Fergie Hoping Ronaldo Prolong's Stay

Last updated : 08 August 2008 By Sam
In an interview on Wednesday, Ronaldo pledged his future to United for at least another season after being pursued all summer by Real Madrid but Fergie wants the 23-year-old winger to remain at Old Trafford behond that.

"Cristiano has four years left on his contract and at some point hopefully he will extend it," Fergie told Sky Sports News.

"He is happy at Manchester United and hopefully as he gets older he will appreciate being here more and more.

"We are happy. His interview was very good and from my perspective, he has explained himself perfectly.

"He is happy to be a Manchester United player. He always has been.

"It is just the unfortunate participation of Real Madrid in the boy's life has made it difficult for him. However, the matter is now closed.

"I think Real Madrid know they are dealing with a different animal now. I can't deny it was important for us, as a club, to keep him.

"There are very few players who have left me against my will.

"It is unusual for anyone to really want to leave Manchester United and I think Cristiano understands that too.

"We had a good meeting in Portugal this summer. We clarified a lot of things and I was pleased with the way it went. That is why I was confident everything would be okay."