Thursday, May 22, 2008

Champions League final: Cristiano Ronaldo refuses to commit to Manchester United

"I don't promise nothing, I don't promise nothing to my mum, I don't promise nothing to the supporters," he said.

Smiles better: But will Ronaldo be defending the European Cup with United next season?
"I want to stay, but the future ... no one knows. I want to stay. We are going to see in the next two weeks, I don't say I make a decision."
Speculation linking the Portuguese winger, 23, with a £100 million move to Real Madrid this summer has grown exponentially this past week, so much so that United chief executive David Gill was forced to state on the eve of the final that the player would definitely be plying his trade at Old Trafford next season.
"He's got four more years with us and we're sure he'll be with us for many years," Gill said.
Ronaldo, who scored his 42nd goal of an outstanding season to give United the lead in the Russian capital, has consistently said how happy he is at the club, although his latest comments in the aftermatch of United's triumph will throw up further question marks over his future.
His remarks were also in contrast to his televised interview following United's penalty shoot-out win.
Ronaldo said: "I'm going to stay. I feel very proud for the lads," Ronaldo had said pitchside immediately after picking up the trophy. "The lads deserve the Champions League. It's a magnificent season for me."


Watch: Alan Smith's Moscow final analysis
The Premier League champions have steadfastly refused to countenance the departure of their Portugal international to the Spanish capital, or to any other of Europe's big clubs, especially as the player is just one year into a five-year contract at United.
When questioned on Ronaldo's possible departure by a Spanish journalist on the eve of the final, Ferguson had bullishly predicted that the player was going nowhere: "If you want to put a bet on it (Ronaldo joining Madrid), I'll put a big bet on it."
However, Spanish press are adamant that Ronaldo has reached an agreement with Real Madrid, and that it is now left for the club to persuade United to sell the Portuguese. Spanish newspaper Marca report that Real's strategy will be to cut out United executives such David Gill and directly approach the Glazer family, who they believe will sanction the sale.

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