League and European champions in an interview in which he likened their stance on Ronaldo to "modern slavery."

The Old Trafford club have steadfastly refused to entertain selling the Portugal international to his Spanish suitors despite the saga rumbling on for the last two months.

Real are reported to be willing to pay a world record of $150 million to land the unsettled 23-year-old winger, who has himself suggested a move to the Bernabeu would be an attractive proposition.

Blatter though risked the wrath of the Red Devils when he claimed they should not stand in the way of Ronaldo despite him being just 18 months into a five- year contract.

But a spokesman for United replied: "All our players - like at other clubs - enter into their contracts after an open and free negotiation. Most of whom do so after taking advice from a FIFA-registered agent.

"Many do so on a number of occasions and enjoy long and successful stays at Old Trafford."

Speaking in an earlier interview, the outspoken Blatter had claimed: "If the player wants to play somewhere else, then a solution should be found because if he stays in a club where he does not feel comfortable to play then it's not good for the player and for the club.

"I'm always in favor of protecting the player and, if the player wants to leave, let him leave.

"I think in football there's too much modern slavery in transferring players or buying players here and there and putting them somewhere."

(Courtesy of sportbox.tv)