Written by :
Published on :
Cristiano Ronaldo declared: "This is my home now. I think even when I say my heart is here, people are still going to speak and make things up. But this is where I want to play.
"We are part of an era that can go down in history for the way we are playing and for the trophies we are winning. The boss believes in this team and so do I. And this is where I want to be. Manchester United is now my house."
The News of the World reports that Ronaldo has never been so affirmative in his desire to stay at Manchester United.
Real Madrid has long been pressuring Ronaldo to join their club.
Ronaldo's prolonged, often intense, dalliance with his persistent Spanish suitors appeared to have affected his form for a short but worrying while, the News of the World reported.
"But he has quickly returned to his imperious best, two magnificent goals at The Emirates sealing United's passage to a second successive Champions League final. And he is convinced that - under the guidance of Ferguson - there is a lot more to come from a player who has already established himself as the outstanding talent of his generation."
Manchester United plays Barcelona on Wednesday.
The Bleacher Report has broken down this showdown:
Cristiano Ronaldo v. Lionel Messi
I don't think I really need to elaborate on this one. The two best players facing off in a Champions League final? What more could you ask for? Will Messi deny Ronaldo eternal glory? Or will Ronaldo keep Messi at second best?
The United back four v. the Barcelona attack
This is the true test for the heralded defense of Manchester United-a true test for Nemanja Vidic and Ferdinand, with players like Henry, Messi, and Samuel Eto'o pressuring them all day. It is likely one mistake could cost United the trophy.
Xavi and Iniesta v. Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes
This will probably decide the match. Both pairs of midfield maestros will do anything to control the center of the pitch.
Xavi and Iniesta are usually at the focal point of every Barcelona attack. Or as Tommy Smyth put it, "Everything good for Barcelona usually comes from Iniesta or Xavi."
Carrick is the unsung hero of United's trophy haul, while Scholes is the legend on the pitch.
Whoever controls the pace at midfield will probably win the game.
The Champions League outright odds are nearly identical for both Barcelona and Manchester United, at -125 and -112 odds, respectively.
Bet this one at Sportingbet.com - home of some of the best cash bonuses in online sports betting.
Alistair Prescott, Gambling911.com
