The
European champions also got rid of former Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso
to Bayern Munich for just £5m, much to the disappointment of Ronaldo,
who openly criticised Perez's decisions.
But
the Real president insisted there was no feud, saying: 'I know
Cristiano Ronaldo very well. Cristiano is the best player in the world
and his loyalty to Madrid is unquestionable.
'I have
listened to all the comments he made and as I know him, I know that he
never questioned the club. My relationship with him is perfect, there
are zero discrepancies. Cristiano is the best player in the world, it's
obvious, and more so this year.'
Perez
revealed Di Maria left Real no option but to sell him after the
Argentina midfielder turned down an improved contract that would have
made him the second-best paid player at the club.
'I've
been here since 2000,' Perez continued. 'Since then a lot of players
have come and gone and my experience tells me that the ones that leave
are always the best and those that arrive are always questioned.
'My
first (signing) was (Zinedine) Zidane and the last (before this
summer's transfer window) was (Gareth) Bale. We made the best offer that
we could to Di Maria and he didn't accept it.
'Hence,
we brought in James (Rodriguez), one of the best players at the World
Cup and the Golden Boot award winner. Di Maria and all of those that
have left have our gratitude and respect.
'A
player that is under contract and leaves is because he wants to. Real
has always respected contracts. Di Maria had financial requests that I
considered legitimate but we couldn't satisfy them. I reiterate that we
made him the best possible offer.
'With
the exception of Cristiano, Di Maria would have been the highest paid
at Real Madrid. Had we accepted his financial demands it would have
created an unbalanced treatment that would have put the club's stability
in danger.
'Di
Maria left to Manchester for a fee that we considered fair and that is
why the transfer was completed. We wish Di Maria the best professionally
and personally.'
Perez also spoke of Alonso's unexpected move to Bayern on a two-year deal.
'Xabi
came to us and told us that he wanted to leave,' he said. 'He thought
it was the best for him and for the club. Our relationship with Xabi is
excellent and we accepted his proposal.
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