The current January deadline day will be somewhat calmer compared to the time when they made an offer for Lionel Messi during the frenzied hours following their takeover in 2008.
According to the manager at the time, Mark Hughes, while he and his staff were playing golf, there was a lot of excitement and competition among clubs to sign a high-profile player. During this time, a club director made a comment about the chaotic situation, which was mistakenly understood as an instruction to sign the Barcelona forward. As a result, a bid was sent but ultimately rejected.
Prior to the fateful day of September 1, 2008, the Real Madrid president contemplated the options of Dimitar Berbatov and Franck Ribery. However, when he received a phone call that evening, he was astonished and fortunate to have the opportunity presented to him.
“It is amusing to remember.” Ramon Calderon revealed during an interview with Graham Hunter that he received a phone call after 8pm on the last day of the market, informing him that someone from Manchester City expressed interest in purchasing Robinho.
I inquired about the cost by asking, “What is the price?” The individuals stated a figure of ’35 million Euros’, to which I responded by asserting a higher amount of ’40 million’. Subsequently, they acquiesced by simply stating: ‘Alright!’
“Without any deliberation or debate, it happened abruptly.” Upon recognizing an opportunity, I promptly suggested the inclusion of a 5% solidarity contribution. To my satisfaction, they agreed once again.
“Although I do not possess entrepreneurial expertise, I was aware that I was acting as a representative of my club, Madrid. Therefore, I confidently responded by expressing my preference for financial compensation.” On this occasion, they responded affirmatively by saying: ‘Certainly!’ Paying in instalments was not the conventional course of action.
