Ruud expects Ronaldo arrival

Dutchman believes winger will join Real

Last updated: 8th October 2008

Ruud van Nistelrooy Real Madrid

Van Nistelrooy: Hopeful on Ronaldo

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Ruud van Nistelrooy believes Cristiano Ronaldo will one day join Real Madrid.

Manchester United allowed Van Nistelrooy to make the move to the Bernabeu in 2006 but they fought hard to keep Ronaldo this summer.

Real had been determined to capture the Portuguese winger but United were adamant they would not sell.

Ronaldo has a long-term contract at Old Trafford and United are unlikely to change their stance in the foreseeable future.

However, Van Nistelrooy expects to be reunited with his former team-mate, perhaps even at the end of the current campaign.

"One day Ronaldo will join us," the Dutchman told Marca.

"This could happen next summer, or the one after."

Meanwhile, Van Nistelrooy has set his sights on success in the UEFA Champions League with Real.

The 32-year-old has yet to win the competition in his career but he feels Real are strong enough to be crowned European champions.

"Winning it one day is my dream," he said. "And Real Madrid can do it with all their great players."