World Kick Off

Cristiano Ronaldo has dampened speculation that he is considering leaving the European champions by telling Portuguese journalists that his ‘head is in Manchester.

The subject of persistent rumours linking him with Real Madrid - mostly fuelled and fanned by the Spanish media, Cristiano Ronaldo himself has restated that his is happy at Manchester United and "would love to continue" his career at Old Trafford.

Portuguese winger Ronaldo, 23, sent the spevculation into overdrive recently by stating that he would make a decision on his future shortly.

In an interview with Portuguese newspaper Publico, he has confirmed that 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."

Ronaldo has been at United for five years, and last season scored a remarkable 42 goals, as well as domestic and European medals and a host of individual accolades.

But he paid tribute to the United managemen team of Sir Alex Ferguson and Carlos Queiroz.

"He [Ferguson] is spectacular," enthused Ronaldo. "He is a coach with a lot of experience who has helped me a lot.

"I've been with him for five years and I barely know him but he is a very experienced coach and always helps me and that's what's important.

"But I have also been supported by Carlos Queiroz, who is also doing some spectacular work.

"He has helped me a lot and he has a fundamental role.

"It is him who leads the training sessions, he is there every day with the players and he is an excellent professional.

"He's a five-star man, as a coach and as a person."


Mark Hinton, Goal.com