Ronaldo committed to cause

CRISTIANO RONALDO has confirmed his intention to remain at Manchester United until he is no longer wanted.

In the wake of his World Cup controversy, the brilliant winger snubbed apparent interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona in favour of signing a lucrative contract extension that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2012.

Yet the deal has not stopped the Spanish giants repeatedly suggesting the 22-year-old would be welcome at the Bernabeu or the Nou Camp whenever he wanted to make the switch.

However, as he launched his new book ‘Moments’, Ronaldo told a packed gathering, including United chief executive David Gill, that he was going nowhere.

Wearing an oversize pair of designer sunglasses to protect the eye injury he suffered during Tuesday night’s win over AS Roma, the former Sporting Lisbon star also revisited the World Cup row with Wayne Rooney, hailed the influence of Alex Ferguson and placed Champions League glory at the top of his aspirations for the season.

But it was his commitment to the Old Trafford cause that provided the sweetest music for the Red Devils faithful.

“I have enjoyed playing for this club for five years and I want to keep going like that,” he said.

“Sometimes in the past I have thought about other clubs but I took a decision to stay because this is the right place for me.

“It is not just about the club. It is the people, the players and the supporters. You have everything here.

“No-one knows the future but only when the club says they don’t want me will I leave.”

At one point, in the aftermath of England’s stormy exit from the World Cup, Ronaldo’s departure seemed certain.

Condemned from many sides for his over-zealous, and successful, attempt to get Wayne Rooney sent off during the quarter-final clash, Ronaldo confirmed on more than one occasion that he would never return to United.

In the end though, a combination of his trusted advisor Jorge Menges, Ferguson and his assistant Carlos Queiroz, plus Gill persuaded Ronaldo to remain where he was.

“Everybody makes mistakes,” he said.

“When you are growing up you do bad things. When your head is full straight after a game, you say things you don’t really want to say.

“My relationship with Wayne Rooney has always been great. It was before the World Cup and remained so after it. I am more mature as well, so I feel great.”

The outstanding young duo are united in a common cause now, spearheading Ferguson’s quest for more honours before he finally calls time on his illustrious Old Trafford reign.

Although a shared language means his relationship with Queiroz is possibly closer than with his manager, Ronaldo has nothing but praise for the influence Ferguson has had on his career.

“I am at this club because of Alex Ferguson,” he said.

“He is the one who gives me the confidence to play.”

His name is virtually certain to be on the short-list for the Fifpro World Player of the Year when it is unveiled on Monday and he is also bound to be under heavy consideration for the prestigious European and FIFA world awards later in the year.

The brilliance of AC Milan’s Kaka may ensure Ronaldo misses out this time around but it seems only a matter of time before his immense talent receives an ultimate individual honour.