Robinho deal could mean end for Owen
In China, where he is on tour with the rest of his Madrid team-mates, Ronaldo reacted happily to the news that Robinho’s on-off transfer saga had finally come to a positive end for Real Madrid.
“What can I say, he is my friend, I speak to him almost every day and I am certain that we are all going to enjoy watching him play,” Ronaldo said.
“He is really good and in two or three years, he will be the best player in the world.”
However Robinho’s arrival will almost certainly cause Owen some soul-searching about his future.
The England striker arrived at the Bernabeu last summer from Liverpool, but was never granted the ‘galactico’ status the young Brazilian is likely to receive.
As a result, he spent the first half of the season sitting on the substitutes’ bench while Raul and Ronaldo led the Madrid attack with what could only be described as mixed results.
It was only when Wanderley Luxemburgo took over the side in the New Year that Owen was finally given the chance that his consistent goalscoring record deserved.
He ended the season as Madrid’s second highest scorer with 13 League goals from 1,867 minutes of football, to which he added two further goals in the Copa del Rey and another in the Champions League.
However, Owen will know that at Real Madrid, club politics rather than form, often determines who plays.
If he has any doubts, all he has to do is take a look at the situation facing his team-mate Guti.
Two seasons ago, Guti performed superbly in central midfield alongside David Beckham and his reward was to lose his place at the start of last season to allow Ivan Helguera to partner David Beckham, so Raul could line out.
Guti won back his place in the side and was by far Madrid’s best performer until Christmas when the club signed Thomas Gravesen.
As a new signing, Gravesen went straight into the side, where he added extra backbone, but it was Guti rather than any of the out-of-form ‘galacticos’ who made way.
The Spanish international has now said he wants a transfer.
Owen is at another disadvantage in that Robinho worked with Luxemburgo at Santos and is to some extent the coach’s protege, as well as a friend of fellow national team members Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos.
Meanwhile David Beckham has again denied he has any wish to leave Real Madrid.
“It is not true that I am unhappy at this club, in fact just the opposite is true,” said the midfielder.
“I get on well with all of my companions and I would like to be here for many more years.”
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