Real Madrid have made an unforgivable error by selling Cristiano Ronaldo - Ramon Calderon

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Real Madrid have made an unforgivable error by selling Cristiano Ronaldo - Ramon Calderon

FORMER Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon believes selling Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus will prove a disastrous decision.

The ex-Manchester United winger quit the Bernabeu in a £88m deal which stunned fans of the European champions.

Ronaldo scored 44 goals for Los Blancos last season and Calderon is sure he still has much to offer Juventus.

“It is an unforgivable error that Real Madrid will pay a heavy price for," Calderon told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“People talk of Kylian Mbappe or Neymar, but they are a long way off Cristiano's level.

“It was a historic purchase nine years ago and the €1bn clause showed he was not for sale.

“(Florentino) Perez will pay for this error. Cristiano is the Number 1, so the damage done is enormous.”

Ronaldo reportedly quit Real after the club refused to match the Portugal captain’s pay demands.

He wanted parity with Barcelona’s Lionel Messi on £35m-per-season, with even Paris St-Germain’s Neymar out-earning him.

“Cristiano turned down the improved contract given to him by Perez lately,” Calderon added.

“The reasons for walking are emotional, but it's a great deal for Juve.

“I can see him with other trophies in the cabinet this time next years and will have to give the Champions League serious consideration.

“The cost of the operation is expensive but will be wiped out by sponsors and advertising money.

“I’d put Ronaldo on the same level as Alfredo Di Stefano, Pepe and Johann Cruyff."

Daily Star Sunday