体坛英语新闻：United accepts record $131 mln Madrid bid for Ronaldo

BEIJING, June 12 (Xinhuanet) -- Manchester United has agreed to sell Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for a world record 80 million pounds (131 million U.S. dollars), media reports said Friday.

    "Manchester United have received a world-record, unconditional offer of 80 million pounds for Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid," said a statement on the website of Manchester United club, under the headline "Reds accept 80m Ronaldo bid."

    The statement continued: "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."

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo is seen celebrating after scoring his second goal during their English Premier League soccer match against Aston Villa in Manchester, northern England in this April 5, 2009 file photograph

    Real confirmed they had approached United with a bid for Ronaldo but gave no indication of the fee involved.

    There was no immediate statement from Real Madrid, but it has been reported in England that Ronaldo, who is currently on holiday in Los Angeles, earlier this year had agreed to a pre-contract with the Spanish club worth 8.3 million pounds a year over the next five years.

    Ronaldo, who joined United for 12 million pounds (19.87 million dollars) in 2003, had made it clear he wanted a new challenge after winning the Champions League in 2008.