Rijkaard hails 'great player' Ronaldo
Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard has spoken of his admiration for Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo, but played down any suggestion of a possible transfer swoop for the Portugal international.
Speaking ahead of his side's Copa del Rey match with Real Zaragoza on Wednesday night, Rijkaard described Ronaldo as a "great player" but insists any reports of Barca making a bid for the player were purely speculation.
"Without doubt he is one of the most valuable players in world football, but now they are just rumours, there is nothing concrete," said the Dutchman. "I have to say that yes, he is a great player, but we cannot do anything else at this moment."
Ronaldo has been heavily linked with a move to Barca's arch-rivals Real Madrid both last summer and during the current transfer window.
With regards to other possible signings, Rijkaard added: "I am not going to talk about the future.
"It is necessary to talk with Txiki (Begiristain, Barcelona's sporting director). You can think about the future right now, but it is too soon to be drawing any conclusions.
"We still have many games left to play and this team has much to demonstrate."
