Real Madrid retain Cristiano Ronaldo hope

Ramon Calderon, the Real Madrid president, has not given up hope of signing Cristiano Ronaldo this summer, and says he is biding his time while Manchester United and the player resolve their "argument".

Ronaldo has made no secret of his desire to join Real Madrid and even likened his situation at Old Trafford to that of a slave in a recent television interview after suggesting that United were holding him against his wishes.

Sir Alex Ferguson has continually criticised Real's pursuit of the player and United have even reported the matter to Fifa however, Calderon insists his club are little more than spectators.

"Look, this is a problem that wasn't created by Real Madrid," he said. "Madrid are just spectators in this soap opera. At the moment Manchester United and the player are in an argument and Madrid are waiting...and we can't do any more for the time being.

"Obviously, it's clear that we want Cristiano with the quality that he has. But there is a contractual problem that United and the player have to resolve, not us.

"Will he persuade the club to let him go? I can't say that. That question's for the player, who has publicly said his dream is to play for Madrid.

"We hear those words with pride and satisfaction, but his departure doesn't only depend on Cristiano. United are the ones that have to sort it out and it will either happen or not."

"I would like to remind everyone that Madrid didn't generate this expectation but the player himself. The club has been respectful. We didn't blow this all up. The club at which I'm president sleeps with a clear conscience."

Ronaldo, who is recovering from ankle surgery, is yet to return to Manchester, but Calderon believes when he finally does it could force a resolution.

"It could happen then, but it's true that we have to wait developments," he said. "Everyone's thinking so much about this matter that people can get confused and I understand that they're fed up.

"They (United and Ronaldo) will talk next week and if after this conversation United decide to sell him, then of course Madrid will be there."

Some reports have suggested Real would be forced to sell Robinho to accomodate the Portugal international, however, Calderon insists both players can play in the same team.

"The coaches believe they (Ronaldo and Robinho) are compatible and Madrid don't need to raise funds to buy," he said. "To sign Cristiano we don't need to sell anyone and even less so Robinho. It's not like that at all.

"I don't have any reason to think that Robinho is unhappy. Schuster adores him, his team-mates want him and last year he was very happy at the Bernabeu.

"If he wasn't happy and wanted to leave we wouldn't fight to change his mind. But I don't think that's the case. It's absurd to plan someone's transfer if they're happy and I firmly believe that."