Ronaldo shrugs off transfer speculation

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo has made it clear his future career path is up to him and claimed he would not be swayed by the speculation surrounding a possible move to Real Madrid.

Since United beat Chelsea in Moscow on Wednesday to claim their third European Champions League title, media in England and Spain have been constantly linking the 23-year star player, who scored 42 times for Manchester in all competitions last season, with Real.

Ronaldo is no stranger to transfer rumours and reports had suggested he might leave Old Trafford two years ago following his spat with team-mate Wayne Rooney who was sent off while playing for England against Portugal at the 2006 World Cup.

And Ronaldo, who has now joined up with the rest of the Portugal squad at their training camp where they are preparing for Euro 2008, claims he will take it in his stride once again.

“What the press speculate about goes over my head,” Ronaldo said. “I have already been used to it for the past two years.

“I am calm. Everything's clear and I will repeat it once again so that the whole world understands: there will be news in two or three weeks.

“At the moment I am here, I am going to give my best and do the best possible in the European Championships.”

Ronaldo was still full of smiles following United's success on Wednesday, which saw them triumph 6-5 on penalties over Chelsea who they also beat to the Premier League title.

The winger, United's regular penalty-taker, saw his spot-kick saved to leave his side on the brink of defeat, but potential heartbreak turned to relief as John Terry and Nicolas Anelka missed to see United emerge triumphant.

“Football is like that, goalscorers can miss,” he added. “I have already scored decisive goals and this time it was my team-mates who marked their card and scored.

“But the trophy is in the bag and it doesn't interest me to speak about what happened.”

Ronaldo scored United's only goal of the final, bringing his tally to 42 this season in what has been spectacular campaign for him personally – which also saw him take George Best's mantle as the most prolific midfielder in the club's history.

The winger also won the PFA and Football Writers' player of the year awards, but fell short in the World and European accolades, coming third behind Kaka and Lionel Messi.

Ronaldo feels he is not far off from being officially declared the best in the world but rejected the suggestion that a good Euro 2008 would be the decisive factor.

“I had a great season,” Ronaldo continued. “I was the top goalscorer in England, Europe and the Champions League.

“I think that I have nothing left to prove, but I always want to do well and do my best for myself.

“I am going to try to do things well and give my best, to do everything for a good European Championships.

“Now it depends on all of us. Our unity is going to make the difference. If we remain united I think we will go far.

“We'll have to see if I manage to score as much as I have done for Manchester United.

“I hope so. I can't promise anything apart from that I will work for this.”