Rummenigge Unhappy About Ronaldo Pursuit
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has taken a swipe at Real Madrid's relentless pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo only days before he presides over a meeting of Europe's biggest clubs.
The Bayern Munich chairman is unimpressed by the Spanish club's handling of their desire to sign the Portuguese star and thinks their actions could be bad for the game.
On Monday, the European Club Association (ECA), the body that has replaced the G14, will meet in Nyon, Switzerland and the Ronaldo saga will be the hot topic in the background.
But Rummenigge is not worried about Manchester United being bullied in to allowing the player to leave because they do not need the money that is being talked about.
"I am not worried about the case because the rules are clear and Manchester United has a very strong contract with the player for the next four years," Rummenigge told the international press.
"Besides, I know enough about Alex Ferguson to know that if he says no, then that means no.
"Anyway, this is not a question of money for Manchester United. The player and Real Madrid can say what they want, United have the last word and if they say it is not happening then that is that.
"Teams will always have players in their squad that see incredible offers come in for them and contracts put forward that could see them earn a lot more money than they do with your club.
"That is the world that we currently live in, but luckily people can still say no. No is a very good word. In fact it is one of my favourites."
Rummenigge believes that drumming up a deal through the media and rumours and reality becoming merged about how much money will be on offer is not helpful.
"I cannot believe that a club like Real Madrid can force a player like Cristiano Ronaldo to cause such tension, because the price that the will have to pay if too high for everyone," he continued.
"I think that this is dangerous for world football. Each club has to find its own way of dealing with things in these cases.
"This is a situation that only concerns Manchester United, but I would like to see Ronaldo stay at the club for the benefit of everyone."
On Monday, the European Club Association (ECA), the body that has replaced the G14, will meet in Nyon, Switzerland and the Ronaldo saga will be the hot topic in the background.
But Rummenigge is not worried about Manchester United being bullied in to allowing the player to leave because they do not need the money that is being talked about.
"I am not worried about the case because the rules are clear and Manchester United has a very strong contract with the player for the next four years," Rummenigge told the international press.
"Besides, I know enough about Alex Ferguson to know that if he says no, then that means no.
"Anyway, this is not a question of money for Manchester United. The player and Real Madrid can say what they want, United have the last word and if they say it is not happening then that is that.
"Teams will always have players in their squad that see incredible offers come in for them and contracts put forward that could see them earn a lot more money than they do with your club.
"That is the world that we currently live in, but luckily people can still say no. No is a very good word. In fact it is one of my favourites."
Rummenigge believes that drumming up a deal through the media and rumours and reality becoming merged about how much money will be on offer is not helpful.
"I cannot believe that a club like Real Madrid can force a player like Cristiano Ronaldo to cause such tension, because the price that the will have to pay if too high for everyone," he continued.
"I think that this is dangerous for world football. Each club has to find its own way of dealing with things in these cases.
"This is a situation that only concerns Manchester United, but I would like to see Ronaldo stay at the club for the benefit of everyone."