Rio convinced Ronaldo will stay
09 Jun 2008 - 09:17:27
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is confident Portugal international Cristiano Ronaldo will stay be at Old Trafford next season.
The 23-year-old Ronaldo has refused to comment on continued stories linking him with a move to Real Madrid until after this month's Euro 2008 tournament is over, but Ferdinand is in no doubt where his team-mate's future should lie.
Asked if he was worried that Ronaldo might leave, Ferdinand told Sky Sports: "Not really - I don't think Manchester United are noted as a selling club really.
"I saw an interview with the manager the other day and I think we only really sell players that we want to sell and I wouldn't put Ronnie in that category.
"At the end of the day he's a Man United player and long may that continue.
"I want him to be my team-mate because he's a fantastic footballer and that means we're going to be that bit more successful if we've got him in our ranks.
"As I said, I'd love him to stay but I'm not the man who makes the decisions at the club.
"So we're just like the fans really, we read the papers and listen to the TV and stuff and we'll watch this space but I'm sure he'll be a Man United player next season.
"You want to be part of history, especially at this club. To be part of a team that goes on to be successful and wins trophy after trophy would be fantastic and that's the aim - every footballer wants to be successful and win trophies, so personally, on that level, I wouldn't want to leave a winning formula.
"The lads at the club really enjoy playing with him (Ronaldo) and having him around the squad - so long may that continue.
"The manager is first-class in these situations and he's had massive decisions to make in the past.
"I'll be honest with you, whatever the manager goes with I think the players will be standing 100 per cent behind him because his experience is telling obviously and, when he makes a decision, invariably they're on the button so whatever he makes his mind up with, we're there behind him."