Rio - No Ronaldo grudges

Ferdinand expects winger to stay at Old Trafford

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 22nd July 2008

Football Manchester United Pre Season Training Rio Ferdinand

Ferdinand: Praise for Ronaldo

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Rio Ferdinand is ready to welcome Cristiano Ronaldo back into the Manchester United fold after a summer of transfer speculation.

Real Madrid's pursuit of the Portuguese winger and United's battle to keep him has been the major story of the last couple of months.

Ferdinand accepts that the whole saga has overshadowed what should have been a time spent basking in the glory of last season's success.

However, Ferdinand insists there are no grudges and says every player at Old Trafford will be happy to see Ronaldo return.

The England defender is also confident that United will keep their star player, who scored 31 goals in the Premier League last season.

"This summer, given the season we've just had, should have been a time to think about our achievements," Ferdinand told the Sunday Mirror.

"In the end that became impossible because of the stuff going on with Cristiano.

He added: "The players can't wait to see him back. There won't be any problems between Cristiano and the rest of the squad because we have always stood by what Sir Alex Ferguson has said all along - Cristiano will be a United player next season.

"Cristiano is a great guy. He never has any problems with anyone in the squad and I'm sure that will be the same when he comes back through the door."

High standards

Ferdinand is also hoping to build on the achievements of last term, when United were crowned domestic and European champions.

"Our goals are the same as they were last year - to win everything we play for," he explained.

"Winning the Premier League and the Champions League was unbelievable but it changes nothing.

"We have set our standards high and we want to improve those standards every single year."