Ronaldo backs Blatter comments

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When asked about Ronaldo's long-mooted prospective transfer to Real Madrid, Blatter on Wednesday suggested that there was a trend towards treating players like slaves in the transfer process.

"I agree with the comments of the president of FIFA. What he said is right," Ronaldo, who is currently recovering from ankle surgery after taking part for Portugal in Euro 2008, told Portuguese channel TVI.

Blatter's comments have been met with criticism in some areas, with Professional Footballers' Association chairman Chris Powell calling for him to retract the comments while UEFA president Michel Platini reacted by highlighting the spiralling wage demands of players.

The League Managers' Association fear there could be long-term repercussions from Blatter's comments.

Chief executive Richard Bevan said: "His remarks are extremely ill-considered. There are no benefits to clubs or players in what he said.

"It just confirms he is out of touch with the issues of professional football.

"The transfer system is underwritten and regulated by FIFA. It is the cornerstone of developing talent right up the football pyramid.

"We also have the important issue of sanctity of contract. Ignoring the nonsensical comparison of a player on £120,000 a week to a modern slave, it is a very poor choice of words."