Ronaldo shrugs off transfer speculation
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-05-26 09:04

LONDON - Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo has made it clear his future career path is up to him and claimed he would not be swayed by the speculation surrounding a possible move to Real Madrid.


Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo smiles during a news conference before a training session at Fontelo in Viseu, northern Portugal May 24, 2008. The Portuguese soccer squad is in Viseu preparing for the Euro 2008 Championship that will kick off on June 7. [Agencies]

Since United beat Chelsea in Moscow on Wednesday to claim its third European Champions League title, media in England and Spain have been constantly linking the 23-year-old star player, who scored 42 times for Manchester in all competitions last season, with Real.

Ronaldo is no stranger to transfer rumors and reports had suggested he might leave Old Trafford two years ago following his spat with teammate Wayne Rooney, who was sent off while playing for England against Portugal at the 2006 World Cup.

And Ronaldo, who has now joined up with the rest of the Portugal squad at its training camp where it is preparing for Euro 2008, claims he will take it in his stride once again.

"What the press speculate about goes over my head," Ronaldo said. "I have already been used to it for the past two years.

"I am calm. Everything's clear and I will repeat it once again so that the whole world understands: there will be news in two or three weeks.

"At the moment I am here, I am going to give my best and do the best possible in the European Championships."

Ronaldo was still full of smiles following United's success on Wednesday, which saw it triumph 6-5 on penalties over Chelsea who it also beat to the Premier League title.

The winger, United's regular penalty-taker, saw his spot kick saved to leave his side on the brink of defeat, but potential heartbreak turned to relief as John Terry and Nicolas Anelka missed to see United emerge triumphant.

"Football is like that, goalscorers can miss," he added.

"I have already scored decisive goals and this time it was my teammates who marked their card and scored.

"But the trophy is in the bag and it doesn't interest me to speak about what happened.

"I had a great season," Ronaldo continued. "I was the top goalscorer in England, Europe and the Champions League.

"I think that I have nothing left to prove, but I always want to do well and do my best for myself.