Ronaldo: I'm Staying at United

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed he will remain at Manchester United for another season.

The Portugal winger has been linked with Real Madrid throughout the summer, with the Spanish club maintaining their interest even though United repeatedly stressed Ronaldo would not be sold. Ronaldo has hinted at a wish to move but has never publicly confirmed his intentions.

However, in an interview to be published in Portugal tomorrow, while repeating his previously stated desire to play for Real, Ronaldo has also confirmed he will stay with United for another season at least.

Ronaldo told Portuguese newspaper Publico: "Sir Alex Ferguson heard my arguments, I heard his and, in fact, it was settled that the best for both parties would be for me to stay. Therefore, I can confirm that, next season, I will play for Manchester United.

"Before rumors emerge saying that I will play against my will, I want to make this clear - whoever says or writes that is lying. I will play for Manchester with all my heart and soul. I will fight and honor that shirt with the same commitment and dedication as always."

Ronaldo has also taken the blame for the transfer saga, which lasted for several months and damaged United's relationship with Real.

He continued: "I was responsible for all this controversy. I was the one who publicly expressed my desire to go to Real Madrid. I ended up being, even involuntarily, responsible for the poor relationship between the two clubs."

But he repeated that his dream of playing for Real remains and has not closed the door on a future move to the Spanish giants.

He explained: "I knew Real Madrid were interested in signing me and that they had allegedly made a very high offer to Manchester United. My desire was, for some time, that Manchester had accepted my transfer to Madrid. Saying otherwise would be to trick people and my own consciousness."