Fergie predicts long Ron stay
08 Aug 2008 - 15:27:40
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced Cristiano Ronaldo will enjoy a long career at Old Trafford.
The 23-year-old Portugal international, linked with a transfer to Real Madrid throughout the summer, confirmed earlier in the week that he would definitely be spending the 2008-09 campaign with United.
However, Ferguson feels Ronaldo will still be a United player many years from now, saying: "We're happy. As I said on Wednesday, the matter is now closed.
"He's a Manchester United player and he's happy to be here. He's always been happy here. It's just the unfortunate participation of Real Madrid in his life that's made it difficult for him.
"The important thing is that we've ended all the stuff about Real Madrid. As he gets older, I think Cristiano will appreciate being here more and more. That happens with players the longer they stay here. They don't want to leave.
"If you look at Rio Ferdinand, who joined us as a young man from Leeds United, that's exactly what's happened to him. He's now a real Manchester United person. He loves the club.
"And he comes from another country. He comes from London! It's a different world there. There's not a lot of difference from someone leaving London or Portugal. You come to a real football city, which very few cities can say.
"I think Real Madrid now know they're dealing with a different animal. I can't deny that it was an important issue. There are very few players that have left me against my will. I'd have to think seriously about that one.
"It's unusual for anyone to want to leave Manchester United. Cristiano realises that, too. We had a good meeting over in Portugal and clarified a lot of things.
"He was good, and I was pleased with that. That's why I was confident that everything was going to be all right.
"As I've said, Cristiano will settle down and enjoy his career here. He's got four years on his contract, and hopefully at some point we'd like to extend it. That's where we are."