PFA Tell Blatter To Get A Grip

The chairman of the Professional Footballers' Association Chris Powell has added his voice to the growing chorus of criticism over FIFA president Sepp Blatter's charge that Manchester United are treating Cristiano Ronaldo like a slave.

Jul 11, 2008 10:21:28 AM

Joseph Blatter (AFP)

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Blatter caused a stir by declaring that United’s refusal to sell Ronaldo to Real Madrid, and their further threat to punish the player’s disloyalty, amounted to “modern slavery”.

The PFA chief was indignant over the highly controversial FIFA president's latest verbal lightning rod, and even called on him to retract his remarks.

"His words have not gone down well with me," Powell told a Sky Sports reporter.

"There are plenty of players, their families and supporters, people who love the game, who go and watch, spending their hard-earned money week in and week out who will not be happy with Sepp Blatter saying Cristiano Ronaldo is being treated like a slave. He is far from it."

He added: "I really hope Sepp will retract what he has said and that we can get on with resolving this saga because I am sure Manchester United want it to be.

"Ronaldo is not fit now with his injury and having his operation, but I really hope for our sake, and football's sake, that Ronaldo wears the red again of Manchester United again next season."

Derek Wanner, Goal.com