10 Jul 2008Blatter: Players should be allowed to leave

Football Clubs News | Football Leagues/ Association and Governance | Football Referees, Players, Managers and Media

Fifa president Sepp Blatter is likely to be even more unpopular with Premier League fans after suggesting that Cristiano Ronaldo should quit Manchester United for Real Madrid, if it is what he wants.

The controversial president said players should be free to play wherever they want, regardless of a contract.

Speaking to Sky News he said he was "always in favour" of players and "if the player wants to leave, let him leave".

"I think in football there's too much modern slavery in transferring players or buying players here and there, and putting them somewhere," he explained.

Blatter's comments are likely to infuriate United and their fans and it will not increase his popularity with the Premier League after his controversial 'six plus five' suggestions.

He also revealed that Fifa wanted to have a say in transfer rows, explaining that the Bosman ruling was not enough for players.

"We are trying now to intervene in such cases. The reaction to the Bosman law is to make long-lasting contracts in order to keep the players and then if he wants to leave, then there is only one solution, he has to pay his contract," he said.

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