The change of the football shirt from Manchester United to Real Madrid in the summer of 2009 was more than just a colour change for Cristiano Ronaldo. Here are some lesser-known facts about this historic transfer:Here are some lesser-known facts about this historic transfer:
1. Secret Meeting in Los Angeles
In fact, the roots of the transfer were not planted in Manchester or Madrid, but in Los Angeles. Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon had secretly had a meeting with Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes in Beverly Hills hotel in 2008, a year before the official transfer. This secret encounter set the stage for the record transfer at that time which was to cost millions.
2. Sir Alex Ferguson’s Special Approach to Bargaining
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson knew that Ronaldo’s move was imminent and in this process he used an unconventional method. He was quoted to have said to Real Madrid that he would rather shoot Ronaldo than sell him to the Spanish giants. While this stance contributed to making him a hard-nosed bargain hunter, it was taken to extremes where it led to the signing of a record £80 million transfer fee.
3. The Football Shirt Number Problem
Get your 2009/10 REAL MADRID HOME KIT here now
When joining Real Madrid, Ronaldo encountered the first problem – the number 7 shirt was occupied by the club’s symbol Raúl. Actually, in the beginning, to show his respect to Raúl, Ronaldo wanted to wear the number 9 shirt but changed it to 7 the next season.
4. This is the Hidden Clause in Ronaldo’s United Contract
Get your 2009/10 REAL MADRID HOME KIT here now
One thing that is hardly ever said is the fact that Ronaldo signed his Manchester United contract with a “Spanish Clause”. This meant that if Barcelona or Real Madrid offered a bid of over £80 million then United had to accept it. This clause was very important in the achievement of this transfer.
The Legacy of a Transfer
Ronaldo's move to Real Madrid didn't just change the football shirts he wore; it reshaped the landscape of European football. The transfer set new standards for player valuations and marked the beginning of an era of galáctico signings at Real Madrid.
While fans remember the goals, trophies, and iconic moments Ronaldo created in the white shirt of Real Madrid, these behind-the-scenes details add depth to one of football's most significant transfers. From secret meetings to contractual clauses, Ronaldo's move was as complex off the pitch as his play was on it.
