After a weekend of goodbyes to iconic
figures Sir Alex Ferguson and Paul Scholes, Manchester United fans
might be saying hello again to Cristiano Ronaldo - if they themselves
can find the money.
A small band of Australian-based
United supporters have created a website where fans can help raise funds
to bring back their old favourite, who has a £100million buyout clause,
from Real Madrid.
The 'BringRonaldoHome' movement has
already received thousands of pledges to buy a United shirt with Ronaldo
on it - however it needs 10 million to donate a tenner for this target
to be reached.
But as United have a reported 659m people across the globe, it could be feasible.
Launched three days ago, the viral
campaign video has been flooding Twitter and Facebook feeds of football
fans around the globe.
A spokesperson for www.BringRonaldoBack.org said: 'We have been inspired by the loyalty and dedication of United fans.
'To be a "true" fan requires the
"living" experience of football. It is not about being a mere spectator,
it is about being a participant. We wanted to give fans an opportunity
to be involved.
'The internet
is now a significant resource in the world of football. Fans spend
increasing amounts of their time on football web sites accessing
up-to-the-minute information about events specific to their team and
discussing issues on blogs.
'What we have done is develop a
construct, based on crowd funding principles, which will tap into this
incredible global fan support that Manchester United has - to help
deliver the goods - to give the fans an opportunity for their voice to
deliver an action.'
Proceeds from the money raised by the
provisional shirt sales will be conditionally provided to United - to
enable them to use the fan-sourced funds to seal Ronaldo's transfer from
Real Madrid.
Should United succeed then each pledger will be sent their Ronaldo shirt.
But should the English champions fail in the novel campaign, the money will be returned.
Fans can donate at www.bringronaldohome.org/
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