Barca: We do not want Ronaldo
Sunday, 18 Feb 2007 13:30
Ronaldo has bagged 15 goals in all competitions for United this season
Barcelona have denied reports they have made an offer for Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo.
The European champions and rivals Real Madrid have both been linked with a big-money move for the Portugal star.
Ronaldo, 21, signed a two-year deal in November 2005 that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2010 but has yet to agree terms on a new contract.
But Barcelona president Joan Laporta said he has too much respect for United to talk about moves for any of their players.
"I have good institutional relations with David Gill [United chief executive] and we have not made an offer for Cristiano," he said.
"Of course, he is one of the best players in the world, he is young, he has a good projection. But we are very happy with the players in our team and we are not making any offer for any player.
"I don't want to disturb any team talking about their players. This is not the moment. I think we have to respect the clubs we play against," he said.
"If I said something about Cristiano Ronaldo, it seems as though I don't respect Manchester United.
"I do respect Manchester United. Mr Alex Ferguson is a great manager and David Gill is a friend," the president added.
Laporta, who will finish his presidency at the Nou Camp in 2010, added that the team are focused on retaining their La Liga and Champions League crowns.
"We are very concentrated right now on our aims and challenge for this season, to win the Spanish League," he insisted.
Barcelona clash with Liverpool in the first leg of the Champions League knockout stages on Wednesday at the Nou Camp.