Ronaldo better off at Barcelona: Scolari

Mon Feb 5, 8:41 AM ET



LONDON (AFP) - Cristiano Ronaldo should leave Manchester United for the good of his playing career and join Barcelona, Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has said.


Ronaldo's brilliant form for United this season has attracted interest from Barca and Real Madrid, but his boss at Old Trafford Sir Alex Ferguson has made it clear the Portugal winger is not for sale.

Despite Ferguson's insistence reports emanating out of Spain suggest the two Spanish giants are set to lock horns in a bid to lure the 22-year-old with a bid in the region of 40 million pounds.

And Scolari has joined in the debate telling Monday's The Sun newspaper that Ronaldo would be better off at the Camp Nou.

"The basic education stage of his career is ending and I know Cristiano is ready for a change of atmosphere," Scolari told the tabloid.

"Barcelona would hugely enjoy having Cristiano in their team because he would complement Ronaldinho perfectly - they have different characteristics.

"For Cristiano, the Barcelona climate would be important - most days are sunny and it's hardly ever cold like England.

"That gives a player all the motivation he needs to train and play."

Scolari feels Barca rather than Real Madrid where Ronaldo would be linking up with former United team-mate Ruud van Nistelrooy is the more attractive option.

"Cristiano needs to move somewhere where the team is an integral part of the club - not somewhere where the system is based on individual 'heroes' or 'stars'.

"Moving to a club where there are four or five 'stars' who do their own thing is unworkable," said the Brazilian.

Ronaldo sacored his 15th goal of the campaign in the Premiership leaders 4-0 win over Tottenham on Sunday.