Cristiano Ronaldo Finally Speaks Clearly About His Future – He's Staying!

Cristiano Ronaldo has finally cleared up uncertainty surrounding his future by admitting he’ll be at Manchester United for at least one more season. Speculation about the Portuguese winger’s future has been circulating all summer long but it appears Ronaldo will end up being a Red Devil for the 2008-09 campaign.

"I will remain with Manchester United for at least another year," Ronaldo said. “Sir Alex Ferguson heard my arguments, I heard his and, in fact, it was settled that the best for both parties would be for me to stay. Therefore, I can confirm that, next season, I will play for Manchester United.”

Ronaldo went on to squash any rumors claiming that he would be playing against his own will next season after not being able to complete a move to Real Madrid.

"Before rumors emerge saying that I will play against my will, I want to make this clear—whoever says or writes that is lying. I will play for Manchester with all my heart and soul. I will fight and honor that shirt with the same commitment and dedication as always."

The 23-year-old winger also owned up to his own mistakes, taking responsibility for all of the rumors floating around in the past few months.

“I was responsible for all this controversy," he said. "I was the one who publicly expressed my desire to go to Real Madrid. I ended up being, even involuntarily, responsible for the poor relationship between the two clubs."

Sir Alex Ferguson and all Manchester United supporters will be able to breathe a heavy sigh of relief knowing the ordeal is done for, at least for now, that is.

Despite committing himself to United for another season, Ronaldo admitted he still maintains a desire to play for Real Madrid at some point during his career.

"I knew Real Madrid were interested in signing me and that they had allegedly made a very high offer to Manchester United,” Ronaldo said. “My desire was, for some time, that Manchester had accepted my transfer to Madrid. Saying otherwise would be to trick people and my own consciousness."

Ronaldo is still recovering from ankle surgery and most likely won’t be in action until October. It remains to be seen, however, if United supporters will welcome Ronaldo back to Old Trafford with open arms.

I predict he’ll get a mixed reception. I also predicted from the very beginning of the transfer season that Ronaldo would still be at United this season. We’ll see what happens though…