Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has sensationally claimed that it was he who brought Cristiano Ronaldo to the Bernabeu, according to Spanish publication Sport.
The 58-year-old resigned as club president in January amid allegations of vote-rigging, and he was replaced by interim president Vicente Boluda before Florentino Perez returned for a second stint in the job.
Calderon had made previous attempts to lure Ronaldo away from Manchester United prior to last season, however despite failing then, he had claimed that the capture of the world's most expensive footballer was his handiwork.
"Cristiano Ronaldo, as everyone now knows, was hired during my tenure [as president]," claimed Calderon.
Ronaldo signed from Manchester United in a world record €94 million deal and Calderon now says that this and other signings were made thanks to him.
He added, "I gave €115 million to the club and €100 million of benefits that have allowed the president [Florentino Perez] to make the purchases made."
Paul Madden, Goal.com
The 58-year-old resigned as club president in January amid allegations of vote-rigging, and he was replaced by interim president Vicente Boluda before Florentino Perez returned for a second stint in the job.
Calderon had made previous attempts to lure Ronaldo away from Manchester United prior to last season, however despite failing then, he had claimed that the capture of the world's most expensive footballer was his handiwork.
"Cristiano Ronaldo, as everyone now knows, was hired during my tenure [as president]," claimed Calderon.
Ronaldo signed from Manchester United in a world record €94 million deal and Calderon now says that this and other signings were made thanks to him.
He added, "I gave €115 million to the club and €100 million of benefits that have allowed the president [Florentino Perez] to make the purchases made."
Paul Madden, Goal.com