UEFA president Michel Platini has reiterated his concern over the amounts of money changing hands in the transfer market this summer.
Real Madrid last night agreed a deal with Lyon for Karin Benzema which would take their close-season spending spree over the 200million euro mark following the acquisitions of Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Raul Albiol.
The Frenchman told L'Equipe: "Ronaldo's transfer stood out for me, but if Real have guarantees from the banks... On a personal note, I don't understand how anyone can spend 90million (euros) on a player. I'm embarrassed.
"But I remember the Maradona transfer from Barcelona to Napoli (in 1984). This would be the equivalent of 6.5 million and I found that vulgar. I think there is something wrong there.
"I don't like that, and even less given the fact that today players sign contracts only to then go and break them. But, as I said, if clubs have the money, what can I do?"
Platini last month described Madrid's £80million swoop for Ronaldo, which came just days after the £56million signing of Kaka from AC Milan, as "excessive" and revealed UEFA considered ongoing talks with clubs in a bid to establish a new set of financial rules their "top priority".
The 54-year-old remains keen to ensure there is "financial fair play", but warns it will take time before measures, such as a salary cap, are introduced.
"We will do something," he said. "We are working on that. But it will take a little time. Perhaps two or three years. I want to establish rules."
The Frenchman told L'Equipe: "Ronaldo's transfer stood out for me, but if Real have guarantees from the banks... On a personal note, I don't understand how anyone can spend 90million (euros) on a player. I'm embarrassed.
"But I remember the Maradona transfer from Barcelona to Napoli (in 1984). This would be the equivalent of 6.5 million and I found that vulgar. I think there is something wrong there.
"I don't like that, and even less given the fact that today players sign contracts only to then go and break them. But, as I said, if clubs have the money, what can I do?"
Platini last month described Madrid's £80million swoop for Ronaldo, which came just days after the £56million signing of Kaka from AC Milan, as "excessive" and revealed UEFA considered ongoing talks with clubs in a bid to establish a new set of financial rules their "top priority".
The 54-year-old remains keen to ensure there is "financial fair play", but warns it will take time before measures, such as a salary cap, are introduced.
"We will do something," he said. "We are working on that. But it will take a little time. Perhaps two or three years. I want to establish rules."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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