Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo has agreed terms on a new five-year contract at Manchester United, the club announced on Friday on its official website.
The deal will mean that 22-year-old Ronaldo, one of the most exciting talents in world football, will stay at Old Trafford until at least June 2010.
”It is fantastic news,” said United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. ”It emphasises the point that Cristiano is happy here and that he is at the right club. He has a great relationship with the team, staff and the fans, and he will go on to be one of Manchester United’s great players.”
The announcement ended months of speculation that Ronaldo could be on his way out of England at the end of the season, with Spanish giants Real Madrid cited among the suitors.
”I am delighted,” said Ronaldo of his new contract. ”I spoke with Sir Alex and [club chairperson] David Gill about my future and everyone knew that I wanted to stay. I am very happy at the club and I want to win trophies and hopefully we will do that this season.”
Ronaldo, who joined United as a teenager from Sporting Lisbon in 2003 for €17,6-million, has been a key element in a season in which United sit atop the English Premiership, are in the semifinals of the Champions League for the first time since 2002 and through to the semifinals of the English FA Cup.
He scored two goals at Old Trafford on Tuesday in the 7-1 crushing of AS Roma in the last eight of the Champions League.
Ronaldo has also played a starring role for Portugal, with whom he has already appeared 46 times, appearing notably in the 2004 Euro finals at home and last year’s World Cup finals in Germany.
Teammate Ryan Giggs was full of praise for his fellow forward’s contribution at Manchester United.
”I don’t believe there is anyone who could rival him as being the best player in the world,” the Welshman said. ”For someone in his position, and of his age, to be as consistent as he has been, is remarkable. His performances have been brilliant. To secure his future for the next five years is great news for everyone.” — Sapa-AFP