Premier League

Sir Alex Ferguson has raised the possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo signing a contract extension at Manchester United.

Ronaldo confirmed earlier this week he would remain at Old Trafford this season at least, although he did add his desire to play for Real Madrid remains.

Real are unlikely to give up on their chase for the 23-year-old, with many pundits believing a transfer that seemed certain to take place this summer has merely been delayed by 12 months thanks to Ferguson's personal intervention.

But the United boss is not so sure.

Ferguson uses the example of Rio Ferdinand as a player who joined the Red Devils as an outsider, looked as though he was going to leave after a similar period of time to Ronaldo's five years at United, but remained and became cemented within its framework.

"Cristiano has four years left on his contract and at some point hopefully he will extend it," said Ferguson.

"He is happy at Manchester United and hopefully as he gets older he will appreciate being here more and more.

"It does happen to players at this club. They end up never wanting to leave.

"Look at Rio Ferdinand. He joined us as a young man from Leeds United. Now he is a real Manchester United person. He loves the club."

Ferguson might have had his tongue slightly in his cheek as he continued the comparison but there is no doubt he feels Ronaldo is at a club where he can do justice to his vast talent.

"Rio comes from another country. He comes from London," he smiled.

"It is no different leaving London for Manchester than Portugal. You come north. You come to a colder climate. You come to a wetter climate.

"But you also come to a real football city. There are very few cities like that."

Ferguson was informed of the extensive interview Ronaldo did with Portuguese newspaper Publico this week.

Its content included a glowing personal tribute and a desire to have the United boss guide him throughout his career.

Clearly Ronaldo has no irritation with life itself at United, just a desire to fulfil a boyhood ambition to play for the Spanish giants.

That is an issue Ferguson will address later. For now he is happy Ronaldo, who returned to the Red Devils' Carrington training headquarters yesterday to step up his recovery after ankle surgery that will keep him out until the end of next month, has managed to clear away some of the mystery over his intentions.

"We are happy," he said.

"His interview was very good and from my perspective, he has explained himself perfectly.

"He is happy to be a Manchester United player. He always has been. It is just the unfortunate participation of Real Madrid in the boy's life has made it difficult for him. However, the matter is now closed."

Although Ronaldo has taken full responsibility for the feud between United and Real, Ferguson feels the blame lies at the Spanish outfit's door.

And he is pleased Madrid now know United will not be walked over.

"I think Real Madrid know they are dealing with a different animal now," he said.

Indeed, Ferguson feels a message has been sent out across Europe.

For different reasons, plausible explanations could be found for the sales of Jaap Stam, David Beckham, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Gabriel Heinze.

The loss of the prospective world footballer of the year, who scored 42 goals in United's drive for Premier League and Champions League glory, would be more difficult to dismiss.

"I can't deny it was important for us, as a club, to keep him," said Ferguson.

"There are very few players who have left me against my will.

"It is unusual for anyone to really want to leave Manchester United and I think Cristiano understands that too.

"We had a good meeting in Portugal this summer. We clarified a lot of things and I was pleased with the way it went. That is why I was confident everything would be okay."