Van Der Vaart May Be The Only Signing - Calderón

Ramón Calderón has dropped a huge hint that he has accepted defeat in Real Madrid's pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo by stating that he thinks Rafael Van der Vaart could the only signing of the summer.

Aug 5, 2008 8:48:18 AM

Van der Vaart - Real Madrid (Firo)

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Los Merengues' president was introducing the Dutchman to the crowd of fans inside the Bernabéu when he revealed his feelings that this would be the only major presentation this month.

Manchester United have said that they do not expect the Portuguese star to leave them and now Calderón has publicly stated that he also thinks that is now true.

"Van der Vaart is the first signing and probably the only one," the Spanish champions' chief said.

Madrid have made no secret of their desire to sign Ronaldo and Marca have continued their coverage on a daily basis, with the paper even stating that the player will not return to Manchester today (Tuesday).

That news could have sparked controversy until United revealed that he was not going to go back anyway and would instead travel to see the surgeon who operated on his ankle.

Ronaldogate has once again overshadowed an event at Madrid and this time it was the introduction of Van der Vaart as the club's latest acquisition.

"I am delighted to be able to play for the best team in the world," the Dutch international, who has Spanish ancestry and family in Chiclana, said.

"It is a dream for my family and now I want to win as many trophies as possible here."

Lucas Brown, Goal.com