Scolari - Ron dreams of Real

Ronaldo: Real link

It is his dream to play for Real Madrid and I am sure Cristiano will fulfil his dream whatever the difficulties.

Luiz Felipe Scolari.
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Luiz Felipe Scolari insists Manchester United will not be able to prevent Cristiano Ronaldo from joining Real Madrid.

The out-going Portugal coach, who will take charge of United's Premier League title rivals Chelsea on 1st July, knows the talented winger well from their time together with the international side.

Ronaldo's career at Manchester United could be coming to an end this summer with Real Madrid eager to secure his services.

The Red Devils insist that their star player is not for sale and that they will not be listening to offers, but Scolari believes that once Ronaldo has made his mind up, he will not be persuaded to change it.

Destiny

He told The People: "I know Cristiano well and I know the type of person he is so I have no doubts about how he will handle himself in the next few weeks.

"People must understand that Cristiano becomes stronger with all the difficulties and the stories about him. I have never known anyone so mentally strong.

"What happened to him at the World Cup in 2006 in the quarter-final against England would have crushed many other players - but not Cristiano.

"And what has been happening around him here with the uncertainty about his future has not affected him - I know that because I have been with him.

"He is so strong mentally and he is in control of his own destiny - and because of that Manchester United can do nothing to hurt him.

"It is his dream to play for Real Madrid and I am sure Cristiano will fulfil his dream whatever the difficulties."

Humble

And Scolari insists that all the speculation over Ronaldo's future had no impact on Portugal's exit from Euro 2008 in the quarter-finals against Germany.

He added: "Cristiano has been completely focused and if I had any doubts I wouldn't have put him in my 23 and given him an important role in the team. I trust him as an athlete and as a person.

"Ronaldo plays for the national team and defends the national team with a great will and that's what I like about him. The secret of Ronaldo is that he is simple, humble and he works for the group. He is a great team member and dedicated to the group.

"He has a special will to win that I have not seen in anyone else and the other players soak it in. He also has a special technical quality which everyone is aware of."