Cristiano Ronaldo assured Sir Alex Ferguson all along his long-term future lay with Manchester United.
After months of speculation linking the brilliant Portugal winger with a move to Real Madrid or Barcelona, Ronaldo has signed a five-year contract extension that will keep him at Old Trafford until
2012.
Such was the constant drip-feed of rumour swirling out of Spain
that even Ferguson admitted he was slightly concerned by the end.
However, Ronaldo, who will be a key figure in United's bid to reach
the FA Cup final at the expense of Watford at Villa Park this
evening, revealed he told the Scot several times he never had any
intention of leaving.
'We spoke about a new contract every week,' United's top scorer
said. 'I told the boss all the time I wanted to stay here. Now we
have concluded the deal and I have signed.
'I am at the right club. I am happy with my colleagues, my friends
and my coaches.
'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.'
Ronaldo's progress since arriving at Old Trafford from Sporting
Lisbon as an 18-year-old has been astounding.
Already hailed by his team-mates as the best player in the world,
Ferguson is now willing to accept the Madeira-born star, who cost a
bargain £12million, could go on to become one of the all-time
greats.
'At 22, he has the same skill factor as Maradona and Pele,' said
Ferguson.
'He is one of the best signings I have ever made. The measurement
of his improvement this year is astronomical.
'In terms of top-flight football, where do you find a winger who
has scored 20 goals? It is incredible.
'Without question, Cristiano is getting to the level of best
player in the world.
'Thereafter, it is up to others to decide whether he is as good as
Maradona and Pele. That is the challenge in front of him now.'
It is a challenge team-mate Ryan Giggs feels Ronaldo is capable of
meeting.
The Welshman has seen plenty of talented players pass through Old
Trafford during his own stellar career.
But he senses something different in Ronaldo and particularly
admires the way he faced down the adverse publicity surrounding his
part in England's World Cup exit.
'Sometimes situations like that make you as a player,' Giggs
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.'
