Gill: Ronaldo not for sale

28/01/2007 15:49, Report by Gemma Thompson



David Gill has echoed Sir Alex Ferguson's sentiments over Cristiano Ronaldo's future, insisting the Portuguese winger is not for sale at any price.

Sir Alex said on Friday there was "no way" the 21-year-old would be leaving Old Trafford following reports linking him with a switch to Real Madrid.

And United's chief executive has reiterated the club's desire to keep hold of one of their most prized assets.

"He is clearly someone we want to stay and we will make sure that he does," explained Gill on BBC Five Live's Sportsweek. "There has been no offer. Ronaldo signed a new contract in 2005 to stay with us until 2010.

"The big clubs may talk in the papers but they fully understand our position. They know we are not a selling club of our prize assets so there is no way that will be sanctioned.

"As I think Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said on many occasions, football clubs aren't banks - we are there to provide top-class entertainment and put out a top side.

"There is no point having £35m, £40m or £45m if we can't replace that talent. At 21, Ronaldo has had a great season and we believe the best is yet to come."

Gill also insisted that both he and Sir Alex have the full support of the Glazer family regarding Ronaldo's future.

"If I put it [an offer] to them it would be a very short call," declared Gill. "If the manager says 'no sale' then they go along with it without a doubt.

"They are fully in support and they fully understand sport. They want to invest in talent, they don't want to sell our top talent."

Meanwhile, Gill has played down reports that United will secure the services of on loan striker Henrik Larsson on a long term basis - but has not ruled out extending the 35-year-old's temporary stay at Old Trafford.

"Henrik played for Barcelona and went back to Helsingborgs for family and other reasons, so I would have thought that [a long term deal] is extremely unlikely," explained Gill.

"He is due to go back in the middle of March and we haven't really discussed that yet as we are focusing on the next few weeks and we will see what happens.

"I think it is a bit early. You can never say never and we will go through that nearer the time with Henrik and the club," he added.

"I know for a fact Alex, Carlos Queiroz and all the players are very impressed with him in terms of what he can do, his attitude and how he has fitted in and we want great players at the club."