Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has blasted FIFA president Sepp Blatter over his comments about Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.

He told Sky Sports News: "I think it was pretty poor fare really because if the quotes attributed to him were that Ronaldo should be allowed to leave if he wants to, well it's quite incredible really.

"So a contract's not worth anything? Well, we kind of know that anyway in a sort of cynical manner.

"But I've never seen too many players coming in with serious injuries and facing a long lay-off and saying: 'I know, I think that because I won't be playing any football now for you for the foreseeable future, you should really tear my contract up and not pay me until I get fit again'.

"So it is an amazing comment coming from Mr Blatter, really amazing because, despite what he says, contracts are there, they are drawn up in the first place so that you hope that people would abide with them and, yes it has got serious connotations. I must admit it's a pretty bold statement and one that wouldn't have gone down too well certainly at club level when you are trying to hold onto your players."