Sir Alex Ferguson and United's owners, the Glazer family, are united in their stance that Ronaldo will not be allowed to quit Old Trafford but their resolve to keep him will now be further tested by the player's latest declaration.
Speaking from Portugal's training base in the Swiss city of Neufchate, Ronaldo admitted, according to Terra, that a move to the Spanish capital appealed.
"I want to play for Real Madrid, but only if it is true they are eager to pay me and Manchester United what they have been saying they will," said Ronaldo.
"However, it does not depend on me. It is important to send a message.
"From now on I will not talk again about this until the end of the Euros. It is not worth asking me because I will not reply."
