Cristiano Ronaldo has reaffirmed his intention to stay at
Manchester United, and learn more from father figure Sir Alex
Ferguson.
Fresh speculation linked the winger to Real Madrid earlier this
week, although the Spanish giants have “categorically denied” media
reports they have a pre-contract agreement to sign United’s
Portuguese international star.
And the 24-year-old maintains he sees his future with the
Premier League champions, who aim to retain their Champions League
trophy on Wednesday when they take on Barcelona in the Champions
League final in Rome.
Ronaldo explained: “Manchester United is my home. My heart is
here. This is where I want to play.
“The boss (Ferguson) believes in this team and so do I. Ever
since I joined United, he has been like a second father to me.
“This is my home now. I think even when I say my heart is here
people are going to speak up and make things up. But this is where
I want to play.
“We are part of an era that can go down in history for the way
we are playing and for the trophies we are winning.
“The boss believes in this team and so do I. And this is where I
want to be. Manchester United is now my house.”
Ronaldo was keen to praise Ferguson for enabling him to blossom
at Old Trafford.
He continued in the News of the World: “He is two different
people and they have both helped me become who I am today.
“Firstly he is probably the most knowledgeable football coach in
the world. I learn from him every day.
“No matter how good I become, I know he is a man who will always
be able to teach me that little bit more.
“I don’t get tired of learning from him because I know every bit
of advice he gives me will make me a better player.
“The second person he is, is a father to me. Ever since I joined
Manchester United, he has been like a second father to me.
“I don’t just respect him, I have the affection for him a child
has for his father.
“When he gives me advice that is non-football, I listen because
it will make me a better person.”