BBC SPORT | Football | Europe | Ronaldo's Real move collapses

Brazilian striker Ronaldo has come under fire as his proposed move to Real Madrid collapsed.

Real declared any interest they may have had in the World Cup winner was dead, describing the whole episode as a "media circus" prompted by Ronaldo's agent.

It was the player's agent who contacted us and what followed turned into a media circus

Real Madrid's Jorge Valdano

Real's director of football, Jorge Valdano, confirmed: "Plans to bring Ronaldo to Real Madrid are off, and the debate is now over.

"It was the player's agent, Alexandre Martins, who contacted us first and what followed turned into a media circus."

Ronaldo 'staying at Inter'

And he also ruled out a move for the Brazilian in the future.

"Even if Inter should be ready to sell Ronaldo in the future, I cannot see us making a bid for him," said Valdano.

A source close to the Spanish giants even suggested Martins had used the club to put pressure on Inter Milan into increasing Ronaldo's current salary.

Ronaldo played a starring role in Brazil's fifth World Cup triumph after two years of injury problems which limited his availability for Inter.

Former German international and Inter striker Karl-Heinz Rummenigge also criticised Ronaldo's attitude.

Rummenigge, now Bayern Munich chairman, laid into Ronaldo and his agent for trying to promote a move after Inter stuck by the player during his two years of injury woe.

He said: "It's an absolute farce in my view.

Inter fans put up a sign saying 'Ronaldo ungrateful' at Milan airport
'Ronaldo ungrateful': Inter fans vent their feelings

"When a player is injured for two years and pockets 100% of his salary, then plays the World Cup which provides no benefit for his club and then wants away with a new contract, you have to ask yourself about that player's character and that of his advisor."

Ronaldo arrived back in Milan to an angry reception from fans following his comments that he wanted a move from Inter.

In a statement on his official website, he said: "I arrived in Milan and I directly went to speak to Inter.

"I confirmed my point of view which is the same as the one that my agent Alexandre Martins explained to president Massimo Moratti three months ago.

Even at 70% he is the best player in the world

Inter coach Hector Cuper

"I am sad for the fans' reaction even though I understand their disappointment.

"But I prefer to live this situation than publicly tell the reasons that caused me to think about leaving Inter."

Ronaldo's agent insisted the player would see out his contract if no firm offer arrived.

"Ronaldo chose the Italian team," said Martins. "He's an Inter player and will remain at Inter 365 days a year for four years.

"He has a contract which he wants to respect and therefore will continue to work with Inter.

Spurs optimistic on Morientes

"He still has to talk with the board, but there are no negotiations with nor an offer from Real."

Inter coach Hector Cuper insisted: "I've never said I don't want to keep Ronaldo.

"We have all worked hard in the last year to get him back to playing football and we have built Inter around him.

"Even at 70% he is the best player in the world."


	Links to more Europe stories