RONALDO WILL STAY

Last updated : 25 January 2007 By Ed

From yesterday's Sun

Manchester United have rejected Real Madrid's hopes of buying Cristiano Ronaldo as “fantasy”.

Ronaldo declared he wanted to quit Old Trafford for Spain after last summer's World Cup, where he got United pal Wayne Rooney sent off in England's defeat to Portugal.

But he stayed at United and has scored 13 goals this season to help them to the top of the Premiership.

And United No2 Carlos Queiroz has dismissed Real's chances of signing Ronaldo, insisting he is close to agreeing a new bumper contract.

Ex-Real boss Queiroz said: “It is natural that the media talk about Cristiano Ronaldo with Real Madrid.

“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.

“In addition to that, we are speaking with him about renewing his contract.

“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.”

Queiroz also revealed an insight into the dedication Ronaldo has demonstrated this season.

He added: “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.”