Adjust font size:
LONDON, England -- Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has signed a new five-year contract at Old Trafford.
The deal ends weeks of speculation that the brilliant 22-year-old Portuguese international will be heading for Spain with both Real Madrid and Barcelona expressing interest in securing his services.
The new contract will tie Ronaldo to the Premier League leaders until June 2012.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was naturally delighted. "It is fantastic news, it emphasizes the point that Cristiano is happy here and that he is at the right club.
"He has a great relationship with the team, staff and the fans and he will go on to be one of Manchester United's great players."
Only this week there were further reports that the player's agent had held talks with Madrid, but Ronaldo added: "I am delighted. I spoke with Sir Alex and (chief executive) David Gill about my future and everyone knew that I wanted to stay. I am very happy at the club and I want to win trophies and hopefully we will do that this season."
Key ingredient
Ronaldo has been the key ingredient in United's pursuit of a Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup treble and scored twice in their remarkable 7-1 demolition of Roma on Tuesday.
But last summer Ronaldo's future at the club was uncertain after his much-publicized set to with United teammate Wayne Rooney in the World Cup quarterfinal match between Portugal and England.
Rooney was sent off for apparently stomping on the groin of Portugal defender Ricardo Carvalho with Ronaldo seen running to the referee to protest Rooney's actions, receiving a shove from the England striker.
He was captured on television winking towards his bench and to rub salt in the wound went on to score the winning penalty kick in a shootout.
But with Ferguson playing a key role, Ronaldo was persuaded to stay and is hot favorite to be named footballer of the year in England.
United's veteran Welsh winger Ryan Giggs paid tribute to his teammate. "It's great news for Cristiano. It's great news for the fans. He has been on fire this season. His form has been unbelievable. To secure his future for the next five years is great news for everyone.
"I would say he's the best player in the world. For someone in his position and of his age to be as consistent as he has been is remarkable," said Giggs, the team's acting captain while right back Gary Neville recovers from injury.
