Want to stay at Real Madrid for long: Ronaldo

Star forward Cristiano Ronaldo on Friday said he wants to stay with Spanish football giants Real Madrid for many years to come, quashing long-standing rumours that he might switch back to Manchester United.

Ronaldo won the Champions League for a third time in his career in May, before lifting the European Championship trophy with Portugal in France.

The 31-year-old's contract at the Santiago Bernabeu runs until 2018, although the announcement of a longer deal is reportedly in the offing.

Speaking after being awarded the Champions League No.1 prize, voted for by readers of Marca and La Gazzetta dello Sport, Ronaldo stressed his desire to continue his career at Madrid.

"I've won the Champions League and the Euros, it's a beautiful moment in my career and my sporting life," he said.

"It just makes me want to keep working hard for this club. It's my dream to keep playing for Real Madrid and I really want to stay here for many years because the club holds a special place in my heart," he added.

Ronaldo has scored three goals in six matches in all competitions for Real this season so far.

--IANS

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