Mammoth £80m fee shows football's popularity, says Blatter

Published on Friday 12 June 2009 23:18

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has dismissed concerns over Real Madrid's world record offer for Cristiano Ronaldo, saying it demonstrated the game's enduring popularity.

Blatter has in the past spoken out about the huge sums of money in the game. But he told a news conference in Johannesburg he saw nothing wrong with the 24-year-old Fifa World Player of the Year's proposed 80 million move from Manchester United, which is still to be finalised.

Uefa president Michel Platini said on Thursday the bid for the Portuguese winger was excessive when football was facing severe challenges during a global recession.

Other sports officials also criticised the amount. However, Blatter said: "What does 80 million mean when ten years ago another player with the same name (Ronaldo of Brazil] moved from one club to another for 50 million dollars?

"It means that there is still a demand to have the stars."

Blatter added: "We are in a very sensitive market, in an economic crisis, but football remains a fantastic product, not just to buy or sell but a product that gives people what they want – emotions. They want the stars."

Ronaldo could make his debut for Real Madrid in Dublin next month once he completes his move, expected to be concluded by 30 June.

Madrid will report for training on 10 July before travelling to the Irish capital three days later where they will stay until 22 July.

A friendly has been scheduled although the club's opponents are yet to be determined.

The La Liga giants will then compete in the Peace Cup in Spain where their opponents include Celtic and Aston Villa.