Real Madrid president 'honoured' by Ronaldo admission

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has claimed it is an "honour" that Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly wants to join the Spanish giants from Manchester United.

Ronaldo, who has long been a transfer target of the La Liga champions, was quoted as telling Brazilian website Terra yesterday that he would like to move to Madrid if they were willing to pay what United demand.

Calderon appeared recently to concede defeat in his chase of the Portugal star, admitting it "seems impossible" that they could land the 23-year-old, but Ronaldo's latest comments will have given fresh encouragement.

Ronaldo said: "I would like to play for Real Madrid - but only if it is true they are ready to pay what Manchester United ask of them. However, it does not depend on me."

A delighted Calderon responded in Spanish newspaper AS: "For Madrid it is an honour to know that a player like him thinks that playing at Real Madrid would be good.

"We are proud to know that he would like to be with us."

Ronaldo's apparent 'come-and-get-me' plea to Madrid could also spark a major row between United and Madrid, with the English club stating last month they may report the Primera Liga side to FIFA for making their pursuit of Ronaldo public.

Ronaldo, however, has vowed not to discuss the issue further while in Austria and Switzerland.

"From today, I'm not going to talk about this topic with anyone at all," he said on Thursday.

"I'll only talk about this again after the European Championships. Don't ask me any questions, because I won't answer."

One player who is keen to be reunited with Ronaldo is Madrid's former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who told Spanish daily paper Marca: "He'd be an important signing for Madrid, because this is a club which signs the best players in the world - and that's what Cristiano is.

"Cristiano could bring a lot of things to this club. He's young; he has everything and a long sporting career ahead of him.

"For Madrid, he would be a great signing."