Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United are in the box seat
when it comes to deciding the future of World Footballer of the
Year Cristiano Ronaldo.
The player continues to be linked with a big-money move to
Spanish giants Real Madrid following last season’s drawn-out
will-he-won’t-he transfer saga.
Recent reports claimed Madrid had already agreed a deal to take
the Portuguese to the Bernabeu, despite assurances from the player
that he remains happy at Old Trafford.
With the transfer window ready to re-open, the rumour mill is
primed and ready to roll, but Ferguson insists he will ultimately
decide the player’s future.
“The indications I’m getting from the dressing room are
that the other players don’t feel he is behaving as if he is
discontented,” Ferguson told the Sunday Times.
“He seems to be happy in his game and to know he is at the right
club. Obviously you can’t stop teams pressing him with offers, but
we have handled that the best way we can.
“His contract with us runs until 2012 and we are in the driving
seat.”
Ferguson’s confidence over Ronaldo was echoed by Chief executive
David Gill who claimed there was no need to speak to the player
about his future.
"We've never had that discussion," he told BBC Radio.
"There's absolutely no point in having that discussion.
"We made it clear last year he's on a long-term contract with us
and it's never come up.
"He's been fantastic both on and off the pitch throughout, he's
supported us in what we want to do commercially and he's been a
model professional.
"He is not for sale. He's a great player and he's part of our
club."