Ronaldo says he will join Real Madrid if they pay ManU his asking price

The indication that Cristiano Ronaldo has set his mind on leaving Manchester United for Real Madrid emerged on the eve of the European Championship when the Portuguese striker effectively told the Spanish side to pay the asking price to release him.

London, June 6 : The indication that Cristiano Ronaldo has set his mind on leaving Manchester United for Real Madrid emerged on the eve of the European Championship when the Portuguese striker effectively told the Spanish side to pay the asking price to release him.

onaldo's apparent first open discussion of his future, with a Madrid-based Brazilian journalist, has delivered the first direct suggestion from the player himself that he wants to leave.

"I would like to play for Real Madrid but only if it's true they are ready to pay what Manchester United ask of them," Ronaldo said.

"However, it does not depend on me. From today I'm not going to talk about this topic with anyone at all. I'll only talk about this again after the European Championships. Don't ask me about it again because I won't answer," he added.

The Sun reported that Ronaldo will be offered incredible wages of 75million pounds after tax over five years and the Spaniards are also prepared to pay a 5million pounds transfer fee.

The loss of Ronaldo would be a huge blow to United and defender Rio Ferdinand immediately pleaded with him to stay at Old Trafford.

"This team can get better but we need it to stay together." Rio said.

ANI