Ananova:

Manchester United fans can breathe a little easier after Cristiano Ronaldo admitted he sees himself staying at Old Trafford next season.

The 23-year-old was at the centre of this summer's longest-running transfer saga as Spanish giants Real Madrid sought to prise the Portugal superstar away from United.

Ronaldo revealed at the time that he was keen to play for Madrid, but ultimately announced he was going to stay with United for "another year at least".

Few expected that to be the final word on the matter though, with the assumption that Madrid - and possibly other clubs - would make a renewed bid for Ronaldo next summer.

However, the likelihood of the former Sporting Lisbon player leaving Old Trafford in the next 12 months appears to have become a little more remote following comments Ronaldo made in an interview with Spanish newspaper Marca.

When asked where he was going to play next season, Ronaldo said: "Only God knows the future. I insist that I am a Manchester United player and now I think that next year I will continue here."

Ronaldo admitted United manager Sir Alex Ferguson played a huge part in his decision to commit his immediate future to the Red Devils following this summer's transfer speculation.

"He has been a key person. I respect him a lot, because it was him who signed me and he has played a very important part in all that I have won," said Ronaldo, who met with Ferguson in July in Portugal to discuss his future.

"In Lisbon I reached an agreement with him and it was decided that the best thing for all was to continue.

"He listened to my arguments and I listened to his. Now I understand that it was the correct decision. I am with Manchester United body and soul."

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