Bring it Ron

Jun 15 2008

ARJEN ROBBEN last night insisted he'd love to compete with Cristiano Ronaldo for a place in Real Madrid's side next season.

Rumours linking the Portuguese star with a move to the Bernabeu won't go away and flying Dutchman Robben is all for it even though it would mean some serious competition.

Former Chelsea star Robben, who has just completed his first season with the Spanish champions, said: "It can only be good for me and for the team.

"And it's not that if he plays I can't play. We can play together."

Manchester United are desperate to keep their superstar but Ronaldo hasn't pledged his future to Old Trafford and could be off to La Liga if the price is right.

Robben, 24, said: "It's totally up to him - I think he is enjoying himself at United and I don't think you can say football is at a higher level in Spain because we weren't in the Final of the Champions League like the English.

"But for me Madrid are the biggest club in the world and I can understand if Ronaldo wants to join them.

"It's a great league and I think you play a bit more football in Spain. I'm enjoying myself there."

Robben's first season in the Spanish capital has been hit by injury problems but he showed in flashes why Real splashed out £24million to prise him away from the Premier League.

A groin injury kept him out of Holland's Euro 2008 opener but he hit the stage in spectacular style when he came on at halftime against France and scored in the 4-1 romp.

He set up the second for fellow sub Robin van Persie then crashed an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net from a tight angle to finish off the French.

Robben is happy to be fit and said: "If you had have told me last Saturday I'd be playing against France I would have said you were crazy.

"Something happened to my abductor. We did a scan but there was nothing major, just a little damage.

"I worked really hard with the medical team and it's a big relief to be back and in the team straight away. It's amazing.

"The most important thing is to stay fit for the whole season to show Real fans what I am capable of."