Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon admits they could've lost the race for former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo to Barcelona. The Portuguese was almost priced out of a switch to the capital club as Florentino Perez felt the striker was too expensive.
Calderon told Sky Sports that it was he who instigated initial discussions before Perez almost pulled the plug in 2009.
"When Florentino became president and came to the club, he wanted to break (negotiations). He thought it was very expensive," Calderon said.
"He knew he was a good player but thought he wasn't worth that amount of money. That was a problem he had at the beginning with Cristiano, who knew that.
"They offered him to Barcelona among other clubs. Barcelona said 'okay, we are prepared to pay what you are asking'. The important thing is that the player said 'no, Real Madrid or nothing'.
"I'm very proud that he came, very proud what he's doing. I was there at the moment the transfer could be done, anyone would have done the same."
