Ron Around the Clock

Much has been said already about the great Cristiano Ronaldo saga that has plagued the sports pages most of this summer; with Ronaldo and Real Madrid seemingly trying to engineer an early Old Trafford exit, much to the chagrin of Ronaldo’s mentor and United coach Sir Alex Ferguson. Rather unsurprisingly the reigning European Champions League champions were not impressed by Ronaldos much talked about silent pleas to be sold - only a year after signing a very lucrative 5 year contract with the club.

Real Madrid’s buffoonery then hit new heights as virtually every player at the club went public trying to lure the Portuguese star to the Spanish capital club. Most embarrassing however was the antics of Real Madrid’s President Ramon Calderon. The unsettling campaign orchestrated by Calderon showed his Real face, the one of a spoiled bully used to getting what he wants.

The stance of the Manchester United ownership and staff seems yet more important in this view, standing up to the Galactico bullies, sending a clear message that the Red Devils can not be intimidated into a sale. Many clubs would be better off for reading a couple of pages from the United book of conduct. It is a class A club, illuminated by a proud club history of loyalty and trustworthiness. Words Real Madrid would need an encyclopedia and magnifier glass to recognize.

Ron is better off in Manchester, whether he can appreciate that or not. If he’ll sign a new contract or even deserves one, is a different matter completely…

The second chapter of the saga was opened by FIFA President Sepp Blatter himself. Infamous for his undiplomatic and, to be blunt, dim-witted remarks, he didn’t disappoint this time out either. Commenting on the Ronaldo saga he claimed it to be an example of “modern slavery” and players should be able to move from one club to another if he wants to, seemingly regardless of contractual agreements between club and player. This of course goes against his own policy, not to mention him butting in, where he has no place butting in, in the first place. And if a “modern slave” makes 120’000 pounds a week, sign me up!

Whilst putting a positive spin on things might be encouraged at times, Blatters old History teacher must have taken this to the absurd when explaing to the young Sepp the meaning of slavery…

Another side effect of Real Madrid’s open courtship of Ronaldo was to unsettle one of its own players; spreading rumours that Robinho could be used as makeweight in any deal with Manchester United. To Real’s great surprise Robinho didn’t much appreciate the gesture and is now actively trying to get as far away from the club as possible. Who can blame the kid after that vote of no confidence from the Real hierarchy. Chelsea are reputedly waiting with open arms of welcome.

Another Ron, Ronaldinho, finally made his move away from Barcelona, spurning overtures from Manchester City to settle with fellow Brazilians at the AC Milan colony. Whilst some might claim Ronaldinho to be overweight and yesterdays news, he still has a talent with the football that will make any other footballer, including Cristiano Ronaldo, look rather pale. It seems like an astute piece of business by the Italians and soon we will all be able to enjoy the Ronaldinho show unfold in the upcoming Beijing Olympics.

So, as Ronaldo is nursing his injury and gets ready to face his teammates and the Red Devil supporters who he tried to snub, Robinho looks London bound and Ronaldinho gets to play his mesmerizing tricks in China. The summer holidays and flux of rumors is finally coming to an end and the season about to get serious. One can only look forward to the next chapter of the ongoing drama in the wheeling and dealing world of modern football.

Who needs soap operas, when you got Ramon Calderon, Sepp Blatter and the other clowns blowing their horns in the press and putting a smile on our collective faces…