Calderon turns up heat as Ronaldo says Fergie 'not welcome' at Portugal camp

Ronaldo was angered by recent remarks made by Ferguson that Manchester United's owners, the Glazer family, would be willing to sit the Portugal star in the stands for a year rather than sell him to Real Madrid.

He claimed that such remarks were "disrespectful".

Ferguson was earlier reported to be willing to cut short his holiday in France to attempt to travel to Switzerland to convince his star player to stay at Old Trafford. Although that is not the case, Ronaldo's latest stance will place further strain on their relationship.

It's good to talk: but Ronaldo may have made his mind up to quit United

Although many international managers would resent the idea of a club manager interfering with their preparations for a major tournament, Luiz Felipe Scolari was reportedly willing to let Ferguson speak to Ronaldo had he wanted to.

Portugal will open their campaign against Turkey in Geneva on Saturday, and, a source within the Portugal camp said: "Scolari is a sensitive man. He wants Ronaldo's mind to be settled so he can play his best football for Portugal.

"Normally he would not allow a club manager into the camp. But he cares about his players.

"If Ronaldo wants to see Ferguson he will let him, just to put an end to this."

Yet the pressure on Ferguson can only grow after Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon said today that it is an honour for the Portuguese player to say that he wants to play for the Spanish club.

The winger has openly admitted his ambition to join Real providing they meet United's price.

As a result, Madrid sources are increasingly bullish that a world record transfer - in excess of £50million - can be concluded this summer.

Playing it cool: Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo sprays water on his face during Portugal training

Reacting to Ronaldo's comments which were made to a Brazilian website yesterday, Calderon said: "It's an honour that he wants to play for us."

Real deal: Calderon

The gathering momentum behind the 23-year-old's possible move has sparked fresh concern at Old Trafford.

Defender Rio Ferdinand said: "We want to build on our success. That means keeping all the players at the club."

But Ronaldo may have other ideas.

He said: "I would like to play for Real Madrid but only if it is true they are ready to pay what Manchester United ask of them."

But Ronaldo's mother Dolores Aveiro suggested on Friday that her son would be staying with United.

"He is fine where he is. The future only God knows, but what is sure is that
he is going to continue in England," Averio was quoted as telling Portuguese
television station TVI.