Gill eyes long Ronaldo stay

March 13, 2007

IN TALKS: Cristiano Ronaldo

UNITED chief executive David Gill has insisted it is "realistic" that Cristiano Ronaldo will remain with the club for another five years.

The Portuguese winger has been in fine form this season and there has been reported interest from Spain.

But Gill has confirmed that a new contract offer is on the table and expects no hitches.

When asked if Ronaldo will be at the club next season, Gill told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "Without doubt, without question.

"He has a three-year contract. He came out in the press and said we had started discussions on a new deal, Alex (Ferguson, United manager) confirmed that and they are ongoing.

"We're not putting a timeline on them - that would not be appropriate.

Reassured

"But every fan can be reassured he will be a Manchester United player for a long time. The contract will reflect his performances for us and his stature in world football.

"It will be realistic to extend his deal by another two years, to 2012, the same time Wayne Rooney is signed for."

Gill was also upbeat about Ferguson's recent claims that he intends to stay on as manager for another two seasons.

"I think we're doing well this season. We've not discussed it but he's done fantastically well and he's on a rolling contract - something we want to go on as long as possible."

The Reds face a European Select XI at Old Trafford tonight to mark the club's 50th anniversary in European competition and the signing of the Treaty of Rome.

Gill added: "We're very proud to welcome UEFA and the European community to Old Trafford.

"Quite a few people have dropped out through injury but we have a great cast list.

"There will be (Marco) Materazzi of World Cup fame, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher of Liverpool, Juninho from Lyon and Henrik Larsson - who had a great spell for us - playing for Europe."

How long do you think Ronaldo will stay at United for? Have your say.

| Submit Comments | Comments (12) |

Showing comments 1 to 12 and replies | View All

Deepaw, MD, USA (13/03/2007 at 09:31)

Ronaldo is agreat player, Am happy he is playing for United. May be this will make all the Ronaldo will leave fans to find somehitng else to do. Probably they will shift to Rooney :)

Steve in Brussels (13/03/2007 at 10:38)

Gill saying Ronie will stay (again) after Ronie and Fergie both say he will stay (again). Hmmmmm - I expect that should start a lot of irrational rants now about how he is definitely going because that bottom-feeder Neil Custis in that respected paragon of truth The Sun has filled up a quarter of a page with an amusing article entitled something like "Ron my way" packed with unsubstantiated quotes from 'a close friend' or maybe the classic 'A club source'.

Frank Old Trafford (13/03/2007 at 11:16)

Gill knows how important this is to the future of United! We need Ron to stay and Roo to get played in his best position and try and get a smile back on his face! Then most importantly Mr David "promise you the stars" Gill we MUST consolidate and add some world class players to our squad, preferably in midfield and preferably not an overpriced Hargreaves!

stu, london (13/03/2007 at 11:44)

Frank - hear hear.

Keane was right Sell Ronny (13/03/2007 at 12:46)

SELL HIM NOW ! the detractors were right. If you must keep him give the boy a performance-related deal (per wink). I tld you before he doesnt score, doesnt celebrate properly, doesnt add to our great name, doesnt sell shirts, isnt followed by kids, and doesnt entertain....we shouldve bought ballack, shevchenko, Obi, or Cashley. The detractors were right...Sell him to Durham for a fiver!

Reds4Ever, West Yorkshire (13/03/2007 at 13:34)

Keane was right - I cant make up my mind if your post was tounge in cheek or if you is taking the mick!

SAFs RedKnight, Manchester (13/03/2007 at 13:46)

[Quote] "Keane was right Sell Ronny
13/03/2007 at 12:46".... I see they medication your on is a bit over strength, ring the doctor mate and have a word.

Jonny F, Chorlton, Manchester (13/03/2007 at 14:45)

As long as David 'safe hands' Gill is on the case it will be tied up in no time, he's a man of his word you know, honest......

TMUF, Manchester (13/03/2007 at 15:06)

Keane was right Sell Ronny - for a start Keane never said such nonsense! Secondly, I know you can see the title slipping away, so are you looking to join United again. Obviously you are an unhappy Chelsea fan, and you probably were a United fan before that. We dont need or indeed want you back

Jimmy the Red, Winnipeg (13/03/2007 at 15:17)

There are likely several factors impacting upon Ronaldo's decision to either stay or go. IMO the weather is the least important. Key to him staying will be whether (a) he is adequately compensated....which seems highly likely (b) United is prepared to spend the cash to build a World class team around him and (c) he sees United as the best bet for trophies. It may be a little premature to say that Barcelona and Madrid are teams in decline but they clearly look a touch disjointed right now and may not be as attractive an option as many think. There is a real possibility that both managers will be gone by season's end casting some doubt over their short-term prospects for success on the international stage. It is surely encouraging for Ronaldo that SAF intends to stay on for a few more years (mia culpa..I was wrong on that prediction). However, I am not so confident that that the Glazers are prepared to spend the type of money (say...40-50 million pounds) required to bring in a world class midfielder AND and a world class striker. IMO getting OH and Berbatov would be a dream. I believe OH is the box-to-box player that United absolutely need but his arrival here is no certainty. Berbatov has bags of skill and leads the line as well as anyone in Europe......with the exception of Drogba. He is a more mobile version of RVN and would be an outstanding front man for both Rooney and Ronaldo.......but I'm not holding my breath. The Glazers have yet to prove their commitment to building the future of United. Right now they seem content to just feast on its financial successes.

Whaley Bridge Cynic (13/03/2007 at 17:14)

He'll stay until a big Club like Barca make an offer

Steve in Brussels, none (14/03/2007 at 13:48)

Whaley Bridge cynic, Whether you be a Bitter, Dipper or London Russian what do you hope to achieve exactly? Do you think Ronaldo will be influenced by comments from a nobody pretending to be a United fan. Grow up and go on your own forums

()

Report

Manchester United