Ronaldo supports Blatter's 'slave' comments

FIFA president Sepp Blatter’s condemnation of what he sees as “modern slavery” in the game has been met with criticism but the man whose situation prompted his comments believes they are correct.

When asked about the torturous transfer saga involving Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United and Real Madrid, Blatter insisted players should be allowed to play where they wanted and pinpointed a trend towards “slavery” in clubs’ transfer dealings.

Professional Footballers’ Association chairman Chris Powell refuted those suggestions and called for him to retract the comments, while UEFA reacted by highlighting the spiralling wage demands of players.

However, Ronaldo - who has failed to commit himself to United and given mixed messages about Real’s obvious interest - has now supported Blatter’s stand, but refused to shed any more light on the proposed transfer.

“I agree with the comments of the president of FIFA. What he said is right,” he told Portuguese channel TVI.

“At the moment there is no agreement with Real Madrid. We have to wait for the next few days to see, but I do not know where I will begin next season.

“This is all I have to say at the moment.”

Regarding his injury, the winger confirmed he would be out for as long as three months but remained upbeat about his rehabilitation.

“I’m very well. I’m optimistic. My recovery is going well. Everything is fine.”

The League Managers’ Association, meanwhile, fear there could be long-term repercussions from Blatter’s comments.

Chief executive Richard Bevan said: “His remarks are extremely ill-considered. There are no benefits to clubs or players in what he said.

“It just confirms he is out of touch with the issues of professional football.

“The transfer system is underwritten and regulated by FIFA. It is the cornerstone of developing talent right up the football pyramid.

“We also have the important issue of sanctity of contract. Ignoring the nonsensical comparison of a player on £120,000 a week to a modern slave, it is a very poor choice of words.”

The PFA, not to mention UEFA, have also been perplexed by Blatter’s comments.

PFA deputy chief executive Mick McGuire told Sky Sports News: “It is so inappropriate that he loses any credibility in his argument.

“There are some words that should never be used in such a context. The word ’slavery’ gets people wound up and destroys any argument that he has.

“I think he does it for effect. By focusing on the Ronaldo’s future it creates the greatest interest.

“But I believe he does have a responsibility, considering his position, to look at things in a more measured and controlled way.”

UEFA have played down Blatter’s suggestions and communications director William Gaillard said: “It would be useful to remind people that slaves in all of the slavery systems never earned a wage.

“It is obvious that today players have a lot more power than they did 20 years ago, undoubtedly, and agents have a lot more power than they did 20 years ago.

“It is true that salaries are spiralling out of control. Many clubs have pointed that out.”