Cristiano Ronaldo Update: Madridista reactions

Kaká:

I rejoice in the signing of Cristiano. I do not want to talk any more about this subject because I am here with the Selecao and we are only thinking about winning the Confederations Cup. But there’s no doubt that Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world and he will help Real Madrid fight for every title next season.

Iker Casillas:

Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player, without doubt. I believe that if Real Madrid do the deal then he will help return the club to No.1 in the world. Ronaldo will be welcomed by the dressing room. I prefer that Ronaldo and Kaka are part of our team, rather than playing for opponents. We need to win something next year because our supporters deserve it – and with these players we will have more of a chance. They are the new Galacticos and know what it is like to win the league and European Cup.

Pepe:

I’m very happy because it is another Portuguese player who will be in Spanish football and I hope it’s completed as soon as possible. The transfer will make history, but Real know Cristiano Ronaldo’s potential well and the qualities he has to help the club perform.

Ramon Calderon:

It’s going to be a big event for Real Madrid – Ronaldo is going to add a lot to my club. Last season, Manchester United decided not to do it because they thought it was too early. Everyone involved in the operation agreed to do it this season. That is what I can say. I don’t mind that I was unable to sign him during my presidency. I am a Real fan and I’m very happy. The most important thing is the club. Real are very well organized with a lot of income, and the new president [Perez] can now spend the money I made and saved. We needed to improve by one or two players, and that’s what Perez has done by signing Kaka and Ronaldo.

Juande Ramos:

Am I surprised (that Ronaldo is joining Real Madrid)? No, because I knew it would happen at some stage. We already knew that Real Madrid had a pre-contract agreement with Cristiano Ronaldo and that it was only a matter of time. I don’t know exactly when that agreement was made, but I do know it was in place.

Claude Makelele:

My former club needed this transfer (Ronaldo) to tell the world that they are still the most famous team on the planet. I think they have gone backwards in the last few years when you compare them to Barcelona and Manchester United. People, me included, will say it is a lot of money, but it is worth it for a player of that quality. If Mr Perez has invested that money, it is because he feels he can recoup it. And I think Ronaldo is worth it. They now need to focus on their defence and they can become a force again. Manchester United and Barcelona are still the teams to beat next season, because with the money they now have United will be stronger again next season.

Gabriel Heinze:

I have a year left on my contract at Madrid, but the media have said that I don’t figure in the plans of the new coach. I have not spoken with anyone about this. I would love to play with Ronaldo and Kaka. Cristiano Ronaldo will be a great buy for Real Madrid. He is a fantastic player and can succeed at any club in the world. I have not spoken with him yet but I am glad an agreement has been reached. I know that he is an ambitious player and his dream will be to become the best at Real Madrid. There is a lot of talk about the size of the transfer. But a player can only be judged on what he does every week on the field and not the amount he is getting paid. It must have been a hard decision for him to leave Manchester United, but I am sure he is ready for a new adventure.

Carlos Queiroz:

I want to congratulate Cristiano. This is a dream that had been there for a year, or at least since I’ve known him. Just like (former Portuguese internationals) Luis Figo and Rui Costa, Ronaldo is an example of a talented player, who through his past work coupled with the serious and rigorous preparation done at their clubs and with the federation, has allowed him to culminate his dream.

Zinedine Zidane:

It’s a relief for me because the cost of Cristiano has seen me lose that record, which was quite heavy to carry. You could say that thanks to Cristiano I could breathe again.