The fight for footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has gotten even more heated as Ronaldo himself has implied how great it would be playing for the team that wants him badly - Real Madrid.

In saying he cannot pass up a 'great opportunity', Ronaldo elaborated further.

'It [moving to Real] is a dream, a step forward, you can call it what you want,' he said in The Times.

'For me it is a great opportunity and, as Scolari says, that train passes by only once and we have to take advantage of it.

'That is why he took advantage of his change. Other people have to take advantage of opportunities, too.'

Asked whether he was concerned his actions would upset United manager Sir Alex Ferguson the winger added: 'It is my opinion. That is why I don't mind if people get upset.

'It is my decision. It is what I want. I don't know what I have to say to him. I have to say what I want and what I think.'

Ronaldo's United contract runs until 2012 and the club are anxious to dissuade any possible suitors.

The statement on their website, yesterday said: 'Further to Friday's press speculation about where Cristiano Ronaldo's future lies, the club has moved to reiterate its stance on the matter: United are not listening to offers.'

And while Cristiano Ronaldo is arguably considered among the greatest footballers playing the sport today, he is far from the highest paid.  In fact, Ronaldo is ranked eighth among fellow players, and it doesn't help that five of those individuals play for competing England teams.

Frank Lampard (Chelsea FC) 8.160.000 €; John Terry (Chelsea FC) 8.160.000 €; Fernando Torres (Liverpool FC) 7.920.000 €; Andriy Shevchenko (Chelsea FC) 7.800.000 €;  Michael Ballack (Chelsea FC) 7.800.000 €.

Cristiano Ronaldo makes 7.680.000 € and is the highest paid among the Manchester United players.  Ricardo Kaka of AC Milan is the highest paid at 9.000.000 €.  Ronaldhino of FC Barcelona comes in at 8.520.000 €.

Odds to Win the Euro 2008 as of Press Time June 21, 2008 at Sportingbet - Remember to claim your 20 per cent signup bonus

Germany 8/5
Holland 3/1
Spain 9/2
Italy 5/1
Turkey 9/1
Russia 12/1

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Alistair Prescott, Gambling911.com

Originally published June 21, 2008 10:19 am EST