Ronaldo: Stop those lies, I'm staying

CRISTIANO Ronaldo has declared that he wants to stay at Manchester United.



And he has dismissed as 'lies' comments made by Real Madrid director, Pedro Trapote, that there has been an agreement struck for him to join the Spanish club at the end of the season..

Trapote's alleged statement last month was quickly dismissed by United and Real Madrid, but Ronaldo's poor form - he scored his last Premier League goal against Stoke City on 11 Nov - and noticeably increasing petulance at his treatment from both opposing defenders and supporters, have done little to dispel speculation that he will once again court a move to Spain by the end of the season.

Since giving up his attempts to leave United last summer, Ronaldo has been careful with words, expressing his happiness at being at Manchester United without being absolutely clear about his commitment to the club.

However, his latest assertion that he 'wants to stay' in an interview with MUTV suggests that the Portuguese player may finally have accepted that his future will be better served by remaining at United, who are planning to offer him a new contract in the summer.

'What people are saying now (about a deal with Madrid) is not true. Whoever says that is a liar because I am happy at the club and I want to stay here,' said Ronaldo.

'I feel at home here and I feel very happy here.

'There's always speculation, not just about me, but also about the future of players all around the world. People were speaking about me last summer but that was normal because of what I did during the season.'

Divided

Opinion about the 23-year-old winger seems divided among United supporters. Many regard his recent displays of petulance as evidence of his frustration at being denied his wish of a move to Real.

And Ronaldo's name is no longer sung in the terraces by the United fans.

Ronaldo insists, however, that he has overcome the negativity since returning from ankle surgery in September.

He said: 'I think the people don't forget quickly what you do for the club.

'When I arrived to play (my first game of this season for United) against Villarreal, I felt a little bit of pressure, but the fans were very good and this is why I feel the United supporters are amazing. I feel at home in Manchester.

'Alex Ferguson is always important for me, not just last season, but every season. I am at this club because of him. He has always helped me and I said to him, 'I want to be part of this club with you. I want to win trophies with you.'

'He is very important in my career.'

Despite last year's achievements and the fact that he has managed a relatively paltry nine goals this season, Ronaldo maintains that his appetite for success remains undiminished even though he has already grown used to regular trophies.

He said: 'Age is not important in football, in my opinion. Experience yes, but you gain experience if you play and I have played many games at Manchester United with great players and I've won many things.

'This is why I think age is not important. The most difficult challenge now is to keep the same level as last year's.

'This is what I'm trying to do. I feel prepared for that. My ambition is still the same, my character is still the same and I know what I can do.' - Wire Services.