Gaspart: Ronaldo contacted Barcelona first

Barcelona president Joan Gaspart has confirmed he spoke with Ronaldo over the summer before his move to Real Madrid.

However, Gaspart insists it was the Brazilian who first approached him - not the other way round as claimed by Ronaldo yesterday.

Gaspart, who avoided having a dig at the striker, said: "Yes, we spoke, but he called me. He called my telephone and we spoke."

"I now know that he is happy in Madrid. But I must say that he did not come to Barcelona due to many circumstances, and it is important to respect those decisions."

"It wasn't that I didn't want him to sign. It was just that the timing wasn't right for Barcelona. It was because of a series of circumstances and none of them had anything to do with his past injuries."

"He is a great player and a great person. We have a good friendship."