Ronaldo 'model player' says new Real president

New Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo's winning mentality and believes he would be a "model" player at the Bernabeu.

Madrid have long been linked with a move for the Manchester United forward and, despite last month's denial, there continues to be speculation they already have a deal in place for the 24-year-old.

Perez feels he would fit in perfectly at the Spanish giants and laughed off suggestions Ronaldo's fierce temper could hinder him in any way.

"I have not seen anything about him that would prohibit him from playing at Real Madrid," he told television programme '59 segundos'.

"I have seen him get angry because he wants to win and (because of) his competitive spirit.

"The information I have on him says that he is an example on the pitch, a model."

Perez was famed for the Galacticos era during his first spell in charge at Madrid when he paid record sums to bring in big-name players such as Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo and David Beckham.

He now claims he would not shirk at having to splash out more than €80m for Ronaldo.

"I don't know anything about the story of Cristiano Ronaldo. I only just took charge," he added. "But what I am sure of is that which seems expensive is the cheapest.

"In my last era the cheapest was Zidane, who seemed very expensive because we paid €73m for him.

"Without knowing who we can get, there will be a massive effort for the great players of the world, because that is the Real Madrid model."

Madrid are also being linked with Kaka, a move that appears to be further away following the AC Milan star's insistence he wants to remain at the San Siro.

While Perez admits they will bring in big-name players, he insists Madrid will not be held to ransom for anyone.

"We started working today and we will lay the foundations to create a magnificent team," he said. "Kaka could be one of our objectives but the prices the media are talking about are really out of the reality.

"Some things can last for days, others for months. We have time until August 31.

"It's not true that we have signed Kaka and I don't want there to be false hope. It's true that I have a great relationship with (AC Milan general manager Adriano) Galliani but there are other teams who have their own projects and everything has a price.

"Yes, I can say that I will work but not everyone can come."

Perez also revealed around 10 players could be on their way out of Madrid to make way for new signings.

"What is certain is that you can register 25 players (for the Champions League)," he continued. "If we have 29 and we want to bring in six new players, we are talking of a total of 35.

"We have to sort it so 10 leave. It's something very delicate and complicated, being respectful to contracts and people."

Perez's first move was the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini as coach and the 55-year-old former Villarreal boss was unveiled today.

There are set to be many more comings and goings but Jorge Valdano, who returns as director general and presidential aide, insists Pellegrini will have the final say on who arrives at the Bernabeu.

"Pellegrini has a great capacity to manage situations of change," he told Cadena Ser. "During today we will have several hours to talk about all sporting matters.

"Only players who our coach likes will come in. We are working on the new team. Some players will arrive, others will have to leave.

"Pellegrini is a polite and balanced person with firm opinions."

It is set to be a busy summer in the Spanish capital as Perez and his team attempt to build a side capable of challenging Pep Guardiola's Barcelona.

Valdano insists Real Madrid will not look to copy the treble winners as they try to emulate their bitter rivals' success.

"I liked how Madrid responded to Barca's successes," he told Spanish sports daily Marca. "We applauded their good play and their success. Now it's about taking their titles and taking the ball off them.

"I don't agree with those who say that Madrid have to look for their Guardiola or their (Andres) Iniesta.

"Madrid have never looked to Barcelona for answers. Rather history shows that it is the other way around.

"We can't show weakness."

One player who is likely to remain at the Bernabeu is midfielder Rafael van der Vaart.

New Ajax manager Martin Jol yesterday set his sights on luring Van der Vaart, who has struggled to become a first-team regular at the Bernabeu, back to Amsterdam.

But his father has ruled out the possibility of a return just yet

"Pellegrini has tried to sign Rafael before," Ramon van der Vaart told Ajax magazine. "We received in the last few days a lot of emails.

"Rafael is really flattered and he will return to Ajax at a certain time. But not now.

"In principle he plays at Real next season too. If not, Ajax still comes too soon."