Real Madrid rule out Ribery raid

Ribery has been linked with a move to Real Madrid (GETTY IMAGES)

Real Madrid general director, Jorge Valdano, is adamant that his club will not be reviving their interest in Bayern Munich's France international Franck Ribery.

Real have been linked with Ribery throughout the summer, but the Bundesliga giants have steadfastly refused to sell their prize asset.

Valdano was quoted on EFE as saying: "We have drawn the curtains down on Ribery since his club, Bayern Munich, do not want to sell him.

"If we play Bayern in the Champions League it will be a historical game but only from a sporting aspect."

Meanwhile, Real coach Manuel Pellegrini has been happy with Cristiano Ronaldo's form in the pre-season games.

Pellegrini has been impressed with the way the former Manchester United star has adapted to life in Spain and has backed him to have a big impact in La Liga this term.

The former Villarreal coach told AS: "In pre-season there has been a lot of hard work and Cristiano has had to cope with many changes - a new country, a new league - and that takes time to adapt. I think he'll be in good form for the start of La Liga.

"The team has done well in pre-season and we will have many options to make a first eleven. We will look to have possession, create chances and win, that is what fans want to see.

"Setting a long-term goal would be unwise. We need to start with three points against Depor and show week by week that we are prepared."

However, former Barcelona star and manager Johan Cruyff has criticised Real for their summer spending spree.

The ex-Netherlands international believes Real president Florentino Perez knows more about business than football and is unsure whether Cristiano Ronaldo will be able to refind his Manchester United form in Spain.

"Perez understands a lot about business but signing the best players doesn't mean you know football," said Cruyff.

"At Manchester United, Ronaldo was a player who had everything. Lionel Messi is a great player with style, and part of a team at Barcelona.

“We need to see now if Cristiano will be this to Madrid.”