Ronaldo refuses to commit future to Madrid but backs Mourinho to remain at helm

By Andy James

Published: 09:15 EDT, 2 January 2013 | Updated: 09:19 EDT, 2 January 2013

Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to confirm his future lies with Real Madrid but insists for now he is happy with the club.

The world’s most expensive player has two and a half years left on his deal at the Bernabeu and has so far ignored any mention of signing a renewal.

Sir Alex Ferguson recently suggested he would love to bring the £80million-man back to Old Trafford having accepted the record fee back in 2009.

Will he stay or will he go? Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with a return to Old Trafford

Since then Ronaldo has bagged a superb 170 goals in 169 games in all competitions and his performances have seen him rewarded by being shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or.

However, the 27-year-old has at times had a tricky relationship with the fans, something he says has improved over time.  

Asked about his contract wrangle, he said: ‘That issue has already been spoken about. I will not talk any more about my renewal. The important thing is to win the next matches.

‘We are fighting for La Liga, the Copa Del Rey and the Champions League. The important thing is being together.

Main man: Ronaldo continues to shine for Madrid despite their indifferent form

‘Right now I feel more comfortable with the fans, not only in the Bernabeu, where I’ve always been comfortable, but outside.

‘And I feel those who are far away, and this makes me happy, and I intend to repay them in the best possible way, which is to play well, to give my best for the shirt and to be on top of my game to help Real Madrid.’

Six crucial Primera Division fixtures precede an encounter with a significant emotional pull for Ronaldo, as Manchester United visit the Bernabeu in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Referring to the club he left for £80million in 2009, Ronald added: 'I still have great feeling of friendship and love for them, they're a team that have done a lot for my career.

Doubts: Ronaldo has yet to commit his long-term future to the Spanish side

'The fans know me well and I have a lot of friends there that I keep close to my heart.

'But now I am defending Real Madrid's colours. It's a bit of a sad feeling I guess, but I want to score, and for us to win, and that would make everything better.'

There has also been speculation about the future of manager Jose Mourinho after Madrid’s domestic form suffered to leave them 16-points behind leaders Barcelona in defence of their crown.

But Ronaldo threw his weight behind his fellow countryman.

When asked whether he thought Mourinho would leave, he said: ‘I do not know. It depends on his situation and the club. I would love him to stay because he is the right coach.

‘He is a top coach for a top club. I think he is going to stay but everyone chooses their future.’