Ananova:

Cristiano Ronaldo on Saturday said the £80million Real Madrid paid for him is a "fair price" and he is delighted to be the most expensive player in the world.

Ronaldo will put the finishing touches on his move from Manchester United on Monday night when he is officially unveiled as the Spanish giants' latest signing.

"I think that it's a fair figure," he told Marca. "If Manchester United and Real Madrid agree this amount, then there is nothing more to say. I'm happy to be the most expensive player in the world."

Kaka and Raul Albiol have already been presented following their respective moves from AC Milan and Valencia, while Lyon striker Karim Benzema is close to completing his switch to Madrid as the Primera Division outfit's spending spree rapidly approaches the £200million mark.

It is the signing of Ronaldo that has captured everyone's attention and imagination, though, as Madrid finally got their man this summer to end a transfer saga that has lasted more than two years.

It took an astronomical fee to persuade United to part with the FIFA World Player of the Year, and Madrid have come in for a fair amount of criticism from both inside and outside the footballing community for spending so much money in the current global financial crisis.

However, Ronaldo believes Madrid are justified in paying the fee - and also feels he can live up to the price tag.

"The great players cost a lot of money, and if you want them you have to pay it," he added.

In response to those who have qualms about so much money being spent on one footballer, he added: "I respect everyone's opinions, but I don't agree with these people. If Real Madrid have paid so much money, it's because they wanted me and have considered it a fair price.

"I'm going to try to do everything in my hands to play very well and I will show that the money they are paying for me has been a good decision."

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