Manchester United FC

• Nickname:
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:
• Capacity:NaN

Ronaldo pledges United stay

07 Aug 2008 - 07:44:28

Click To Enlarge

Manchester United's superstar winger Cristiano Ronaldo has finally pledged his future to the Red Devils, saying he will stay at Old Trafford for at least another year.

The 23-year-old has been linked with a mega-money move to Real Madrid for the entire summer, with the player himself refusing to speak out to deny the ongoing rumours.

However, Ronaldo has now cleared the air, following recent talks with United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

He told Portuguese newspaper Publico: "Sir Alex Ferguson heard my arguments, I heard his and it was settled that the best for both parties would be for me to stay.

"Therefore, I can confirm that next season I will play for Manchester United.

"Before rumours emerge saying that I will play against my will, I want to make this clear, whoever says or writes that is lying.

"I will play for Manchester with all my heart and soul. I will fight and honour that shirt with the same commitment and dedication as always.

I was responsible for all this controversy. I was the one who publicly expressed my desire to go to Real Madrid. I ended up being, even involuntarily, responsible for the poor relationship between the two clubs.

"I knew Real Madrid were interested in signing me and that they had allegedly made a very high offer to Manchester United.

"My desire was, for some time, that Manchester had accepted my transfer to Madrid. Saying otherwise would be to trick people and my own consciousness."

Ferguson himself was also delighted to finally see the Ronaldo saga draw to a close.

He added on MUTV: "We cleared the air in Portugal and the boy spoke to a few of the players as well.

"The thing is, he knows he is happy here and has always been happy here.

"The fans have to understand it has been a very difficult time for him. He has been offered all this money, when his dad has died a young man and he is looking after his mother, his sister and his brother.

"He has had a troubled time and you can understand that. But once he knew my stance, he settled down and as far as we are all concerned, the matter is finished.

"The boy is a United player, that is what is important."