Ronaldo signed a new contract with Real Madrid yesterday to end speculation linking him with a return to Manchester United. PHOTO: AFP
The Portuguese international has scored a remarkable 203 goals in 203 games since joining for a then world record €94 million from Manchester United back in 2009.
And he is hoping to continue that sensational form for the next five years.
“It is a privilege for me to continue with this club. It is just like my first day here,” he told a press conference.
“I am going to continue with the same spirit of sacrifice and give everything for the shirt. It is a special day for me, I want to thank the president for making this happen and the fans who continue to support me.
“Maybe I will stay here until the end of my career. This club is the biggest in the world and I am extremely happy.”
With Ronaldo’s previous deal set to expire in 2015, there had been strong speculation linking the 28-year-old with a return to Old Trafford, but he said United are very much in the past and that a verbal agreement had been in place for a new contract since the end of last season.
“The president gave me his word at the end of the season and I did to him too. It is something that I always wanted and the president also showed his feelings that he wanted me to stay.
“I will be honest. I was in Manchester for six years and they gave me many things that I will never forget, but United is now in the past.
“Now I am at home, my family is here and I am happy. I respect all the other clubs but my objectives are here and to play until possibly the end of my career.
“You never know what will happen in the future, but I want to be here for five more years and win things.”
Although Madrid did not give details of the contract extension, the deal is expected to make Ronaldo the world’s highest paid player with Spanish newspaper El Pais reporting that he will earn close to €20 million a season.
However, he claimed it was not money but the chance to lead Real to their 10th European Cup that was the decisive factor in his decision.
“Whether I am the best paid player in the world is not the most important thing. Money is obviously important, I am not going to lie, but it is not the priority.
“The priority is to be with the best club in the world. The president always tries to sign the best players and I feel included in that. This club has the capability to win more Champions Leagues, leagues and cups. It was not just a question of money.”
Real boss Ancelotti hails Bale attitude
Real coach Carlo Ancelotti hailed world record signing Gareth Bale’s attitude after the Welshman scored on his debut in the Spanish giants’ 2-2 draw with Villarreal.
Bale levelled for Real with a simple finish from close range just before half-time to cancel out Cani’s opener for the hosts.
Ronaldo then briefly put Real ahead before Giovani Dos Santos struck 21 minutes from time to ensure the spoils were shared.
“I think Bale is happy because he has scored for the first time which is very important for him,’ said Ancelotti. “It was a difficult game for all of us but he played well and showed a good attitude.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 16th, 2013.
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