Zidane: Ronaldo fit to face United in UEFA Super Cup

Zinedine Zidane didn’t disclose whether Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo would take part in Tuesday’s UEFA Super Cup against Manchester United, but the manager said he is fit to play despite returning from an extended summer holiday over the weekend.

“He’s relaxed, and what impresses me the most is that he’s as fit as the day of the final two months ago,” Zidane told reporters, according to Rob Dawson of ESPN FC.

“What interests me in the long run is that he’s fit. As to the rest, there’s not much we can do about it. The fact he’s with us means a lot. If he’s with us it’s because he’s ready to play. We’ll see whether he plays or not but the important thing is he’s with us.”

Ronaldo, who has faced his former club only twice before during UEFA competition since departing Old Trafford in 2009, was the subject of transfer rumours earlier this month as he faced tax troubles in Spain.

Yet, talks of his reported unrest have subsided ahead of a season in which Real Madrid will rely on the 32-year-old to help the club defend its Champions League and Liga trophies.

Captain Sergio Ramos, who revealed to reporters Tuesday that United was interested in signing him before committing his future to Real until 2020, said that Ronaldo’s presence was enough to provide the team with a boost, regardless of whether he plays or not.

“Cristiano is a very important player for our team and, regardless of the number of days that he’s trained, it’s important that he travels with the team,” Ramos said. “He has a different role than any other player and his presence is always good, whether he plays or not. That will be a technical decision.”