Cristiano Ronaldo Speaks on PSG, Manchester City Interest, Future at Real Madrid

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has ruled out a transfer to Manchester City or Paris Saint-Germain this summer, pledging his allegiance to Los Blancos and stating he wishes to retire in the Spanish capital.

That's according to Marca, who asked the Portugal international about his future: "Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City can forget it, I'm retiring at Real Madrid. I have had good and bad moments, four years ago I was not happy but there is no better place to be than here."

Lalo R. Villar/Associated Press

The 31-year-old joined Real from Manchester United in 2009, but transfer rumours have never been far off in the last two years. A lack of silverware―Ronaldo has won just one La Liga title and one UEFA Champions League with Madrid―and a poor working relationship with former manager Rafa Benitez reportedly had him close to leaving the club, per MailOnline's Rik Sharma.

Links with PSG in particular have been persistent, while former club United were also mentioned as a possible destination, per the Sun (h/t Colin Harvey of the Daily Star).

But Ronaldo has been revitalised since Zinedine Zidane took over as manager, and the Portuguese star hopes he stays on, according to his comments to Marca: "I identify with [Zidane] and want to play for him for many years. He has no experience but has done really well.

Paul White/Associated Press

Per the Press Association (for the Guardian), Ronaldo's contract is set to expire in 2018, and these latest comments indicate he's hoping for an extension. Based on his on-pitch production―35 goals in 36 La Liga starts this season, per WhoScored.com―he deserves a new deal, although one has to wonder when the inevitable decline will kick in.

But right now, Ronaldo still ranks among the top players in the world, and his decision not to leave Real is one the club should be ecstatic about. The fact he's so eager to carry on under Zidane is also good news heading into the 2016-17 campaign, as Los Blancos will have to be united and at their best to break Barcelona's strong hold on La Liga.