Marco Tronchetti Provera has urged Inter Milan not to bid for Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.

Reacting to reports last night that Inter president Massimo Moratti was preparing a £70 million offer for the new World Player of the Year, shareholder Provera, said: "I hope that it does not happen, I think that it will not happen."

The Pirelli chairman continued: "Granted this is not my responsibility. I believe that there is no need to buy him, even if Cristiano Ronaldo is a great champion and it is a joy to see him play. Inter is a very strong team which has great champions."

Provera added: "I hope that Inter does not buy him because I am a friend of Moratti, and to spend £70 million ... I hope that it does not happen, I think that it will not happen."