Fox Sports exclusive: Interview with Ronaldo
While all the boardroom negotiations between Manchester United and Real Madrid were taking place back in Europe, reigning World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo slipped off to Los Angeles to take a break after his long domestic campaign and his last international with Portugal in Albania last Saturday.
Fox Sports en Español's Rene Romano got in touch with the new $131 million man at his hotel in Beverly Hills after a big night out.
According to Ronaldo and other sources, the transfer is pending a medical examination, and Real Madrid's team of doctors are now on their way to Los Angeles to make sure their star acquisition is in top shape.
Ronaldo recently suffered a minor hernia, but doesn't expect that to be an issue in completing the transfer.
"I do not require a surgery. The hernia is nothing to worry about," Ronaldo said via telephone on Thursday morning.
Of course, when over a hundred million dollars are on the line, Real Madrid is most certainly seeking a second opinion, which is why their team of medical experts is flying to the City of Angels.
When asked about his feelings on the deal, the Portuguese winger said, "It's flattering when two of the top teams in the world want you to play for them."
Apparently Ronaldo wasn't aware of the outcome of the negotiations until this morning as well. He added, "I learned about the deal here in L.A. and have heard from my people that Manchester United has accepted. However I have also been told that Madrid want to have a medical team look at me as expected."
When asked about his immediate plans, Ronaldo replied, "I am on vacation and will remain in L.A. for a bit more."
Nice to know the mini-bar will be stocked and paid for after a deal like this one. When asked about the huge transfer fee, Ronaldo joked, "The deal is historic. 80 million Euros is quite a sum of money."
Barring any major incident, Ronaldo will now be cleared to join the new 'Galactico' era at the Bernabeu, fresh off the club's signing of Brazilian superstar Kaka earlier this week.
However, nothing will be finalized until after he completes his medical and is approved.