BLATTER BEING AS BOLD AS BRASS

July 15, 2008

Football is a modern soap drama, filled with handbags, tussles and tongue lashings on and off the pitch. Everybody knows this, and make no mistake it is now part of maybe the problem but lure of the modern game. That said, for Fifa President Sepp Blatter to get involved in a minor player transfer is ludicrous, but this isn’t any player transfer this is world renowned, showman and wing wizard Cristiano Ronaldo.The Fifa president has caused widespread controversy and anger across the board by labelling clubs like Manchester United who keep star player beyond there wishes as “ Modern slavery “ Ronaldo has been strongly linked to Spanish champions and world’s biggest club Real Madrid, to follow the likes of , Zinezine Zidane, Roberto Carlos and ex Red Devils favourite number seven David Beckham.

The important thing is, we should also protect the player,” Blatter told a national news source.

“If the player wants to play somewhere else, then a solution should be found because if he stays in a club where he does not feel comfortable to play then it’s not good for the player and for the club.

“I’m always in favor of protecting the player and if the player, he wants to leave, let him leave

A Manchester united spokesperson responded: “All our players - like at other clubs - enter into their contracts after an open and free negotiation.

“Most of whom do after taking advice from a FIFA-registered agent.

“Many do so on a number of occasions and enjoy long and successful stays at Old Trafford.”

Whatever happens, and wherever Ronaldo next this season, this debate will continue to rage as flamboyantly as the player of whom it is about.