I feel like a slave: No, it's not Spartacus but Ronaldo (who is on £120,000 a week)

In a televised outburst in Portugal that will surely threaten his relationship with United supporters and his manager Sir Alex Ferguson, the 23- year-old reiterated his desire to quit Old Trafford for Real Madrid.

Informed last night that FIFA president Sepp Blatter had accused modern clubs of using players like slaves by refusing them regular transfers, Ronaldo lashed out at United.

Please let me go: Ronaldo has found a Real way to rile United

He said: 'I agree with what he said. It's true. I agree with the president of FIFA. I know what I want and what I would like.

'We have to see what happens.

'What the president of FIFA said is correct. At the moment I don't say anything more. 'I don't know whether or not there is slavery in football. I don't say anything.'

Whoops: Blatter likened Ronaldo to 'a slave'

Ronaldo was in typically contradictory form when doorstepped by the TV1 network in his own country but it is understood that his latest comments have horrified even his advisers.

Aware that United will not let him walk out just one year into a five-year £120,000-a week deal, Ronaldo's agents have been advising him that he may have to sit tight until next summer before he gets his dream move.

But it would appear that the Portugal winger is intent on trying to bulldoze his way to Spain and last night made no attempt to calm the storm that continues to rage regarding his future.

Thanks for the memories? Ronaldo celebrates Champions League joy with United.

Asked if he wished to go to Real Madrid, he said: 'At the moment I can't say any more. You know what I said and what I want.

'At the moment we're going to see what happens.' Ronaldo was then asked if he actually had an agreement with Real.

He said: 'It's not true. There is not any agreement.' Asked where he would start next season, he added: 'I don't know. I don't want to talk about this.'

Ronaldo has just undergone surgery on an ankle problem and confirmed last night that he could be out of the game for as long as 12 weeks.

This lay-off will do his chances of a £70million transfer no good at all, even though he claimed the operation had been a success.

Ronaldo said: 'I'm very optimistic. I've done the treatment with the doctor and it's OK. It will be 10-12 weeks before I play.

'But I don't have any pain. The situation is OK. The most important thing is my recuperation.

'I will be on crutches for two weeks and it will be two months or less before I kick a ball again.

'I don't know exactly.'

United did not comment on Ronaldo's latest outburst last night but it is understood that his petulance has served only to deepen the resolve to keep him.

Problem: Ferguson

Ferguson takes the United players who were not involved in Euro 2008 to South Africa on tour next Thursday and is not expected to see Ronaldo until he gets back.

One problem the Scot must solve is how to replace his assistant Carlos Queiroz, who is about to be confirmed as Portugal's national coach.

Asked if Queiroz was a good appointment for his country, Ronaldo said: 'I think so. Carlos is a great coach and he showed it many times in Manchester and before that in Portugal.

'I think he would be a great option for the national team.'