Santos president Luiz Alvaro de Oliveira Ribeiro has taken aim at Brazilian legend Ronaldo for trying to sign Neymar for Real Madrid. Ribeiro says Ronaldo was directly involved in the negotiations over Real's failed pursuit.

"Ronaldo was the first to speak on behalf of Real Madrid, after envoys came and the pressures were too great, the money being offered to the player was monstrous and the more I said no, the greater the appetite," Ribeiro told Folha de Sao Paulo.

According to the president, Ronaldo sought Neymar "on behalf of Real Madrid" and presented an offer of €37 million, €8 million less than the clause the player had at that time to leave the Santos.

"He ceased to be a player and became an entrepreneur and naturally he wanted to make money, this is his right," added Ribeiro.