Ronaldo to quash Real Madrid speculation with new United deal

Portuguese to stay at club where “everything is fun for me”

Cristiano Ronaldo says he expects to commit his future to Manchester United next week, putting an end to recent speculation of a move to Real Madrid.

Reports in Spain have been rife in recent days that the Portuguese could be heading for the Bernabeu, with Madrid daily Marca claiming that the 23-year-old had set his heart on a move to the La Liga champions.

Ronaldo did little to quash the speculation by refusing to outright commit his future to the newly crowned European champions, but according to English newspaper The Sun, he will now put the Old Trafford faithful’s minds at ease by staying on in England.

“My future will be clear next week,” he said. “Everyone will be pleased - my club as well as me. I think I will definitely be here next season. Yes, I want to stay.

“I have played five years for this club and I would love to stay here. I love the people, the players are fantastic, the atmosphere is unbelievable, the staff are great. That is the reason I want to stay.

“We won the most important trophies this season. I want to do it again next season but who knows the future. I want to stay, I feel very happy at the club. I’m winning trophies, the people are friendly, the supporters are amazing, everything is fun for me. It’s very good.”

Bobby Charlton tribute

Showing further signs of his growing attachment to the club he joined from Sporting in 2003, Ronaldo paid tribute to United legend Bobby Charlton following the Champions League win on Wednesday, while setting his sights on further improvement on both an individual and team level.

“It was a good present for Bobby. He is a great man, a fantastic warm guy and I love him. It was for him and everyone. This is a massive trophy and we aim to enjoy it.

“I have played with these lads for five years and to win the Premier League and the Champions League is a great achievement. It is a young team and we have everything to do the same next season. All the lads believe that.

“Of course I can get better. The goals are not the most important thing. Maybe I will play well next year but I won’t score as many goals.

“But I’m going to try to do my best. Every season I’ve improved and I want to improve next year.”