Carlos Queiroz has labelled stories linking Cristiano Ronaldo
with a move to Real Madrid as 'fantasies', in the process
reiterating Manchester United's utmost desire to keep the player at
Old Trafford.
Reports emanating from the Spanish press continue to suggest Real
Madrid are planning to launch a huge bid in the summer, in an
attempt to convince United to sanction the departure of a player
now widely regarded as amongst the game's finest.
On the contrary, Queiroz claims United are preparing a contract
extension for the 21-year-old, whose existing deal binds him to the
club until 2010.
"No (to a possible transfer). In addition to that, we are speaking
with him about renewing his contract," Queiroz told Marca.
"The club have a clear policy. It is not necessary that a player
has to finish his contract before we think about renewing it.
"(Ryan) Giggs has been with us for 14 years and he has renewed his
contract many times. This club do not need the agents to recognise
the work of the players.
"We anticipate things ourselves and that is what we are going to do
with Cristiano."
Following his World Cup histrionics involving team-mate Wayne
Rooney it had been thought Ronaldo had burnt his bridges somewhat
in England but Sir Alex Ferguson brokered a reconciliation between
the pair and United have not looked back since.
This season has seen Ronaldo largely rid himself of the
'show-boater' tag which he was synonymous with earlier in his
career, as a final product has now been added to an array of
flamboyant skills.
While United would be loath to even consider his possible
departure, Madrid are notoriously vigorous in their pursuit of
primary targets. This is not, though, something which unduly
concerns Queiroz - who remains staunchly convinced United will be
able to keep hold of a player who he believes was 'born' to become
the world's finest.
"It is natural that the media talk about Cristiano Ronaldo with
Real Madrid," he added. "He is a great player and Madrid are a
great club, but it is just speculation.
"They are fantasies. The football that he is playing in Manchester
is an example that he is happy here and he has his head at United.
He has talent and is the best in the world.
"He is always the first to arrive at training and the last to go.
Many times when the session has finished, we shower, eat and then
we look at the pitch and he is still training.
"He is a player who has a divine gift. He was born to be the best
in the world."
