ON CRUTCHES … Cristiano Ronaldo

CRISTIANO RONALDO hobbled home today - with Real Madrid still keen on signing him.

Manchester United’s wing wizard had an operation on his right-ankle in Amsterdam yesterday.

Ronaldo’s progress will now be monitored by United’s medical staff before he is seen by a specialist in a month to review his progress.

Six weeks is regarded as the minimum before the Portuguese star is fit for action.

That would see him miss the start of the new season — but Madrid have no intention of backing off.

Speaking on arrival at the general assembly of the new European Club Association in Nyon, Switzerland, Real’s international affairs spokesman Jose Luis Lopez-Serrano said: “Of course, our board would like to have Ronaldo.

“We are used to being linked with 50 or 60 players at this time of the year.

“But if you ask me if Ronaldo would be our No 1 target, I would say I think so.

“He’s one of the most interesting players. You never know what will happen. Some players are under contract but they still reach an agreement to sign for other clubs.”

Real are unworried by the fact Ronaldo has four years left on his United contract. Lopez-Serrano, standing in for club president Ramon Calderon, added: “Real Madrid is always interested in good players.

“I think our president has tried to get in touch with Manchester United.”

After Portugal were knocked out at the quarter-final stage of Euro 2008, Ronaldo spoke of his desire for a ‘dream’ move to Madrid.

Last week, though, United reiterated their stance that he was not for sale.

United chief executive David Gill refused to discuss the player when he arrived at the meeting of the 103- member body that has replaced the G14 cartel.

Gill was accompanied by his Liverpool opposite number Rick Parry but would not be drawn on Ronaldo’s future or that of United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz, who is allegedly due to succeed Big Phil Scolari as Portugal chief.

United were one of five English clubs eligible to attend yesterday’s meeting.

But in an embarrassing snub to the rest of Europe, only they and Liverpool showed up at what was regarded as the most important gathering since the G14 break-up earlier this year.

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon was not present to take up his position on a 15-man board, while neither Arsenal nor Newcastle sent a representative.

Source: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/transfernews/article1392669.ece