Wednesday, June 4, 2008

RONALDO STAYING AT OLD TRAFFORD - GILL


Manchester United chief executive David Gill has reiterated that Cristiano Ronaldo will remain at Old Trafford.
The Portugal winger is currently preparing for Euro 2008 after scoring 42 goals last season.
But there is continued speculation about the 23-year-old's future plans ahead of the tournament in Austria and Switzerland.
United remain bullish about the situation and insist he will stay their player.
"Our position is clear. Sir Alex (Ferguson) and I stated it in the last week," said Gill as he announced they are to play Portsmouth in a dress rehearsal for the Community Shield in Nigeria in July.
"That's it. That's all we are going to say on the matter, full stop."
The exhibition match will be the finale to the Tinapa Business Resorts soccer tournament.
The date and venue have still to be arranged with United travelling to Nigeria from South Africa, where they are involved in the Vodacom Challenge tournament from July 19-26.
Gill said: "It is not the 39th game by stealth, don't worry about that. It is just a coincidence we are playing Portsmouth.
"Exhibition games overseas can help Manchester United but also the Premier League in terms of making sure it is at the forefront of those fans' minds when it comes to selling it.
"Nigeria is home to our fourth largest fan base with some 13.6 million followers and we will be taking a strong squad.
"Sir Alex and the team are always keen to visit new places.
"This match will give an opportunity for our many fans in Nigeria to see the team in the flesh and provide a climax to our summer tour."
Gill confirmed that Ronaldo will not be travelling to South Africa or Nigeria but only because he will be on holiday after Euro 2008.
United are already looking to the future after winning the Champions League and retaining their Barclays Premier League title.
A fee has been agreed with Cardiff for midfielder Aaron Ramsey, who played in the FA Cup final.
At least two other Premier League clubs are chasing the 17-year-old but Gill said: "I am confident."
Should everything go to plan, Ramsey will be loaned back to the Championship side next season.

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