Published: 12 May, 2009, 19:45
Edited: 12 May, 2009, 19:45
Disputes in the UK over Cristiano Ronaldo’s petulant reaction to his substitution against Man City on Sunday have paled in comparison to reports that the 2008 FIFA World Footballer of the Year is leaving Man United.
Spanish El Pais reports that both Manchester United and the player have signed agreements authorizing Ronaldo’s move to Real Madrid, which would take place at the end of the season.
The deal is reported to be worth €80 million and, if signed, it would become the new world record for a transfer.
Along with Brazilian midfielder Kaka, France winger Franck Ribery and Spain striker David Villa, Ronaldo is one of the main targets for Florentino Perez, who is likely to be reelected as Real's president this summer.
Earlier, Perez broke the world transfer record twice, signing Luis Figo and Zinedine Zidane, and also brought David Beckham to Santiago Bernabeu.
However, Ronaldo is contracted to play for United until 2012 and has said many times that he was happy at Old Trafford.
The question over whether probably the best player in the world will start next season is still open.