So Cristiano Ronaldo is going to Real Madrid after all.

After months, dare I say years, of speculation, the Portuguese international is finally leaving Old Trafford. I was expecting my compatriot to go to the Bernabeu, and I predicted as much in a recent blog, but I am still surprised the offer was accepted so quickly.

I am also surprised that Florentino Perez has pockets deep enough to go for Kaka and Cristiano in the same week! We're talking about spending over $200 million on both players.

Ronaldo seems certain to be wearing the white of Real Madrid next season.

As far as how much he is worth, $130 million is an astronomical fee, but if Ronaldo were going to move, the transfer deal was always going to be a world record.

I mean, if Kaka went for $90 million, then the reigning FIFA World Footballer of the Year would command a larger sum. That makes sense. Whether any human being is worth that much, that is a whole other question. Especially in this current economic climate.

This transfer represents a significant loss not only for Manchester United, but also for the Premier League. From a sporting and financial point of view.

It would be fair to say that Ronaldo has been the competition's most recognizable and marketable star around the globe in the last few years and league officials will be disappointed that they won't be able to use the Portuguese star to sell their brand anymore.

England's top flight generates more revenue than any other, but if losing a player of Ronaldo's magnitude will surely affect their future broadcasting deals. With the 24 year-old winger gone, Premier League officials will now try to increase the media appeal of other stars like Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and Fernando Torres.

For Spain's La Liga, it's a unquestionably a coup and this move could signal a shift in power in the world of football. In recent seasons, England have dominated the transfer market with its top clubs attracting the globe's top players.

With Ronaldo following Kaka to the Bernabeu on the back of Barcelona winning the European Cup, the spotlight has shifted to Spain. A trend that will continue? If Real continue to spend, with David Villa rumoured to be their next target, it's indeed possible. England could even be overtaken by Italy with Inter and AC Milan ready to dish out the cash.

Watch this space...

For all their huffing and puffing, for all their flicks and fakes, it seemed Barcelona were going to leave London as beaten semifinalists. The so-called super team of Europe had apparently met their kryptonite...

The net bulges with Iniesta's last-gasp goal for Barcelona.

And then, in an unexpected twist of fate, the tables suddenly turned. Barca's first shot on target whistled by Petr Cech and into the Chelsea net. It was a knock-out blow just as the final bell was about to ring. The Catalan giants were heading to the final.

Now I can sympathize with Chelsea's players and supporters, since the way in which they were denied a place in Rome was traumatic. I can also sympathize with the fact the Blues should have been awarded at least one penalty on Wednesday night. However, in my mind, the best team won.

There was only one team trying to win this tie. Only one team taking risks. Chelsea were more worried about becoming "the anti-Barca" rather than developing an identity of their own. In the first leg, the way in which they systematically placed 10 and 11 men behind the ball was shocking to me. They were bigger and better than that.

In the second leg the Londoners were slightly more audacious. But still, they spent most of the time sitting back and waiting for a Barcelona mistake rather than going for the killer blow. Even after Eric Abidal was sent off, Chelsea failed to capitalize, failed to rattle their opposition. Didier Drogba could and should have done better with a chance in the second half, however, overall Chelsea were always second best.

A couple of final notes about this tie. Michael Ballack was once again disappointing in midfield. I have no idea why Guus Hiddink has persisted with playing the German international instead of picking Jon Obi Mikel. On the Barcelona side, I was confused by Daniel Alves' attitude in both legs. Childish, aggressive, undisciplined. I think Pep Guardiola needs to find a way to control this fiery Brazilian.

He won't make the final, neither will Abidal as they are both suspended. For now, Barcelona won't worry about that. They are probably still celebrating Wednesday night's dramatic win.

Hey chicos, have a glass of Cava for me. You deserve it.