Manchester United says Ronaldo not for sale despite Rooney incident

Jul 12, 2006, 14:15 GMT

London - Star Portuguese winger Christiano Ronaldo is not for sale despite anger over his role in the dimissal of his Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney during a World Cup quarter- final, the English club said on Wednesday.

'The club can confirm there is no possibility of Cristiano being sold. Cristiano recently signed a contract until 2010 and the club expects him to honour that contract,' United said.

In remarks directed at Real Madrid, which has shown an interest in Ronaldo, the club said: 'The club will not listen to any offers for Cristiano.'

Ronaldo, 21, has been with United for three years, but has recently indicated a desire to move to Spain.

The issue heatened up in the quarter-final when Rooney was red- carded for kicking stamping on an opponent and Ronaldo urging the referee to show Rooney the red card. Portugal eventually beat England on penalties, with Ronaldo netting the last spot kick.

'I should get out of Manchester as the circumstances are not right,' he said in the aftermath.

He added: 'Nobody stood up for me and my desire is to play in Spain. Will it be Real or Barcelona? It will be one of them.'

Ronaldo, who earned himself a reputation for diving during the competition, also said he had enjoyed little support from United's manager Alex Ferguson.

But less than two weeks after the England-Portugal game, tempers had seemingly cooled.

Ferguson, himself known for a mercurial temperament, said he did not expect any problems and called him 'one of the brightest young stars in world football.'

And Ronaldo said he had 'no reason' to leave the club.