Transfer news: PSG did 'everything' they could to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid

However, he shouldn't win the Fifa Ballon d'Or says former sporting director Leonardo

Simon Rice
Tuesday 10 December 2013 12:07 EST
Comments
Top clash: The skill of Portugal’s Ronaldo will do battle with the team ethic of Mesut Özil’s Germany
Top clash: The skill of Portugal’s Ronaldo will do battle with the team ethic of Mesut Özil’s Germany (AFP/Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Former Paris St Germain sporting director Leonardo has revealed that the French club did "everything within the written laws" to convince Cristiano Ronaldo to join them from Real Madrid.

However, despite his attempts to lure the Portugal striker, the former Brazil international claims Franck Ribery should win the Fifa Ballon d'Or award.

The Brazilian explained in an interview with Telefoot: "We thought of signing Ronaldo. I did everything within the written laws to try to get him to Paris but it was impossible to make him leave Real Madrid."

The Fifa Ballon d'Or award, which will be handed out next month, should not go to Ronaldo however.

"Ronaldo, Messi and Ribery are the type of players who make you dream," explained Leonardo. "I prefer Ribery for the Ballon d'Or, as it would be his first title. Ronaldo and Messi also merit it - but they have already won."

During the interview, Leonardo revealed Paul Pogba, who left Manchester United for Juventus, was another player the reigning champions of France targeted.

"Pogba is at the level to play for PSG, of course. We thought of him and thought he would be a great investment because he is one of the best midfielders in the world.

Despite a couple of failures in the transfer market, Leonardo used the interview to talk up the quality at PSG, who currently head the Ligue 1 table.

"There is no other team that has the squad of the Paris Saint-Germain. No other team has such offensive force.

"The squad has Salvatore Sirigu, Thiago Silva, Thiago Motta, Zlatan Ibrahmovic and then came Edinson Cavani. We wanted this strong central spine. The team is ready for now and for the future.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in