Lou Macari told Sky Sports News he is delighted that Cristiano Ronaldo is staying put at Man Utd.
Winger will win back fans, says Old Trafford legend
Cristiano Ronaldo has brought an end to summer's longest-running transfer saga by confirming he will stay at Manchester United - a decision that Old Trafford legend Lou Macari believes is the right one.
The 23-year-old Portugal winger has frequently expressed his desire to move to Spanish champions Real Madrid, despite United's insistence that their top scorer was not for sale.
But after clear-the-air talks with manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Ronaldo told Portugese newspaper
Publico that he will remain at the Premier League and Champions League winners for at least another year.
And the news is long overdue for former Red Devil Macari.
"Like some of the fans, I'd have liked to have heard from him a lot earlier," Macari told
Sky Sports News.
"It has been a summer of Cristiano Ronaldo - will he stay, or will he go? - and everyone had to forget about the double-winning season because he took all the headlines. It has been torturous over the summer months, so I'm glad he's come out with it.
"You've got Sir Alex obviously persuading him to stay and other people, possibly even his agent, saying he should go to Real Madrid.
"He's a young lad, and any lad at 23 is going to be open to persuasion from other people, but I'm glad the person who has won the battle is Sir Alex."
'Exceptional'
Macari reckons it would have been folly for Ronaldo to leave the champions, and backed the man who scored 42 goals last season to win over the fans a second time, following his well-publicised spat with team-mate Wayne Rooney at the 2006 World Cup.
"I think Cristiano has made the right decision. He's at a club where the fans love him, he's had two fantastic seasons, he's getting good money - what more can you ask for?
"I was surprised when he let it be known he was even considering leaving Manchester United because there are not many players who want to do that.
"Cristiano had a big job on his hands after the situation with Wayne Rooney but he handled it well and the crowd have been right behind him.
"He's responded in the best way possible, scoring goals and winning games for the team and I'm sure his team-mates will realise he's such an important figure. He's an exceptional player, a special player and I'm delighted he's staying."
And Macari, who turned out for United from 1973 to 1983, now hopes the enigmatic player will see out his five-year contract, and set a precedent for other wantaway stars.
"Hopefully he'll have another great season and I see no reason he shouldn't see out his contract," Macari added.
"As should players like Adebayor, Lampard, Drogba. Football fans are getting fed up - they've signed a contract and they should honour it."
