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Cristiano Ronaldo brings curtain down on transfer saga

Portuguese stays at United but admits Real dream is alive

The most coveted transfer story of the summer ended last night when Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed that he would be staying with Manchester United for next season, rather than joining Spanish champions Real Madrid.

The Portuguese had been the subject of widespread media attention since the end of last season, but after a summer in which Real Madrid have publicly expressed their intention to bring Ronaldo to the Bernabeu, United and Alex Ferguson appear to have won the battle to keep the former Sporting man for at least another year.

“My coach was kind enough to come and see me in Lisbon a few days ago,” Ronaldo said. “It was an honest conversation between two people that respect one other and share a mutual affection and friendship. Sir Alex listened to me, I listened to him and we established that the best for both sides would be for me to continue at Old Trafford.”

Heat and soul at United

“And before there are any rumours about me staying against my will, I want to make one thing clear: whoever says or writes anything to that effect is lying. I’ll be playing at United with my heart and soul. I will fight and honour the shirt with the same desire and dedication as I always have.

“I knew that Real Madrid were interested in signing me and that they had, allegedly, made a very substantial offer to United. For a while, I wanted Manchester to accept the offer and for me to move to Madrid. If I denied it, I would be deceiving everyone, including myself.

“If there’s one thing I’ve never been - nor do I ever want to be - it is ungrateful. Manchester United is a club that will always be dear to my heart. Whatever happens in the future, that will never change. I’m very aware of what this club has done for me and I’ll be eternally grateful, come what may. But it was because of this, because I knew this club was different and extraordinarily human, that I hoped that my wishes and my reasons would be understood.

“I felt that maybe I needed a new challenge. But we all eventually concluded that I should continue to wear that number 7 shirt. It’s no sacrifice for me, it’s a great honour. I have important things to win in England. I will give everything I have to United. I want to defend the European Cup and help United become world champions, not forgetting the league and other cups.”

Proud of Ferguson respect

“Believe me, it makes me proud to know how much Alex Ferguson thinks of me. And he knows I feel exactly the same way about him. He has been one of the most important people in my playing career. Not only because of what I’ve learnt and continue to learn from him in sporting terms but also in human ones as well.

“If it were humanly possible I would like to have him always by my side. Of course, it’s not possible but it shows how much affection, admiration and respect I have for him. He has always been like a second father to me at United.”

Your Say

So Ronaldo will begin his sixth season with Manchester United, but would the Portuguese have been better off embarking on a new challenge? Or is Old Trafford, under the guidance of Alex Ferguson, still the best place for him to continue his rise as one of the game’s greatest players, and if so how will the United fans react to his return?