Rio fears for United's future if Ronaldo opts for life away from Old Trafford

The way we were: Ronaldo holds the Champions League trophy along with United skipper Ferdinand

"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," Ronaldo told Brazilian website
Terra.

"However, it does not depend on me."

News of Ronaldo's desire to play for the Spanish giants, whether this season or
next, was greeted with dismay by England captaincy candidate Ferdinand who
insists the Red Devils must keep hold of key men if they are to build on this
term's double success.

"This team can get better but we need it to stay together." Ferdinand told
The Sun.

"We have worked hard to get to the position we are in and want to build on the
success we have had.

"That means keeping all the players at the club."

It could also spark a major row between United and Madrid, with the English
club stating last month they may report the Primera Liga side to FIFA for making
their pursuit of Ronaldo public.

Madrid president Ramon Calderon conceded yesterday the signing of Ronaldo
"seems impossible" but could now step up attempts to sign him.

But the Portugal international has vowed not to discuss the subject further
until after the European Championships in Austria and Switzerland, which get
under way tomorrow.

"From today, I'm not going to talk about this topic with anyone at all," he
said.

"I'll only talk about this again after the European Championships. Don't ask
me any questions, because I won't answer."

One player who is keen to be reunited with Ronaldo is Madrid's former United
striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who told Spanish daily paper Marca: "He'd be an
important signing for Madrid, because this is a club which signs the best
players in the world - and that's what Cristiano is.

"Cristiano could bring a lot of things to this club. He's young; he has
everything and a long sporting career ahead of him.

"For Madrid, he would be a great signing."