Disappointed Schuster respects Ronaldo's decision

Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster believes it is a “shame” that Cristiano Ronaldo has decided to stay in England, but has urged his club to put the matter behind them and focus on the squad already in place.

The Spanish champions have been involved in a persistent and very public pursuit of Manchester United star Ronaldo all summer.

At one point United even reported Real to FIFA, such was their annoyance with officials at the Bernabeu.

However, the affair came to an end on Wednesday with Ronaldo announcing he is set to stay with the Premier League and European Champions for one more season at least.

“You have to respect his decision,” admitted Schuster.

“He was free to do what he wanted and it’s a shame that he isn’t coming to us because he’s a player who would really have improved this great group.

“But hey, it doesn’t matter. We’ve got a great group to get started on an important league campaign and fight for all the objectives we’ve set.

“It’s a decision we have to accept.”