Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo has been chased by Real Madrid and Barcelona, but ended up signing a five-year contract extension that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2012. Ronaldo is Manchester United's top scorer and will be a key figure in United's bid to win the Champions League, English Premiership and to reach the FA Cup final.
Manchester United is set to pay Ronaldo 120,000 pounds (US$238,000; €176,000) per week, according to London newspaper Evening Standard.
"At 22, he has the same skill factor as Maradona and Pele," stated Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Cristiano Ronaldo joined United in August 2003 from Sporting Lisbon for 12.24 million pounds (worth €17.97 million now). He has scored 18 goals for United this season and 45 overall.
"It is fantastic news, it emphasizes the point that Cristiano is happy here and that he is at the right club," United manager Alex Ferguson said. "He has a great relationship with the team, staff and the fans, and he will go on to be one of Manchester United's great players."
Bodog.com has posted betting odds on who will win the English Premiership:
Manchester United: 1/4
Chelsea FC: 5/2
Bodog.com has posted betting odds on who will win the Champions League:
Chelsea FC: 2/1
Manchester United: 2/1
Liverpool FC: 3/1
AC Milan: 4/1
