Out for a little shopping

Neville hate to play against Cristiano

Gary Neville admits he would hate to play against Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo. The pair combined in clinical fashion last night as the Red Devils ended a near three-year away drought in the Champions League to defeat Benfica 1-0 and put themselves on the brink of qualification for the knockout phase with four games to spare.

It was certainly a very different experience to the one United endured in the Stadium of Light last season - when defeat heralded an embarrassingly early European exit.

After an awful performance then, Ronaldo delivered a 'one-fingered salute' to the home fans, who had jeered him throughout because of his previous affiliation to Sporting Lisbon.

A similar gesture from the 21-year-old last night would purely have been to signify the margin of victory - because this time, Ronaldo rose above the abuse to deliver a mature performance which deserved man-of-the-match honours.

In sharp contrast to the troubles which seem to be affecting Wayne Rooney, Ronaldo is thriving spectacularly this term - showing all the confidence and maturity Sir Alex Ferguson predicted when the new campaign first got under way.
With Neville confidently expecting the Madeira-born star to become one of the world's best, the United captain is just happy not to have to face him on a regular basis.

"If Cristiano does not go on to become the player he should there is something wrong," said Neville. "He has incredible talent, and I would hate to play against him.He is so unpredictable - and even though he didn't score against Benfica, his constant running took the pressure off our defence."

By the final whistle, even the home fans had realised the futility of their barracking - as Premiership supporters have started to do on the domestic front.

The abuse Ronaldo has received for his part in England's World Cup downfall seems only to have spurred him on, just as it did Neville's close friend David Beckham when he returned from France as public enemy number one in 1998.

"Cristiano will always fight back and he is at the right club to do it," said the veteran England defender."Manchester United fans have always rallied round their own - and if you asked them, even the supporters who have been giving him stick at away grounds would accept he is the kind of player they want to see."

"He has had his difficulties, but you have to remember how young he is. To leave home and come to England at 18 must be extremely hard. It is not something I would liked to have done. Yet he has come through that experience, and some of his performances this season have been absolutely fantastic."

Boo-boys don't bother me

Cristiano Ronaldo insists he will not allow the taunts of rival fans to put him off his game. Jeered at every Premiership away ground this season after helping dump England out of the World Cup, the Manchester United winger suffered even more baiting at the Stadium of Light last night.

Yet the jibes of the Benfica fans towards the former Sporting Lisbon star came back to haunt them as Ronaldo played a starring role in United's 1-0 Champions League triumph. And the 21-year-old, who suffered a personal nightmare on his last visit to the stadium 12 months ago, remains totally unconcerned at the abuse being directed towards him.

"The protests of the supporters when I get the ball don't mean anything to me," he said. "I am used to it now anyway because it happens in England and really, it makes no difference. This win was not about revenge for me. I just wanted to win to show we are a good team."

Ferguson praise for Ronaldo

Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portugal winger returned home and produced a man-of-the-match display against Benfica at the Stadium of Light.

Twelve months after he left the same stadium in disgrace after an ill-advised gesture, Ronaldo this time became Benfica's tormentor in chief as Manchester United recorded their first away win in the competition for three years.

Silencing the jeers of the home support, the 21-year-old set up Louis Saha for the visitors' winner on the hour and threatened a second throughout the latter stages as the Red Devils cemented their position at the head of Group F.

"Cristiano has been fantastic all season," said Ferguson. "He has taken a lot of criticism from the public but he has risen above it. He has not let it affect him and that shows great courage. "He is showing a maturity which belies his age. He is only 21, but young players have to get through periods like this."

Although Ronaldo has been jeered at every Premiership away ground this season, the former Sporting Lisbon star is unlikely to face the kind of intense barracking he received at the home of what once were his fiercest rivals. "Who he played for in the past has obviously had something to do with the reaction of the crowd tonight," Fergie continued.

"But the next time he comes to Portugal to play for his country they will probably be kissing his feet."
Ferguson also saved special praise for Saha, who now has three goals in Europe this season and is quickly ending the doubt over his ability to replace free-scoring Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy. "Louis has everything," added the Scot.

"He is quick and brave and gets so many assists. "When he puts all parts of his game together he is an excellent player and now he is on a great goal-scoring run as well." Although they were unconvincing for long periods, United's victory has put them in pole position to advance into the knockout phase.

Ferguson's men now have a five-point cushion over Benfica and FC Copenhagen, who visit Old Trafford in three weeks knowing they need a victory to put pressure on the Premiership giants. "Copenhagen need to win, so they will have to come out and play against us," said the United boss.

"Benfica now have to play Celtic twice as well and while we do not know what will happen there we know we can put ourselves in a great position if we keep our concentration and defend properly." The only downside of the victory for the Red DEvils was the failure of Wayne Rooney to end a barren streak in Europe that now extends to 11 games.

In fairness, the 20-year-old striker was hardly helped by being stationed on the left-hand side of midfield as United looked to nullify Benfica's threat. "We defended well and while that might be anti-Manchester United to think that way, it is not a crime," said Ferguson. "We probably gave the ball away a bit too much in the first half and didn't open them up enough from midfield. But our counterattacking was excellent. Cristiano's pace means he is always an outlet and Louis took his chance really well."

Ronaldo shines while Rooney stutters for United

Cristiano Ronaldo showed his fast growing maturity in a fine performance in Manchester United's 1-0 away win over Benfica in the Champions League. The young Portuguese international had a part in Louis Saha's winning goal on Tuesday night that put United firmly in command of Group F with two wins from two games.

Manager Alex Ferguson praised Ronaldo as United's best player this season and for the way he has dealt with abuse from fans, in Britain and abroad. Ronaldo's every touch on Tuesday was jeered by Benfica supporters who associate the winger with his first club Sporting, their great Lisbon rivals. "Ronaldo has been fantastic all season," Ferguson said.

"The boy has had to endure a lot of public criticism and has risen above it with great courage. Next time Portugal play those people will be kissing his feet," he was quoted as saying in British newspapers on Wednesday.

Ronaldo was also the butt of the British media and fans for his alleged part in getting United team mate Wayne Rooney sent off when Portugal met England in the World Cup quarter-finals.

The pair made up back in England and Ronaldo's performances in the Premier League where United won their first four matches and have taken 13 points from six, have largely managed to keep rival fans quiet.

United great Bobby Charlton said: "(Ronaldo) has put that behind him, he doesn't worry about it at all. He's shaken hands with Wayne Rooney, he's apologised and you move on. Charlton told Sky Sports the jeering would continue but Ronaldo "...seems to thrive on it, it gives him a challenge of trying to keep them quiet and he does that by scoring goals."

Ronaldo had been expected to suffer from the criticism while Rooney, following a frustrating World Cup, made a blistering start to the season.

But Rooney's three-match suspension for both United and England knocked the momentum out of him. He has lost his touch and confidence since returning from the bans and he made little impact at Benfica's Luz stadium.

C.Ronaldo : I'll show them

CRISTIANO RONALDO has vowed to take revenge on Benfica supporters tonight and prove he has the mental strength to cope with their torrent of abuse.He was mercilessly taunted by home fans at the Stadium of Light last year when Manchester United lost 2-1 and crashed out of the Champions League at the group stage.

The Portugal winger reacted with a one-fingered gesture, earning a one-game ban. He said: "I know how much this competition means to United, so I want to make sure I win the European Cup for them."

The 21-year-old has already proved his toughness in the Premiership by defying the jeers with superb displays - and aims to do the same in Lisbon. "I want to show them how much this club means to me and how much the fans mean to me," he added.

He can expect another tough night in front of a Benfica crowd who targeted him because he played for their hated rivals, Sporting Lisbon.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, impressed by the way Ronaldo conducted himself in England amid the backlash from Wayne Rooney's World Cup red card, was unconcerned. He said: "I haven't spoken to Ronaldo, I don't need to." "He's intelligent, he's growing up terrifically."

Queiroz: Ronaldo can be world's best

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo can become the finest player in the world, according to the club's assistant manager Carlos Queiroz.

"I am always trying to create in him that special ambition and desire to compete, to be not one of the best players in the world but the best player in the world because he can do it. He can be the best player in the world," Queiroz told reporters.

"We have a couple of players here that can have that possibility if they learn from the game and learn from life and create the right harmony and the right balance between how they play, the things they say, the friends they have and everything around the game."

"It is part of our job to help them to come to the right decisions either on or off the pitch," Queiroz added.

"And I must say as a compliment to him (Ronaldo) that he has grown up and matured fantastically in the last few months, especially after the World Cup."

Ronaldo's future at Old Trafford was thought to be in the balance after he helped Portugal knock England out of the FIFA World Cup at the quarter-final stage in Germany this year.

Best football
His part in the sending off of England forward and United team mate Wayne Rooney and a link with Real Madrid suggested Ronaldo's three-year stay in England might be coming to an end.

But with Queiroz working closely with his fellow Portugese on his return to pre-season training, United were adamant the 21-year-old would not leave and believe he is now playing some of the best football of his career at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo, who scored the equaliser in a 1-1 Premier League draw at Reading on Saturday, now faces a return to Portgual for next Tuesday's Champions League clash away to Benfica.

Defeat by the Lisbon side last season saw United finish bottom of their group and Ronaldo's angry gesture to supporters when he left the field at the Stadium of Light in December cost him a one-match European ban.

Queiroz believes the winger has learned his lesson from that incident and expects a more positive outcome when the teams meet again with United looking to extend their lead at the top of Group F.

"He was punished at Benfica so it will be a great opportunity for him to reverse what happened last season and leave Benfica's stadium correcting what happened a year ago," Queiroz said.

C.Ronaldo saved United

Cristiano Ronaldo salvaged a point for Manchester United and denied Reading an historic win at the Madejski Stadium.

Ronaldo cut inside from the left to unleash a shot across Marcus Hahnemann to spare United's blushes. Kevin Doyle earlier fired Reading ahead from the penalty spot after referee Peter Walton ruled Gary Neville handled Seol Ki-Hyeon's cross. United had chances to steal the points, with Kieran Richardson missing his kick in front of goal.

Gabriel Heinze lined up for the first time in over a year in a Manchester United team that showed five changes from that beaten by Arsenal. They almost snatched an early lead as Wayne Rooney's shot on the turn proved too hot for Hahnemann to hold and Graeme Murty just got to the loose ball ahead of the prowling Richardson.

By his own admission, Rooney is yet to find his touch this season and that was evident as Ronaldo's cute pass found him in space inside the box but the England striker's underhit shot proved little trouble for Hahneman. Hahnemann continued to give the impression he wore non-stick gloves as he spilled Ronaldo's free-kick and Ivar Ingimarsson's clearance bailed him out.

In contrast, Van der Sar's handling was clean as a whistle as he went down to clutch Ki-Hyeon's powerful low drive with Leroy Lita lurking in vain for scraps.

United, though, always carried more menace and when Ronaldo got to the dead-ball line he fired across the face of goal with Paul Scholes just failing to make contact. Reading, defending a 100% home record, worked like Trojans to deny United space on the flanks and the lack of width forced the visitors to try and pick their way through the middle where Reading always ensured there was congestion. Reading went ahead soon after the restart in controversial circumstances.

Referee Walton ruled Neville controlled Ki-Hyeon's cross with his upper arm, a decision replays suggested might have been harsh to say the least. Van der Sar guessed right and got a hand to Doyle's penalty but was unable to keep it out as the Irish striker claimed his fourth goal of the season.

Reading were not content to sit on their lead and the mobility of Lita and Doyle along United's back line kept them stretched. Richardson completely missed his kick in front of goal from Rooney's cross, and he was instantly replaced by Saha as Sir Alex Ferguson looked to give Rooney more support.

United needed something inspirational to crack Reading's resistance and they got it from Ronaldo who collected the ball wide on the left, weaved his way inside Murty and fired an angled shot across Hahnemann. The goal changed the face of the game, and United poured forward in search of a winner, but Reading continued to defend heroically, and held out for a deserved point.

Split with Merche Romero

Controversial football star Cristiano Ronaldo has moved to a new hideaway after his old home was attacked. Yobs smashed a window at the house in Woodford, near Manchester, in an apparent revenge attack for the World Cup incident when he appeared to urge the referee to send off Wayne Rooney.

After the attack, first revealed by the Sunday Mirror, a source said: "Cristiano was deeply upset by the attack on his home."

Last week the 21-year old Portuguese winger, who has pledged his future to Manchester United until 2010, moved to a multi-million-pound mansion in an upmarket area of Cheshire. He has ordered extra security measures for the luxury pad.

Ronaldo split with his girlfriend, Portuguese TV host Merche Romero, 30, after the World Cup, and a pal said: "The old house had lots of memories, so for both those reasons, this is a fresh start for him."

Ferdinand praises courage Pal Ronaldo

Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo over the way he has bounced back at Old Trafford this season.

Ferdinand said: "The kid has been through so much in a year. His father died, he had a rape accusation against him that was shown to be rubbish.

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"He had plenty of tribulations before the World Cup and that proved to be just another chapter.

"But I know Ronaldo can be a key figure in a United team that wins trophies. I see the way he is playing now and I notice he has matured over the summer.

"He has looked at himself and I think now you are seeing a player whose end product is so much better now. Like Wayne Rooney, he is a magic player who can win a game on his own."

There was a time however when he feared Ronaldo might be lost to the club as the player openly spoke about going to Real Madrid.

Then Ferdinand had to help act as peacemaker when Ronaldo was involved in Rooney's World Cup red card against Portugal.

He said: "I spoke to Cristiano straight after that game and asked him what went on. He told me he did not ask for Wayne to be sent off.

"I told him to make sure he spoke to Wayne straight away and he agreed. Wayne was the same. They got in touch and there was no animosity. At one point I feared Cristiano was going to go this summer. But Man U are not going to let one of their best players go."

Sir Ferguson refused blame C.Ronaldo

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has refused to point the finger at winger Cristiano Ronaldo following his mistake which lead to Arsenal’s only goal in the 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford.

"These things happen," said Ferguson. "Cristiano is always tries to beat men, that is what makes him such an exciting player and a threat to every defence in the country. "He did lose the ball but we didn't regroup quickly enough and it cost us a goal."

At the meantime, former Manchester United captain Roy Keane says Cristiano Ronaldo shouldn't be criticised for his role in Arsenal's winner yesterday. "Cristiano will be criticised but I would always give him the benefit of the doubt," said the Irishman, who watched proceedings unfold from the safety of the Sky TV box. "Fabregas was outstanding for the goal but I would have liked to have seen a few more tackles going in on him earlier in the game."

Ronaldo: Reds in hunt for CL trophy

Wing wizard Cristiano Ronaldo insists Manchester United are capable of winning the Champions League this season.Even though Ronaldo was suspended, the Red Devils got their latest tilt at European glory off to a flying start with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Celtic on Wednesday.

United now head to Benfica - where Ronaldo earned his ban for gesturing at the home support as his team exited last term's competition at the group phase - knowing victory will put them in pole position to reach the last 16.
And once Ronaldo and his team-mates have taken their place in the latter stages, the Portugal winger sees no reason why they cannot emulate the heroes of 1968 and 1999 by bringing the trophy back to Old Trafford for a third time.
"Why not?" he said. "This is a big club. Every year we have the chance to win it and hopefully this time we will.

"What happened last season is in the past. You have to think about the moment. We are doing very well just now and we have to keep it going."
It is a major surprise to most pundits that Ronaldo is still at United given the 21-year-old's public claims of a desire to complete a move to Real Madrid during the summer.

Although he has been jeered by opposition supporters consistently since his return to England after playing a major part in their World Cup demise, Ronaldo's form has been excellent.

And after his brief break in midweek he is ready to tackle Arsenal on Sunday.
The United camp are only too aware they will open up a 13-point lead on the Gunners should they record a fifth straight Premiership win. However, despite the loss of Ashley Cole and Jose Antonio Reyes during the summer and three below-par displays so far this term, Ronaldo knows nothing can be taken for granted.

"It is a classic match and you never know what can happen in them," he said. "Arsenal are a great team with some excellent players. But all we can do is think about ourselves. "Our form is good at the moment and we need to produce the same kind of performance on Sunday."

C.Ronaldo Return

Cristiano Ronaldo will return to the Manchester United starting line-up as they look to extend their winning start to the Premiership season against Arsenal on Sunday.
Ronaldo sat out the midweek Champions League triumph over Celtic through suspension but with Ryan Giggs ruled out for a month with a hamstring strain, the Portugal winger will be offered an immediate recall.

Suspended for Champions League Opening Match

Cristiano Ronaldo is suspended for the first day of Champions League, he is one of the 12 players who will not be able to represent his team because he has to fullfill a one game suspension in the first day of the phase of groups, that pulls out this tuesday.

The Portuguese player of the Manchester United goes to fulfill the suspension game that was applied by the UEFA because of the gesture during the game against Benfica in the defeat that dictated the elimination of Manchester united, in the last day of the phase of groups of the last season. So, Ronaldo will not confrot the Celtic this Wednesday.

Ronaldo rocket lets Giggs finish

Manchester United maintained their perfect start to the season with a far from perfect performance against Tottenham at Old Trafford on Saturday. Ryan Giggs' headed goal after nine minutes proved enough to give United all three points, and a maximum twelve after four games.

But the performance was not at all classic United, as they struggled to break down a stubborn Spurs defence.Indeed, the goal stemmed from a goalkeeping error from Paul Robinson, who found a fiercely struck Cristiano Ronaldo free kick too hot to handle, spilling the ball in the path of the ever-aware Giggs to nod home off the underside of the bar.

In fairness to Robinson, the early evening sun was low in the sky and glaring directly into the England goalkeeper's face, but his manager Martin Jol would not have been happy to have conceded such a cheap goal.Spurs did create chances to equalise, but in a game of all-round poor finishing, it was not meant to be and the north Londoners travelled home empty handed.

NO COMPLAINTS
For United, there will not be too many complaints about getting all three points in the bag, but as manager Alex Ferguson knows, under-par performances such as this are all part and parcel of a championship winning season.United started well, with the effervescent Ronaldo forcing Robinson into early action with a left footed curler moments before the goal went in, but the home side as an attacking threat were rarely seen throughout the match.

Spurs could have gone into the dressing room at half time on level terms, but Edgar Davids decided to pick out Michael Dawson with a cute chipped ball through, instead of someone more attack-minded. The defender tried to lob the onrushing Edwin van der Sar, but the Dutchman's considerable height proved too much and Dawson saw his effort saved.

LACK OF CHANCES

Chances of real note were few and far between, but two fell to Spurs in the second half, and the visitors know they should have done better.Fresh from international duty, Jermain Defoe first had a gilt-edged opportunity to bury a header in the back of the net, but he could only get a shoulder on the cross and the ball ballooned over the bar.

Then, on 78 minutes, the returning Mido, usually so deadly with his head, weakly headed into the ground straight at van der Sar.And with that, Spurs' chances of getting anything from the game evaporated, leaving the majority of the 75,000 - a Premiership record - who crammed into Old Trafford to return home with a smile of their faces.

Ten-Men Portugal Gets a Draw

Ten-man Portugal held on for a point in Helsinki as they came from behind to force a draw against Finland in their UEFA EURO 2008™ Group A qualifier.

Finland press
Finland had a dream start against the 2006 FIFA World Cup semi-finalists, dominating for much of the first half, with Sami Hyypiä heading just wide from a corner by Jari Litmanen early on. The Liverpool FC centre-back did hit the target 60 seconds later, however, forcing an impressive save from Ricardo in Portugal's goal.

Kolkka opener
Finnish pressure soon told when Jonatan Johansson received a pass from Joonas Kolkka on 22 minutes and fired beyond Ricardo. Portugal responded well, with Cristiano Ronaldo going close with two shots in quick succession and though Finland, who beat Poland on Saturday, still had the upper hand, the visitors equalised just before the break as Deco's pass found Nuno Gomes, who finished clinically.

Portugal punished
Portugal rallied after half-time, with Ronaldo and Deco causing problems for Finland, but any hopes the visitors had of picking up three points were dealt a significant blow eight minutes after the restart when Ricardo Costa collected a second yellow card. The hosts looked to capitalise and began pressing, with Johansson demanding another great stop from Ricardo on the hour. Portugal threatened briefly on the counterattack, but were vulnerable at the back and Litmanen was unlucky not to find the target from a free-kick as Finland had to settle for a draw.

The draw ended up as being a good result for this Euro'2008 kick-off qualifying round (Group A), proceeding on October 7th when Portugal will host Azerbaijan and four days later travelling to Poland.

C.Ronaldo : Good Result
"The team is quite well, we must congratulate ourselves. This is the beginning of the season, a period in which players are not yet 100% fit, thus this is a good result. We knew Finland would be playing behind the ball line, which is always complicated. It’s difficult to play against a team that puts eight players back there, not only for me but for all my team mates, but Portugal did well and the draw is a good result. Before Ricardo being sent off we had more ball possession.

• About the sent off that could be avoided

A lot of things could have been avoided… But that's football, and we all, including Ricardo, must congratulate ourselves for the result."

YDreams Brings Cristiano Ronaldo’s Magic Skills to the World of Mobile Gaming

Rising star Cristiano Ronaldo is used to conquering the best defenses in the world, yet nothing has prepared him for his greatest challenge. In this battle, devious Skeletons are rising up from the pitch, Trolls are creating ice sheets and devilish looking Succubus’s are seducing him in the Underworld.

Cristiano Ronaldo Underworld Football, developed by YDreams Entertainment in association with Gestifute, is the latest action-packed game for mobile phones where gamers take command of the footballer’s extraordinary skills and dribble their way through opposing teams of supernatural creatures.

The setting is a sporting realm of demons, monsters and magical creatures, where you must score and failure is not an option.

In charge of the human team, Ronaldo will have to skillfully employ his talents in order to defeat the unscrupulous hoards of skeletons, ogres and ice trolls that make up the opposing team. As if this wasn’t enough, the Portuguese winger must remain immune to their special powers and overall disregard for fair-play.

Cristiano Ronaldo Underworld Football is the next gaming title being published by YDreams Entertainment, a well established game developer for mobile devices that uses cutting-edge technology, such as innovative graphics, location based real-time features and image recognition for overall game enhancement.

The Portuguese international footballer’s worldwide appeal, coupled with the game’s amazing Java graphics and smooth game play are bound to make this title a major international success. The game is currently in its final development stages and will be released by the end of this year.

Miss the Penalty

Denmark has stunned World Cup semi-finalists Portugal winning 4-2 in a friendly international played on Friday night in Brondby, Denmark.

Martin Jorgensen was the star for the Danes setting up two goals before scoring one himself to sink the highly ranked Portuguese.

The game, set down as a warm-up for the Euro 2008 qualifiers which begin next week, started in dynamic fashion with three goals in the opening 20 minutes.

Jon Dahl Tomasson opened the scoring for Demark in the 14th minute when Jorgensen put a great trough ball for Dennis Rommedahl to set up Tomasson who produced a clinic finish.

Portugal's Ricardo Carvalho equalised just two minutes later when he smashed the ball into the roof of the net after a goal-mouth scramble.

Thomas Kahlenberg restored Denmark's lead after 21 minutes by firing under goalkeeper Ricardo Pereira after Jorgensen had again shown his magic by conjuring up a precise cross.

Portugal seemed certain to level just before the hour when it was awarded a penalty for a misjudged tackle in the penalty area. However, Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo saw his shot saved by Thomas Sorensen.

Carvalho restored Portuguese's hopes just five minutes later he popped up to score his second in the 65th.

Denmark retaliated strongly through Jorgensen who capped a fine display by firing home between Ricardo's legs before substitute Nicklas Bendtner wrapped up the win in added time.

Denmark travel to Iceland for their first Group F match on Wednesday and will take heart from Friday night's win to challenge favourites Spain and Sweden who are also in their group.

Portugal, who visit Finland in Group A also on Wednesday, are favourites to reach the finals with Serbia but will be pushed hard by Poland, Belgium and the Finns in a tough section.

C.Ronaldo: Why I Stayed at United

CRISTIANO RONALDO last night declared his ambition to become a Manchester United legend after finally breaking his silence over his decision to stay at Old Trafford.

The Portuguese winger has become a hate figure amongst Premiership fans for his part in getting England star Wayne Rooney sent off during the World Cup.

But in his first interview since then, Ronaldo insists that he would still do the same again to protect his country's "honour" and claims that he wants to emulate George Best and become a United "phenomenon".

It is a remarkable turnaround for Ronaldo, who said during the World Cup that he wanted to quit United for Spanish giants Real Madrid. He now says he would be happy to stay for life, adding: "When we are hot-headed, sometimes we say things we don't mean to, or, at least, that are not appropriate.

"I have been here since I was 18 years old, the club have supported me from the first to the last minute of my career, things have gone well. I have developed a lot in all aspects, physically as well as mentally, which has all been very gratifying for me."

And on becoming a United legend, he said: "It is an important phenomenon. To stay at the club until the end of my career...we will see what happens. "It is true that I said that one day I would like to play in Spain. But if that does not happen, it will not be a problem. I am at United and I feel very good. "This is one of the biggest clubs in the world. My ambition was always to play for a big club - and here I am. There is one thing I am sure of: Manchester United are the ideal club for me."

Despite the furore surrounding his World Cup antics, Ronaldo insists that he would always put his country before anything. Ronaldo's behaviour as Rooney was sent off - including the wink to his bench - made him public enemy No.1 in England.

Ronaldo admits that he received death threats and had extra security put on his house in Manchester, but insists that he never fell out with Rooney. "Most people think that I had a hassle with him, but that isn't true," said Ronaldo. "Throughout my career I have always defended, and in any circumstances, my country.

"It could be that my best friends play for other teams but, firstly, I will defend my country and my shirt. "Secondly, what actually happened was an absolutely normal thing, and I believe any player who was in my situation would have done the same thing. "And thirdly, I haven't had any problem with Wayne Rooney. He is my colleague and my friend, and we continue to get along fine."

Ronaldo also insists that United are capable of beating Chelsea to the Premiership title this season. He said: "I really hope so. This is now my fourth season at Manchester United - I hope we can do it this year. "The team are good enough, we are confident enough and we are playing very attractive football. I hope this can be our year. "Chelsea got beaten in their second Premiership match, which was good, but above all we have to be concerned about ourselves. "We have to play our game, to think week by week about being consistent and, if we can do that, Manchester United will have a great chance."

Still Happy

Cristiano Ronaldo insists he is "very happy" at Manchester United, despite criticism he received for his part in Wayne Rooney's World Cup red card. Ronaldo's future was in doubt after he pleaded for Rooney to be sent off in the quarter-final defeat to Portugal.

The 21-year-old was linked with a move to Real Madrid, but said: "Manchester United are the ideal club for me. "It is true that I said one day I would like to play in Spain. But if that doesn't happen, it won't be a problem." He added: "I still feel very happy."

Ronaldo has been a target for opposing fans, but said: "I knew I'd be whistled as soon as I put a foot on the pitch at Charlton, but I faced the game in a very calm way. "I won't give any importance to the whistles or the insults." The winger claims his reaction to Rooney's apparent stamp on Portugal team-mate Ricardo Carvalho in their win against England was "normal" and believes everyone puts club loyalties to one side when playing for their countries.

He said: "Throughout my career, I have always defended - in any circumstances - my country. "It could be that my best friends play for other teams, but firstly I will defend my country and my shirt. "Secondly, what happened was absolutely normal - and I think any player who was in the same situation would have done the same." Ronaldo insists the incident is now forgotten at United and has rubbished suggestions he is desperate for a move to Spain. He said: "It's true I'm moving, but I've moved house every year in Manchester."