Ronaldo, The Missing Piece Of Real Madrid's Jigsaw
Who could stop Real Madrid now that they have Ronaldo in their team? Football fans across Spain and even Europe wonder how the Merengues can be stopped.
Who could stop Real Madrid now that they have Ronaldo in their team? Football fans across Spain and even Europe wonder how the Merengues can be stopped.
Well, actually, they can. Real Madrid may have splashed big money on a single superstar like they did in the past two seasons, but it might eventually harm their chances to compete on all fronts.
Ronaldo's arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu comes with its Damocles spade of injuries and long term absences. Inter know it and have probably made the right decision to let him go. Too often sidelined for physical problems, Ronaldo's transfer looks like a time bomb that could come off at any time on Del Bosque's moustaches.
Not only the Brazilian could be hit by fresh injuries, but the single investment of €45m on one player instead of, say, the signing of three new defenders or two defenders and a "cheap" centreforward (Jardel) will deprive Real of what they needed most last term: squad depth.
On the other hand, it will give Real the visibility they have been looking for and can now go for full-scale marketing and branding operations in the whole, wide world.
Yet one problem remains: how could a Nike player sign for a big Adidas club and client? Expect some surprises here too as the three-striped sportswear firm will not leave this down either.
On the sporting affairs front, Real should also realize they do not have enough players to compete in a time-consuming, energy-eating competition like the Copa del Rey. Last year was a one-off with the final played on Real's 100th birthday. This year is a "normal" year and the Copa should not be looked at as a primary target.
Another question remains: how will Real Madrid's Spanish nucleus react to the arrival of Ronaldo? Should we insist that one of the player earmarked for departure is Morientes, who benefits of unconditional support from influential Raul?
And what could a man like Raul think of this expensive transaction? This high profile transfer has shoved him deeper in the shadows with everyone talking of the "Real Madrid of Zidane, Figo and Ronaldo". How about Raul in all this?
"I know the expectancy is great and I hope to respond with many goals and great play," he said at the press conference.
"I thank the president of Real Madrid and I would like to say my desire to come here was great." "We want you to feel that this is your home," president Florantino Perez told the Brazilian.
"Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world and I am sure you will be the author of more great chapters to ensure that the team voted the best of the 20th century will continue to be the same in the 21st century. Ronaldo announced that he'd be ready to play in 20 days.