English Premiership
Ronaldo trademarks 'CR9'
2009-01-14 10:55
Email | Print
Heading to Spain? (Gallo Images)
|
Manchester - Cristiano Ronaldo has registered his initials as a trademark together with the number nine, fuelling fears the Manchester United No 7 is off to Real Madrid.
According to The Sun website, the digits “CR9” were copyrighted last month in his Portuguese homeland to be used on merchandise or as the name for a restaurant or bar.
Spanish giants Real Madrid - poised to make a world record £70 million summer swoop for the winger - were last night said to have promised him their No 9 shirt.
Ronaldo, 23, revealed he was learning Spanish after he was this week crowned World Player of the Year.
He also has a sponsorship deal with a Portuguese bank giving them exclusive marketing rights if he goes to Spain.
CR9 was registered by his agent Jorge Mendes at the National Institute of Industrial Property in Lisbon. Ronaldo already has CR7.
Real are said to be ready to pay him £220 000 a week - more than twice his wage at Old Trafford.
Fans give “love him” or “hate him” verdicts on the star in a new video posted on the internet by sponsors Nike.
Ronaldo, disguised in a trilby and scarf, appears in it himself - mimicking a Manc accent to declare: “He’s the best player in the world... mate!”
On Tuesday he spoke for the first time about cheating death when he wrecked his £315 000 Ferrari a week ago.
Ronaldo - who was taking the car for its first spin when he walked away without a scratch, said: “I’m thankful to God that I’m OK.”
He added: “We all have bad days, but I have to say I feel great, the same as I did before.”
Click HERE for EPL odds on BET.CO.ZABet.co.za online Pty Ltd t/a Bet.co.za is licensed by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board. Winners know when to stop. National Responsible Gambling Program 0800 006 008. No under 18's allowed.