Cristiano Ronaldo insists Manchester United is the 'right' club for him.
Ronaldo has snubbed repeated overtures from Spanish giants Real Madrid and
Barcelona to sign a multi-million pound five-year extension to his United
contract.
The deal, which will keep the 22-year-old at Old Trafford until 2012, has
rocketed Ronaldo into the game's top earners, befitting his status as one of the
most influential players on the planet.
Born on the sunshine island of Madeira, it would have been no surprise if the
climate and lifestyle in Spain had proved attractive to the former Sporting Lisbon
star, particularly given the abuse heaped on him during the aftermath to last
summer's World Cup.
However, Ronaldo, who joined United for £12million as a raw teenager in 2003,
insists he never had any intention of quitting Old Trafford and is happy to stay
exactly where he is.
'I wanted to stay,' he told
MUTV.
'I am at the right club and this is why I signed
'Everything is okay here. I am happy with my colleagues, my friends and my
coaches.
'The supporters have also helped me very much and I am really happy here.'
With an impressive 20 goals to his name this term, Ronaldo has been the major
driving force behind United's Treble bid.
He scored twice in the midweek Champions League rout of Roma and will tomorrow
hope to guide the Red Devils into the FA Cup final at the expense of Premiership
basement boys Watford.
Yet, despite the host of accolades coming his way, the youngster admits he
still has plenty of improving to do.
'I was only 18 when I came here but everyone at the club has helped me,' he
said.
'I have learned a lot already but I still have more to learn and I just want
to keep going.
'I want to win more trophies here and hopefully, I can do that this
season.'
'It is fantastic news,' said United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. 'It emphasises the point that Cristiano is happy here and that he is at the
right club.
'He has a great relationship with the team, staff and the fans and he will go
on to be one of Manchester United's great players.'
As a winger of world-class proportions himself, team-mate Ryan Giggs has nothing but
admiration for the way Ronaldo has performed this season.
And the Welshman has no hesitation in backing those who claim the Portugal
winger is the best player on the planet at present.
'I don't believe there is anyone who could rival him as being the best player
in the world,' he said. 'For someone in his position, and of his age, to be as consistent as he has
been, is remarkable.
'His performances have been brilliant.
'To secure his future for the next five years is great news for everyone.'
Giggs has nothing but admiration for the way Ronaldo has emerged from the
adverse reaction he received after the World Cup.
'Sometimes situations like that make you as a player,' he said.
'You have seen that many times, especially at this club. It can drive you
on.
'It is all about individual characters and the determination within
themselves. Cristiano has shown that this season.
'The booing seems to have stopped to a certain extent because people respect
the way he plays the game and respect the ability he has.'
Giggs does believe Ronaldo needs to maintain his current form for a few years
before he can truly be bracketed with the all-time greats.
But the 33-year-old is adamant his young team-mate can get better.
'Cristiano has improved as a player and he is still improving, that is the
scary thing,' he said. 'He isn't bothered by the challenges that face him.
'He can definitely get better. The thing he has to do now, is do it over the
next 10 years and be consistent. Then he will be up there with the greats.'
