Real certain to infuriate Fergie

President Ramon Calderon has described Real Madrid's pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo as a "soap opera" but claims he did not create it.

The latest bizarre statement to come out of the Bernabeu has also seen Calderon insist that "there is a contractual problem that United and the player have to resolve".

Real have been chasing Portugal star Ronaldo all summer but their fresh media blitz is sure to infuriate Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

Calderon told Spanish sports daily AS: "At the moment Manchester United and the player are in an argument and Madrid are waiting...and we can't do any more for the time being.

"Obviously, it's clear that we want Cristiano with the quality that he has. But there is a contractual problem that United and the player have to resolve, not us.

"Will he persuade the club to let him go? I can't say that. That question's for the player, who has publicly said his dream is to play for Madrid.

"We hear those words with pride and satisfaction, but his departure doesn't only depend on Cristiano. United are the ones that have to sort it out and it will either happen or not."