Five more years for Ronaldo
13 Apr 2007 - 15:44:22
Manchester United have ended speculation surrounding the future of Cristiano Ronaldo after agreeing a new five-year contract which ties the coveted winger to Old Trafford until summer 2012.
United opened contract negotiations with the 22-year-old earlier in the season in a bid to end transfer speculation linking him with a big-money move to Real Madrid or Barcelona in the summer.
The Portugal international had attracted the interest of the Spanish pair after his scintillating form in the Premiership and Champions League this season.
Ronaldo scored twice and was instrumental in Tuesday's 7-1 Champions League quarter-final second leg thrashing of AS Roma at Old Trafford.
In the Premiership, the former Sporting Lisbon wideman has bagged 16 goals this season plus a further two more in United's march to the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson has continually insisted the tricky winger would not be leaving Old Trafford at the end of the season and revealed his delight that Ronaldo had put pen to paper on a new long-term contract.
"It is fantastic news, it emphasises the point that Cristiano is happy here and that he is at the right club," he told the club's official website.
"He has a great relationship with the team, staff and the fans and he will go on to be one of Manchester United's great players."
Ronaldo, who signed for United in a £12million transfer in August 2003, added: "I am delighted. I spoke with Sir Alex and (chief executive) David Gill about my future and everyone knew that I wanted to stay.
"I am very happy at the club and I want to win trophies and hopefully we will do that this season."