So is Ronaldo going? Or to be more precise, do I care? On one hand, he’s been United’s
ayam tambatan the past couple of seasons, breaking so many goalscoring records (made all the more impressive considering he starts most matches on the wing), and sweeping all awards before him. I remember during the couple of times I was lucky enough to see him play at Old Trafford, each time he had possession of the ball, you can hear the noise made by 74,000 seats as everyone stood up in anticipation of something great. And if he has a good Euro 2008 (based on Portugal’s matches so far, it indeed looks likely), I honestly can’t see anyone else getting this year’s European and World Player of the Year Awards.
BUT on the other hand though, there are his OTT spoilt-little-girl theatrics. To be fair, he has to a certain extent cut down on his diving, and has survived the post-World Cup 2006 jeering all the better. But you just can’t help feeling that this is a boy who really really loves himself, and each time he misses a shot or is fouled, he makes all these facial expressions that would make Jim Carrey envious, knowing too well that the cameras are all trained on him. Hey, even when United were presented with the Premiership Trophy for their 2006/07 triumph, apparently the squad were held back in the dressing room for some time as they had to wait for Ronaldo to gel his hair! What I personally don’t like about him though is his high propensity to MOAN and SULK every time he is fouled, or at least every time he THINKS he is fouled. Just get up and get on with it, boy! Rooney might blast a four-letter tirade to the referee, but he would only do so once play is stopped. Even Giggsy in his younger days would just get up and get on with it, and I’ve never recalled seeing him once pound his fists into the ground, like some 5-year-old who is forced to eat his veggies, something that you would expect at least 3 times from Ronaldo in EVERY SINGLE GAME. It’s mainly because of this that, despite his many wonderful and important goals and assists, I’ve never considered him a favourite of mine. Honestly, if he played for Chelsea or the Scousers, he would probably be the player I hate the most.
Saying all this, I would prefer him staying at Old Trafford for the foreseeable future. But if it’s true that his heart is set on leaving for Madrid, then all the best to him, as long as United get paid considerably for his signature. After all, he’s already achieved everything in England, and for someone hailing from Portugal the sunnier skies in Madrid would be more than a welcome change to the perpetual rain in Northwest England. Plus, I don’t blame someone for changing careers for a better pay, regardless of whether or not the “job” at his new employers would be any better.
So how would it affect United? Well I’d be lying if I said that Ronaldo’s goals and skills would not be missed. On more than one occasion he single-handedly gave us crucial victories. He did miss his penalty in Moscow, but remember that he gave us the lead in the 1st half with that thunderous header. But then, the 60 to 75 million pounds that Madrid are rumoured to offer for him would surely go a long way. Fergie’s targets like Berbatov and Benzema whom were seemingly priced out of the market are now much more viable, with lots of change to spare for a decent winger. Ribery, Simao, Ben Arfa? Kaka and Messi might seem improbable, but any substantial bid would surely be tempting for their current clubs. There’s the cheaper option of David Bentley, who’s itching for a move away from Ewood Park. Don’t forget that United still have other attacking midfielders on their books - Nani and Park Ji-Sung (who was preferred to Giggsy in Fergie’s first XI in the final weeks of the last season). No t to mention good 'ol Hargreaves, whose both goals last season were exquisitely taken freekicks, proving that not only Ronaldo can score them.
At the end of the day, in this day and age of player power, it is ultimately up to Ronaldo himself to decide. If (and when) he formally says that he wants to leave, then in everyone’s interests he should. As long as United get properly compensated with a world-record fee, and any deal is done early enough to give United ample time to use the money wisely, then I’m happy.
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