Cristiano Ronaldo has reiterated he is happy at Manchester United and ‘would love to continue’ at Old Trafford.
The Portugal winger has been persistently linked with Real Madrid by the Spanish media and has not helped quell the speculation by announcing he would make a decision on his future shortly.
In an interview with Portuguese newspaper Publico, the 23-year-old confirmed he would like to play in Spain one day but that he is currently satisfied with life in England.
‘There is nothing certain at the moment,’ Ronaldo said. ‘The press always make stories about interest from other teams, not only from Madrid, also from Barcelona.
‘On one hand it’s good and means that they know your value as a player and think you can be a good reinforcement for other teams. But my head is in Manchester Because it is the club that, at the moment, puts me in the best condition and that I’m happy at.
‘Now, as I have said many times, only God knows the future. I have never hid from anyone that I would like to play in Spain one day. It’s a dream, but sometimes dreams don’t happen.
‘I can guarantee that I am happy at Manchester United and that I would love to continue.’
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Manchester United claimed the UEFA Champions League trophy in a dramatic match in Moscow. The game was decided with penalty shoot-outs after a 1-1 draw, and United were the luckier team to triumph at 6-5 with the spot kicks.
Ronaldo almost turned from hero to villain in the match, scoring the opening goal for United but missed a crucial penalty during the penalty shoot-out. Fortunately John Terry (unfortunate for him) missed a penalty later which could have gave Chelsea the cup and thus given United the lifeline again… and Van der Sar eventually took advantage of with a fine save against Nicholas Anelka for United’s triumph.
It was a tense and tight game; either side could have won it, and either side would be deserving winner if they won it. United dominated the first half, but Chelsea dominated the later part of the game. Lady luck was obviously on United side though, as Chelsea twice hit the woodwork… and there is nothing to explain how Terry could have missed the penalty besides luck (or no luck).
With this trophy it seems like Ronaldo is on course to claim both the European and world title as the best footballer of the year. Well, that is unless some messiah appears during the Euro competition which outshines the 42 goals Ronaldo has scored this season… but who knows, Ronaldo could yet again be the shiniest star in Euro 2008.
Cristiano Ronaldo will go into the UEFA Champions League final all but certain of winning of the ESM Golden Shoe for his 31 goals in the Premier League this season.
The Portuguese phenomenon is eight points clear of his closest rival in the race to be Europe’s best goalscorer of 2007/08, RCD Mallorca’s Daniel Güiza, who has scored 27 league goals.
With the seasons in the leading five European leagues all at an end, it is incredibly unlikely that anyone can catch the Manchester United FC player at the top of the table.
The nearest player to Ronaldo in the rankings who still has domestic league fixtures to play is Celtic FC’s Scott McDonald, who is 16th in the table with 37.5 points. With 1.5 points being awarded for every goal in the Scottish Premier League, as opposed to two south of the border, McDonald would need 17 goals in his side’s final league game to take the title from Ronaldo.
[Credits: UEFA.com]
Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted he will consider his Manchester United future after the Champions League final and would be tempted by a move to Real Madrid.
The Portuguese winger has become one of the hottest properties in world football after scoring 41 goals this season to help United retain their Premier League title and reach the Champions League showpiece.
Madrid have consistently voiced their interest in the 23-year-old and reports have suggested they would be prepared to part with around £100million.
Ahead of next Wednesday’s meeting with Chelsea in Moscow, Ronaldo told Spanish TV network Antena 3: ‘I am happy here but let’s see what happens after the Champions League final.
‘I am feeling calm here. I’m happy but in the future I don’t know. I know Real Madrid like how I play and I know that other teams in Spain like my game as well, so that’s good.
‘It is good to know that other clubs are interested in you. I have said millions of times that I would love to play in Spain.’
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