Sir Alex Ferguson says that Cristiano Ronaldo will not be going to Real Madrid and will definitely be starting the new season at Manchester United.

The Portuguese winger has been at the centre of intense transfer speculation since the end of last season and had stated that a move to Spain was his preferred option.

But Ferguson, speaking at an official United press conference told reporters: “The matter is closed now. He is a Manchester United player - it’s finished. He’ll be playing here next season believe me. It’s finished.”

Meanwhile, Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon hinted the Spanish side may have ended their pursuit of the winger. They signed Rafael van der Vaart earlier this week and Calderon has since stated that: “Van der Vaart is the first and possibly the only signing of the summer for Real Madrid.

Ronaldo’s United contract runs until 2012 and is currently recovering from ankle surgery. He’s expected to miss United’s first five Premier League matches.

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