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Ferguson sees long-term future for Ronaldo at United

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09/08/2008 03:16

By Pete Oliver

MANCHESTER (Reuters) - Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson believes Cristiano Ronaldo has a long-term future at Old Trafford.

After a summer of speculation concerning a possible move to Real Madrid, the Portugal winger confirmed on Wednesday that he would stay at United for at least the coming season.

Ferguson is confident, however, that Ronaldo will remain committed to the Premier League and Champions League winners for longer and is keen to extend the 23-year-old’s contract at some stage.

"He has explained himself perfectly from my perspective and the matter is closed," Ferguson told a news conference on Friday.

"He is a Manchester United player. He’s happy to be a Manchester United player and he’s always been happy here. It’s just the unfortunate participation of Real Madrid in the boy’s life that has made it difficult for him.

"The important thing is that we have ended all this stuff about Real Madrid and he will, as he gets older, appreciate being here more and more because that happens with players. The longer they stay here, they never want to leave."

Ronaldo reportedly said in an interview with Portuguese newspaper Publico that while he would continue to play for United with his heart and soul, he retained an ambition to play for Real in the future.

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"It’s unusual for anyone to really want to leave United and I think that Cristiano realises that," Ferguson said. "We had a good meeting in Portugal. We clarified a lot of things and that’s why I was confident everything was going to be all right.

"I think they (Real) now know they are dealing with a different animal and I think Cristiano will settle down and enjoy his career here.

"He has got four years (left) on his contract and hopefully at some point we would like to extend it."

Ronaldo, whose 42 goals last season made a big contribution to United’s double success, has returned to Manchester following time off and an operation on ankle injury but will not be fit to return to action for more than a month.

Wayne Rooney (virus) and Owen Hargreaves (knee) will also miss Sunday’s Community Shield game against FA Cup winners Portsmouth at Wembley.

However, Ferguson believes Rooney could be fit for the opening game of United’s title defence against Newcastle a week on Sunday after the England international resumed training on Friday.

(Editing by Clare Fallon)