Cristiano Ronaldo: saint or sinner now he's staying?

At last. Cristiano Ronaldo has finally put an end to speculation over his future by confirming that he will stay at Manchester United for another season.

The Portugal international has come to his senses and realised that no-one gets the better of Sir Alex Ferguson, the United manager, even if you are the best player in the world.

Ronaldo, who is currently recovering from ankle surgery, has also pledged to give his all for United.  “I will play for Manchester with my heart and soul. I will fight and honour that shirt with all the commitment and dedication that I always have," he said.

Interestingly, he also added: “I want to say that I was the one responsible for all this controversy. It wasn’t [Real's] fault because I was the one that showed in public my will to move to Real Madrid."

Having heard his apology and learnt that, rather late in the day, he has discovered some loyalty to his current employers, what is your opinion of Ronaldo? Can you United fans forgive him for messing Sir Alex and the supporters around all summer, are you just happy to have him still in the squad, or do you thing the relationship between him and the fans is broken forever?

What are your views: please leave us a comment at the bottom of this post.

Comments

[Steinthor]

I agree with many that he is still young and has achived most in football. I feel that his answer was an honest one and that many players would think the same as he if they where in his situation. The culture in England is a bit different of that in Spain/Portugal - (you even drive on the wronge site of the road!)
The main thing for me as United fan is that Ferguson still believes in him and wants to have him onboard MU so thats fine with me.

[Charbel]

By the time he's ready to get back in the team, if United are having a bad run, the fans would be aching for him to come and save us.

Ronaldo and United still have a long journey together.

[George Fominyen]

I know he's a fine player and is useful to Man United. But I still think he should have been allowed to go. A true man's mind is a hard thing to change. It shows even in his admission that his true heart is in Madrid while his lipservice is at old Trafford. If he's that fickle, there is no reason to keep him around...Players have come and gone but the team remains! However, there is no reason to boo him either. Every human being has the right to want certain things at some point and not others!

[Sergio]

OK for me, I'm a Real supporter and I don't want him there.

[ian harris]

As a United fan,i'm absolutely delighted he's staying.Oh and i'm not a 'prawn sandwich eater' .I don't believe it was all his fault either.The responsability lies full-square with Real Madrid.I think real United fans will give him a great reception.The others?who cares?

[STE]

Give the lad a break. Young people make mistakes, and do silly things. There is no need for the so-called fans to give him a hard time. Just enjoy the privilage of watching the best footballer on the planet. If he does move next season then thank him for lighting up the Premiership and wish him well.

[thor magnus Tangerås]

I agree with Quentin's comment - "loyalty" is a value everyone seems to hold high, when it comes to demanding it of others. To boo a player like Giggs, a model pro, talk of loyalty! And what about Fergie's own loyalty - he has not hesitated in the past to get rid of a player when he no longer needed him.

Fans like to see themselves as loyal to their club. But it's always double standards. They moan about increases in ticket prices. Yet they will also moan if the board will not make available funds for transfers.

Ronaldo has won both the CL, the FA Cup and the PL with United. He wanted a fresh challenge, and he has always been a Real supporter. Who can blame him for being tempted?

Remember how he was treated after a mere facial expression during the World Cup 2006. It was in fact Rooney who should have been vilified for stepping on a player.

And then it is often claimed Ronaldo dont perform in the big games. Yet if it was the other way round and he didn't play well away to the Boltons and the Wigans in midwinter, he would be criticised for that.

His only fault is that he does not have the most likeable of personalities.

[Bob Greenaway]

I hope the fans will give him the reception he deserves.
Sounds like he is going to need a "minder"
Perhaps they should be in the market for Joey Barton,that should keep the dressing room quiet!!!

[Ian Jones]

As a "Red" I would be happy for him to sit in the stands for a year to think on what he has said and done this summer. There are plenty of spuerb players at Old Trafford who want to play for the club - let them.

[Scott]

I'm disappointed to say the least. I thought we would be rid of the diving, winking cheat. Instead we have to endure another year, at least, of the media promoting such a vile role model.

Ronaldo for me symbolises everything that is wrong with the english game. Jumped up 'superstars' that hold their clubs to ransom do more harm than good to football in England and its a shame that their talent (and talents for duping referees every Saturday) prevent managers from taking a stand against them.

[Jeremy]

For a lad who is not that articulate and I do not mean any disrespect, English is after all his second or third language, his comments in yesterday's papers did come across as highly articulate.

He covered all the bases in terms of paying dues to united, Ferguson and took a few blows on the chin for his behaviour in fanning the controversy.

My point? Is it all his own work, words coming truly from his heart or beefed up comments from a slick PR guy looking to mitigate damage?

Discuss.....

[Francois]

Well i think he is actually better off staying at Man u for one particular reason. The injury. Sidelined until at least October, Ronaldo would have started his season at Real on the bench. He might have actually started from the bench without the injury anyway, good as he is. But with a week ankle, they probably would have thrown him in for 15 minute chunks at the end of the 1st 3 or 4 games, which would have shaken his confidence. I am not saying that United would have played him for a full 90 minutes once fully fit, but i do believe that he will make his 1st start of the season much sooner at United than he would elsewhere.

[John Hall]

Hello Martin

Not very happy about Ronaldo. Like Adebayor at Arsenal I think he does the fans an injustice but we will struggle to win title without him. We badly need at least 1 if not 2 strikers as Saha has to go and it is unknown whether Mancho or Campbell will make the grade. Rooney/Tevez need backup. I would accept the signing of Berbatov BUT if he gets dropped/rested is he going to sulk at OT. Meanwhile he never looks up for it when the weather is bad and games are physical. Chelsea and Liverpool look a lot nearer this time around. As always title might go with injuries but Ronaldo if he stays has to stay to contract not when he feels like it. I am worried about the lack of transfer movement up front. I think GK/Defence/Midfield cover with new young players is okay but up top we will be short. Robbie Keane is a great signing for Liverpool and they probably only need a top goalkeeper and if they Barry to play wide left/Gerrard+Mascherano/Kuyt wide right with Keane/Torres up front with Babel spare they have a realistic chance. Other factor is that Chelsea have not collasped with player sales and only got rid of deadwood. Massive threat if they get Robinho but squad rotation may cause unrest. All to play for. I think Arsenal won't score the goals and their defence needs to improve and for me they have lost too much especially if Toure gets injured. Can't see anyone catching up but Tottenham will be interesting. I would have wanted Mark Hughes/Roy Keane as next manager but cannot believe he (MH) has gone to Man City. Not against it as a fan but I cannot believe he will have more resources than at Blackburn and if Jo flops MH could do a Dowie and be gone quicker than people think. Utterly bizarre which is why football is so great.

All the best
John

[ian]

I'm very much looking forward to returning to the days where Ronaldo was vilified by the whole nation.

[Alex]

When I first thought about him leaving I was thinking "Good Riddance" however I then watched the Man Utd review of the season DVD and realised how much the boy gets your heart racing whens hes on the ball.

I'll take that excitement for at least another season!

[Mark]

It wasn't Alex Ferguson that changed his mind but a broken leg. Real Madrid weren't going to pay sixty million quid for a crocked player. If he were fit then he would have been out of there.

[Colin Blues]

One of 2 things will happen next summer.

1. Ronaldo is leaving (quite possibly with SAF)

2. United will make him highest earner in the world (maybe earlier than next summer depending on form,

[Gary]

We all have to remember that Ronaldo is young and brilliant. He is a small/poor town boy who has had people telling him that he is special for most of his life. It is inevitable that having grown up in madeira that his head will be turned by the money and glamour offered by Real Madrid. Whilst he is at Utd we should enjoy the show and when if/when he leaves just hope that Utd get every penny for him that they can and reinvest that money in the team.

[Tom]

Im glad he's staying, as he is the best player in the world right now.

But at the same time, the way this saga has run leaves more than a slightly bitter taste in the mouth.

And unfortunately most of the "fans," (or prawn sandwhich eaters), that go to Old Trafford every other week will cheer him on as if all this never happened. He'll get a few boo's at first, but once he scores a goal or 2, all of theses so-called fan's will forget.

The real supporters will not forget this, and it will take more than a couple of wonder goals to get me back on side.

[franco]

i think ronaldo shouldnt be that way now that he cant play for madrid he like now can come back to man u like nothing happen as if its like his own house...seemings like ronaldo is like using man u

[John Wilson]

If you read the article in publico (a transcript of which is on the manutd website) ronaldo seems very sincere. Im sure every utd fan will back him after reading it. He may have many flaws but he is too good to have a go at, he was the difference between us and chelsea last season and won us two of the best trophies around as a result. So...back him and realise that if you were in his position this summer, you probably wouldnt have stayed.

[jase]

The idea that Fergie has promised Ronaldo he can go to Real next year is ludicrous. He didn't have to promise Ronaldo anything to persuade him to stay, such is the strength of United's position with four years left on the player's contract. The club can keep him for at least another two seasons before their hand may be forced if Ronaldo refuses to sign an extension.

Ronaldo has done nothing wrong, except perhaps to completely underestimate the strength of Sir Alex's resolve. It's not a crime to want to seek a new challenge after you have achieved everything you can with a club. Or to want to be closer to your family or to live in a culture you feel more comfortable in. Everyone can relate to that. I found Ronaldo's interview honest and sincere. He didn't try to backtrack on his wish to sign for Real. It's hard for us United fans to accept that anyone should want to play for another club. But when you are from Southern Europe, chances are you dream of playing for Real Madrid. That's just the way it is unfortunately.

[vmelo]

He was never going to leave; this is all the media's fault - nothing else to write about so why not make something up such as a Ronaldo move, did you really think ManU were stupid enough to let him go? Anyone who beleived this has been taken for a ride. humm! Who should we pick on next... maybe Pele will come out of retirement?

[James D]

I expected Ronaldo to say he wanted to leave United, so the fact he has said the opposite is surprising.

However, even more surprising is the what he said when he announced his decision. As a United fan, I am delighted with him showing some humility and respect to the club. His willingness to forget the gossip of the summer and focus on next season is a massive boost for the squad.

I'm happy he'll be in a United shirt next season.

[Rita Cocking]

Funny,is'nt it how SAF hsa Expended so much energy in hanging on to a player who seems to feel no loyalty to United at all,yet five years ago he had aplayer who was,and still is 100% loyal to the team,and wanted nothing more then to be a United player for life,yet SAF could not get rid of him fast enough.And why?apparently because he did not like his wife.Pathetic!

[Claire]

Ronaldo clearly got raked over the coals by SAF. And rightly so. However, as a fan, Im not sure I care to see him playing a OT anymore - he was barely sufferable as it was.

[alan]

Most fans will now have very mixed feelings about Ronaldo and the question of commitment will certainly be an issue if he has a spell of indifferent form and then any negative press will probably turn his head again towards Spain.
What I cannot understand though, and it has not often been mentioned during the summer speculation, is why would he want to go and play alongside Ruud V N when, (allegedly) if reports are to be believed he bullied him when he was at Man U and sometimes had Ronaldo in tears.(again allegedly!)
What is certain is that Ronaldo will never be a true Utd. Legend in the mold of Denis, George, Duncan, Bobby, Eric , Scholsey to name a few after all of this.

[Al]

I can't believe all the comments on forgiving him and looking to the future. Yes he did so much for the team last season. Yes he is one of the most outstanding players i have ever seen with a ball. However it seems obvious that he still plans to be off next summer, and his quotes smack of a person who has been told that at the moment you are injured and staying where you are, oh and you best read out this statement to try and appease your and teammates and fans that you have treated with absolutely no respect all summer. So Ronaldo, thank you for gracing us with your presence next season- i'll remember to bow at your quick little feet when i see you posing about the streets of cheshire. (And i only hope that there will be no insincere kissing of the badge after any goals next year.)

[si]

He is a class player and I dont think any supporter like myself in Moscow last season will forget his contribution in all competitions...... BUT like a fair few would agree, he would be forgotten about a lot quicker than true Legends - Cantona, Best, Giggs, Robson, Solksjaer, Scholes, Charlton, Law etc etc
Its just that they showed the true desire to pull the shirt on...

Although Rio had a fantastic season last time around, there are the few of us that are not fickle enough to forget how he held us to ransom.

Ronaldo will be the same, come next summer it will be the same story... with him much more likely to go (than Gerrard to Chelsea)

[DEREK]

I think he has been read the riot act by Fergie & threatened with 4 years in reserves if he doesnt wise up He is only trying to stop a backlash from fans & fellow players with his pathetic admission that it was all his fault

[Patrick Kyalo]

Fergason treated Ronaldo unfairly,he should have let him go to explore new challeges,he has already proved himself at Man U and Madrid offered a perfect opportunity.

[Martin]

I'm glad he's staying. Because United would not have had time to cover the loss of him.
But my oppinon of him has changed after this little 'soap-opera'.
I think he owes United alot. They almost raised him, and Sir Alex trusted him and his moves on the field. So I think he's treated them like sh*t, and has only thought of himself.
But in the end he can turn a match around so maybe he's good to have one more year :)

[Quentin]

He is young, fans must forgive him and understand why he wanted to go to Madrid. Man U is the best team in the world, with or without Ronaldo. However, we cannot forget what he did this past year, he became the best player of the world, surpassing Messi and Kaka.I think that when you are 23 and already won almost everything with your team, it is normal trying to find new challenges even if the best for him is to stay in Manchester. I hope that he will this year realize that he can make something better than anyone did, becoming a United legend and may be win more titles than Giggs did.

[bobbank]

All this talk of loyalty is quite funny. If Ronaldo has a stinker of a season next year every Man U fan will be asking for him to be sold. Fans don't show players any loyalty as shown by the booing of Giggs a few years back.

[David]

Real Madrid suggested that United should be proud to have produced a player good enough for the Galacticos;
it seems that pride comes before a fall. As news of their failure flashes around the globe, the hollow basis for their arrogant assumption that Ferguson would roll over can be seen for what it is.

Ferguson's comment that Ronaldo settled down "once he knew my stance" does beg the question what did Ronaldo glean from that meeting which he didn't already know? My guess is Ferguson has told him he can go next year, which will give United much more time to cover the loss, whilst still cashing in big time.

[csire balázs]

we don't love players for their wisdom.
play and do not speak, should be the golden rule.

[kritter]

Man u should have let him go and invested in other quality players. let him go and bake his ego in the spanish sun. There is no room for it in the EPL. Not that it matters, Liverpool will win the EPL, CL and the FA cup this year :D

[Andrew Jackson]

Remember everything. Forgive nothing.

[Over Land & Sea]

Loyalty to one club?
Not too many players can say this!
The whole interview was staight out of the movies.
Lets face it Real Madrid kicked this whole thing off.
I'd bet the house on him leaving at the end of the season.

[Larry Norris]

I understand that Sir Alex needed to assert his authority in order to prevent himself loosing control of the dressing room. But he now has a winking show pony on his hands who, what ever he says to the press, doesn't want to play for Man U. The dressing room could still be lost.

[FillipeVasquez]

I think the lad faced a genuine conflict.

Put yourself in his shoes: you move to Manchester from Madeira aged 18. New language, new culture, new climate. You endure years of stick from the media about being a showpony and somehow, get blamed for Rooney being sent-off for stamping. After all that, you manage to blossom into the best player in the world, and after 5 years have won every personal and team honour there is to win. You've done things that will probably never be emulated, even by yourself.

Suddenly, Madrid, boyhood club coming knocking offering silly money and a chance to live an hour from your widowed mother in a warm climate, as well as a new challenge.

How many of us wouldn't have kept our options open in the same situation?

[John]

Apologised for all the points that needed to be addressed. Whether he wrote the apology or not, he did what needed to be done and is ok for another season.

I will enjoy hating him at RM though

[Jim]

Manchester United fans will not berate him, he'll be welcomed with open arms. It's just the anti-United brigade hoping that he'll get berated. He has won us 2 League titles and a European cup. It's understandable that he might want to play for the club he supported as a boy and live closer to home. But he's decided to stay and all United fans will appreciate and support him for as long as he stays.

[Big Den]

Heart says great to see him with the red shirt on again - head says we should have cashed him in. I can see utd fans giving him a rough ride this season and tbh he deserves it. Obviously Real will get him next season at about half the price if you believe the numbers mentioned! Also, are Berbatov, Santa Cruz, Huntelaar etc etc going to bag 40 odd goals in a season???????? At least this gives Fergie a season to prepare for his departure and find suitable replacement/s.

[Ian]

Fans can't keep expecting players to have the same level of loyalty they do to their club. If he'd had a stinker last season they'd have been on his back as the booing of Giggs a few years ago illustrates. Ronaldo seemed to enjoy the attention a little too much. Fair play to Utd for standing their ground. Time to forget and forgive.

[hz]

I think it something that can be forgiven in time (once his dedication has been proven on the pitch) but not forgotten.

He thought he may have the opportunity to join the club he's always dreamed of playing and that the club that made him the player he is would be more than adequately compensated - naturally, he wanted to take that opportunity. Perhaps he shouldn't have said anything in public but he did and the only person it has been detrimental to is himself (and possibly Calderon, but I'm sure even RM fans aren't upset by that).

Anyway, it's done now and he's staying, so lets make the most of it as I'm sure he will. The situation may reoccur next year, but he'll have learned from this regarding how to handle it. And should he stay again, it may well reoccur the year after - but as long as we have SAF, I believe we'll have Ronaldo - perhaps longer if Queiroz gets the job.

Those criticising, claiming his blood or demanded he be relegated to the reserves, should perhaps consider what their view would have been of a Real Madrid player whose dream it was to play for Utd. Or of those players we've ripped from their 'dream club' with the mercenary lure of money and success. Ronaldo was at least following his heart, and I'm sure that heart will be fully committed to his job for the next year – he’s too proud to give anything other than his best.

[Gavin]

Sorry,

If any player acted like that at Liverpool. He'd be out of the door anyway. The supporters wouldn't want him there. I'm sure loads of Man u fans feel the same.

[Donal]

I think his interview was honest and direct and that, after months of irritating flirtation with the media, we should all be relieved at that. As a United fan it will take some time, as well as a few displays proving his stated commitment to the club, for me to embrace him again. I accept that one day he will probably go to Madrid. When it is closer to the end of his contract, that will be his choice and I will respect it. Hopefully any such move will be conducted with more taste than the attempts of this summer. For the time-being, I am happy that we are keeping the world's most in-form player.

[Matthias]

I think he will do his job as well as he did last season. Then he will leave, loyality to a club is not what it was years ago, but who wants to blame a man going to a company which pays him a lot more money. Everyone what do that, especialy if he is working abroad.

[Emmanuel Tasun]

I'm really excited C. Ronaldo has finally decided to stay.It's my hope that management and fans will let go every bitterness and sentiments and rally behind him so that he can put up his best for the club.

[Contractor]

This was nothing more than a lover's tiff caused by a silly holiday romance. Welcome back, Ronaldo. All is forgiven.

[J]

I try to remain impartial in the face of the numerous preposterous 'quotes' from Marca, Calderon et al, but I must say I had grown a little frustrated that Cristiano had failed to quell this speculation by making this statement sooner (assuming this one is even valid). I think it is fairly certain he will leave, most likely when Sir Alex steps down at 70. I don't begrudge him this, as he always stated from day one it is his dream to play for them. As long as he keeps hitting 20+ goals a season until then, I think we should still receive a sum upwards of £50 million for him (and with any luck a percentage of merchandising and a sell-on fee...!)

I for one will relish watching him whilst it lasts, even if he probably has blown his chance of being remembered in the same breath as Best, Edwards etc

[Paul, London]

Think of him what you want as a person. He is definitely a great football player and made the difference in a good United team.

[john]

i want you people to for give him Cristiano Ronaldo

[Owen Cork]

How he is going to play with the same commitment is hard to see. He was threatened with rotting in the subs bench and will have lost the respect of his fellow players and the fans...hmmm..interesting season ahead. Arsenal for the Premiership.

[John]

You probably cant print what I actually think think of him but I'm sure most people can guess!!

[ham]

we should be forgiving - he has shown some immaturity and he will never be rated as highly as he was this summer - last season's performance is just unrepeatable. Give him a chance to show his commitment to MU this season with some determined performances.

[Gonzalo @ All In White]

He sounds sincere, doesn't he? The question that wasn't asked was why did it take him so long to figure it out? I wonder how much Manchester United fans will berate him this season, and I also wonder why he's only spoken of staying "this season" at United rather than seeing out his contract. We'll be doing this all over again next summer...