Ronaldo transfer saga is 'finished', Ferguson says

Published on Tuesday 5 August 2008 16:32

MANCHESTER United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has stated that the transfer saga involving Cristiano Ronaldo is "closed" and the winger will remain at the club.

The Portugal international is under contract at Old Trafford until 2012 but has been publicly courted by Spanish giants Real Madrid and the player appeared to be keen on a move.

Ferguson though insists that Ronaldo, who underwent ankle surgery earlier this summer and is not expected to return to action until October, will stay at Old Trafford.

He said on Sky Sports News: "The matter is closed now. He (Ronaldo) is a Manchester United player – it's finished. He'll be playing here next season believe me. It's finished."

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has also hinted their pursuit of Ronaldo may now be brought to an end after he revealed new arrival Rafael van der Vaart is their only likely purchase this summer.

"Rafael van der Vaart is the first and possibly the only signing of the summer for Real Madrid," Calderon said.

"We believe that this squad is full of quality, of plenty of talent. It's a team which is a great family, very close.

"We said that the new arrivals would be few but of great quality. That seemed logical after two successful seasons in which we've brought in 19 young, promising players.

"This (the low number of signings) was a request of the board of directors."

Van der Vaart himself was asked to comment on the possible arrival of United star Ronaldo, but was reluctant to respond.

"Ronaldo is a fantastic player, one of the best in the world," he added.

"If he came it would be great, of course. But out of respect I can't say anything more about this matter."