Rio - Ronaldo will stay

Defender backs Portuguese wizard to remain at Old Trafford

By Steve Pass   Last updated: 9th June 2008

Rio - Ronaldo will stay

Ferdinand: Wants Ronaldo stay

I saw an interview with the manager the other day and I think we only really sell players that we want to sell and I wouldn't put Ronnie in that category.

Rio Ferdinand
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Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes Cristiano Ronaldo will stay at Old Trafford next season.

The England defender's comments come amid increasing speculation that the Portuguese wizard could be leaving Old Trafford for Real Madrid after the Euro 2008 finals.

But Ferdinand hopes the player - whom he described as the best in the world for the past 18 months - will stay at the Red Devils and help to create history.

But, ultimately, he will back boss Sir Alex Ferguson's decision on the matter.

Speaking in a Sky Sports News TV exclusive from a charity visit to Nigeria, he said he would love to see Ronaldo repeat what he has done this season next term.

Not selling

Asked if he was worried that Ronaldo might leave, he replied: "Not really - I don't think Manchester United are noted as a selling club really.

"I saw an interview with the manager the other day and I think we only really sell players that we want to sell and I wouldn't put Ronnie in that category.

"At the end of the day he is a Man United player and long may that continue," he said, adding he thought it was imperative that the club keeps him.

"I want him to be my team-mate because he is a fantastic footballer and that means we are going to be that bit more successful if we have got him in our ranks.

"As I said, I would love him to stay but I am not the man who makes the decisions at the club.

"So we are just like the fans really, we read the papers and listen to the TV and stuff and we'll watch this space but I'm sure he will be a Man United player next season."

History

After winning the Premier League and UEFA Champions League double last season, Ferdinand added: "You want to be part of history, especially at this club. To be part of a team that goes on to be successful and wins trophy after trophy would be fantastic and that is the aim - every footballer wants to be successful and win trophies, so me personally on that level, I wouldn't want to leave a winning formula."

He conceded that "Ronnie's his own man", but added: "The lads at the club really enjoy playing with him and having him around the squad - so long may that continue."

Whatever the outcome, Ferdinand said the players would be 100 per cent behind boss Ferguson.

He said: "The manager is first-class in these situations and he's had massive decisions to make in the past.

"I'll be honest with you, whatever the manager goes with I think the players will be standing 100 per cent behind him because his experience is telling obviously and when he makes a decision, invariably they are on the button so whatever he makes his mind up with, we are there behind him."