Zidane: Franck Ribery Should Be At Real Madrid

Real Madrid Sporting Advisor Zinedine Zidane has told Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery that should he decide to leave the Allianz Arena, his only port of call should be Madrid.

Ribery has been heavily linked with both Barcelona and Real Madrid this summer, with the latter stepping up their efforts to land the 26-year old to add him to the stellar list of transfers taking place under Florentino Perez this summer.

Zidane confirmed to French newspaper Le Dauphine Libere that Los Blancos has commenced negotiations with the winger and called Ribery ‘a fantastic footballer.’

He reiterated his desire to see the player at the Bernabeu next season, and said it makes sense, for his career, to move to Real Madrid.

“His [Ribery’s] place is at Real Madrid. Playing with us would be a great opportunity for his career and something that he could not refuse.”

Furthermore, Zidane responded to accusations that Perez is simply attempting to buy success for the club, by stating that, "bringing the best players in the world together has a cost."

After securing the capture of Kaka and the soon to be announced arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, Madrid have also been linked with Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Inter and David Villa from Valencia.

Kaka speaks about Ronaldo

“Ronaldo would help us win titles"

Kaka made some comments on the possibility of Real Madrid signing Cristiano Ronaldo while in South Africa with Brazil, with whom he is playing in the Confederations Cup.

"Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world and I would celebrate his signing. I don't really want to say more about this because I'm here with my national team, hoping to win the Confederations Cup, but Ronaldo is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world and he would surely help Real Madrid win titles."

Real Madrid's Ninth Ballon d'Or winner

Cristiano Ronaldo may join a long list of Madridistas honoured by France Football

Realmadrid.com / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

The Santiago Bernabeu is the stadium where many of the best players in the world have showcased their talents. Cristiano Ronaldo could become the latest addition in a list of Madridistas that have won the Ballon d'Or.

Cristiano Ronaldo (2008)
His spectacular campaign in 2008 made him the most prominent player at Manchester United, with whom he won the Premiership and the Champions League. He won the Ballon d'Or, the Golden Boot and the FIFA World Player awards.

Kaka (2007)
The year 2007 was very special for Kaka. He won the Ballon d'Or thanks to his great season at Milan, during which he won the Champions League, and he was also the tournament's top-scorer with 10 strikes. He was voted as the Best Striker in the Champions League, Best Player in the World by FIFPro and the Most Valuable Player of the World Club Championship. He also won the FIFA World Player award and was featured in the Golden Eleven.

Cannavaro (2006)
Fabio Cannavaro won the Ballon d'Or in 2006 thaks to his great season at Juventus and winning the 2006 World Cup with Italy. He also won the FIFA World Player award and signed for Real Madrid.

Ronaldo (2002)
The Brazilian won the Ballon d'Or in 2002 after coming back from a serious knee injury that kept him off the pitch for more than a year.

Owen (2001)
Owen won the UEFA Cup, the European Super Cup, the Carling Cup and the FA Cup with Liverpool. He became the youngest player to receive the Ballon d'Or.

Figo (2000)
His excellent season at Barcelona in 1999 gave him the award; he won the league title, signed for Real Madrid, received the Ballon d'Or and won yet another league title.

Zidane (1998)
Leader at Juventus and on the French national team, he helped his country win the World Cup against Brazil with two goals.

Di Stefano (1957, 1959)
A true symbol of Real Madrid and a world football icon. He is the only player with a Super Ballon d'Or.

Kopa (1958)
He won Real Madrid's third European Cup and starrred in the 1958 World Cup, in which France finished third.

Manchester United:Record Ronaldo bid accepted

Manchester United have received a world-record, unconditional offer of £80million for Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid.

At Cristiano's request - who has again expressed his desire to leave - and after discussion with the player's representatives, United have agreed to give Real Madrid permission to talk to the player.

Matters are expected to be concluded by 30 June. The club will not comment until further notice.

Kaka Transfer on World Press

Kaka's signing for Real Madrid made the world press. Here are some quotes.

La Gazzetta dello Sport
"Goodbye Kaka (...) Kaka signs a six-year contract with Real Madrid (...) Kaka and Milan: six triumphant years."

O Globo
"Kaka says his departure from Milan and signing for Real Madrid is partly due to the world financial crisis and his dream of playing for Real Madrid (...) Kaka has a great smile on his face."

Jornal do Brasil
"Real Madrid sign Kaka for six season's (....) Italians are sad for his departure, but Spaniards celebrate the arrival."

ESPN
"The new 'galactico' (...) Kaka is the new reinforcement of the Florentino Perez era. He had a medical in Brazil and both clubs confirmed the transfer."

Clarin
"Kaka is Real Madrid's new star player (...) This is a great start for Florentino Perez as President."

Ole
"Kaka is royal [play on the word Real] (...) Kaka is Real Madrid's brilliant new signing."

L´Equipe
"Kaka: new 'galactico' (...) It's official: Kaka joins Real."

The Sun
"Kaka signs for Real Madrid (...) He was advised to do so by former Madridista David Beckham."