Ronaldo unimpressed by Real's transfer dealings

World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo has said he would not have sanctioned the sales of Angel di Maria and Xabi Alonso if he was in charge of Real Madrid.

The European champion sorely missed both departed midfielders and the injured Ronaldo as it succumbed to a shock 4-2 defeat at Real Sociedad on Sunday.

"If I was in charge, I would not do it like this but everyone has their opinion and is free to say what they think," Ronaldo said at a sponsor's event on Monday.

"If the president thinks it is best for the team to sign some players and let others go then we have to respect and support his decision."

Mexican international Javier Hernandez became Madrid's fourth summer signing on Monday after agreeing to a season-long loan deal from Man United.

Despite the arrivals of World Cup stars James Rodriguez, Toni Kroos and Keylor Navas, there was severe criticism of the club in the Spanish media for letting two of its most consistent performers in its run to the record 10th European Cup leave.

Di Maria was man-of-the-match in the Champions League final victory over Atletico Madrid but was sold for a British transfer record 59.7 million pounds ($98 million) last week.

Alonso, meanwhile, asked to leave the club, citing a need for a new challenge at 32 years of age.

Ronaldo also insisted the new players should be given time to settle in having not had much of a preseason due to the World Cup.

"We have only been going two weeks, we don't have to sound the alarm bells yet.

"We need to be calm and work hard. There are three or four new players and the World Cup will affect their physical level.

"The players arrived late and didn't have a great preseason. Hopefully, it is just taking a little longer to adjust but I believe we will have a good season."

Real faces a big test on its return to action in 12 days time as it will meet Atletico again this season after losing 2-1 on aggregate to Los Rojiblancos in the Spanish Super Cup.

(China Daily 09/03/2014 page23)