LONDON (AP) Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon seems to be backing away from his attempt to lure Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United.
Calderon sought to ease the rising tensions with United over a tug of war for the player, telling Britain's Sky Sports News on Thursday that "we are not going to start a conflict."
"You can't buy what the owner does not want to sell," Calderon said. "Real Madrid are friends with Manchester United, and we do not want to fall out with them."
United on Tuesday threatened to report Real Madrid to FIFA over the way the Spanish champion has tried to lure Ronaldo away from Old Trafford.
Although Ronaldo is only 13 months into a five-year deal, Madrid was reportedly willing to pay a world-record transfer of about £60 million ($118.8 million) and almost double the salary for the winger with the dazzling footwork and a powerful shot.
United manager Alex Ferguson has repeatedly insisted he will not sell Ronaldo, whose 42 goals this past season helped the team win the Premier League and Champions League titles.
"If a club doesn't want to sell a player, why would we insist that they do sell him?" Calderon said.
Donovan returns
SANTANDER , Spain (AP) Forward Landon Donovan rejoined the Los Angeles Galaxy on Thursday ahead of the team's Major League Soccer match at Toronto this weekend and is questionable for the United States' exhibition game against Spain next week.
Donovan missed Wednesday's 2-0 loss at England because of a tight groin.