Real Madrid’s Predrag Mijatovic has refused to give up hope of prising Cristiano Ronaldo away from Manchester United, despite the player signing a new deal at Old Trafford.
The optimistic sporting director admitted that he was surprised the Portuguese playmaker had penned a new five-year contract with the English giants, but said that may not be significant.
Media in both Spain and England were reporting that Madrid were very confident of clinching a deal after a secret meeting in London with the player’s agent right up until the nes broke that Ronaldo had committed himself to United.
Mijatovic though has not put off and took time out from the controversy that his post-match remarks at the weekend have caused, to state that a deal could still be done.
“We knew that it could happen,” he said, referring to Ronaldo’ new contract. “He is a player with a lot of quality and he is playing for a major team who are doing very well.
“All we can do is see what happens in the summer, although I know that it will be very difficult, but nothin should be discarded.
“In football these days, what happens one day can be changed by the the next.”
Manchester United lost another key defender as Patrice Evra was injured in their 2-0 victory against Sheffield United.
Ronaldo had a quiet game, but he did create the opening goal for Michael Carrick; Wayne Rooney scored the other and it was enough to secure the victory.
Manchester United lead the table by 6 points, but the lead could be reduced again after Chelsea play their game tonight.
Premiership leaders Manchester United dominate the nominations for the Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year award, with man of the moment Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes all making the six-man shortlist.
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, the 2006 winner, complete the contenders for the prestigious award, which will be presented on April 22.
Portuguese winger Ronaldo, 22, and Fabregas, 19, are also in the hunt for the PFA’s Young Player of the Year award.
Manchester United and England forward Wayne Rooney, 21, will be looking for a hat-trick, having won the accolade in both 2005 and 2006.
Reading striker Kevin Doyle, 23, Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon, 19, and 18-year-old defender Micah Richards, of Manchester City, who won his first England caps this season, are the other nominees.
John Terry believes the momentum is with Chelsea ahead of a potential hat-trick of showdowns against Manchester United. Yet, at a time when Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho might be shaping up for an exchange of mind games, the England captain is making no secret of his deep admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo.
“For me he is the best in the world at the moment,” said Terry. “How do I stop him? I pass him on to Ashley Cole.
“I totally admire the player after the stick he got,” he said. “He has done so well on and off the pitch and, honestly, I could watch Man United just to watch him. He does things with the ball you don’t see anyone else in the world doing. When he is at his best I don’t think there are many people who can stop him.
“When he runs at you with his tricks and his skills you don’t know which way he is going. If you double up on him he passes to [Wayne] Rooney and he does it. Where do you stop? You can’t double up on everyone. It’s a case of us defending very well.”
Ryan Giggs is delighted that Cristiano Ronaldo has pledged his future to United by signing a new five-year deal at Old Trafford, and says the Portuguese winger can become one of the game’s greats.
The Welsh winger is a shining example of how to consistently perform at the highest level and has challenged his team-mate to maintain his “unbelievable” performances for the next ten years.
“It is great news for the club, Cristiano and the fans,” said Giggs after hearing that Ronaldo had signed a new contract until 2012.
“He’s been on fire this season, his form has been unbelievable. For someone in his position and of his age to be as consistent as he has been is remarkable.”
Giggs is confident United have secured the services of a special player who can still get better.
Manchester United booked their ticket to Wembley for the FA Cup final after beating Watford 4-1 in the semis at Villa Park.
Wayne Rooney scored as early as 7th minute; the fans must have thought that it would be an easy win for United, but it was a rather dramatic first half for the devils.
Edwin Van der Sar had to receive treatment for a bang on his nose; and not long after his treatment United conceded a goal to Watford on 26th minute.