Manchester United are determined to keep hold of Cristiano Ronaldo even though the Portugal winger continues to hint he wants to join Real Madrid.
The double winners felt obliged today to post a "not for sale" notice on their club website after Ronaldo's latest mischievous message. With the player's contract running until 2012, United are anxious to dissuade any possible suitors including Real Madrid.
Just as mysterious as Ronaldo's future appears to be, so does a foot problem last season's 42-goal scorer has suffered. After Portugal exited Euro 2008 last night, Ronaldo claimed he needed an immediate operation as he had been troubled by the injury for three months.
He intimated that he would liaise with United's medical team in the next few days. Portuguese Football Federation spokesman Onofre Costa said: "Ronaldo has already said he had an injury a couple of months ago.
"But the federation cannot confirm or deny that he's going to have surgery. It is down to his club or the player to decide."
Real Madrid have made no secret of their desire to sign Ronaldo with United reporting the Spanish club to world governing body Fifa over what they considered attempts to unsettle the player.
Yet despite United's determination to keep their star player, Ronaldo has refused to confirm his commitment to the club since speculation over his future began soon after last month's Champions League final.
Ronaldo is just one year into a four-year contract but last night he gave the clearest indication yet that he wants to move on.
"In two or three days' time I will announce my future because the tournament is over for me," he said in Portuguese after his side's loss to Germany in Basle.
"I have to speak to Manchester United and we will see. I will talk to them and see what happens."
He added: "Everyone knows what I want but in the next two or three days you'll have something new."
Asked about a move to Madrid, Ronaldo replied: "The possibilities to go are great, but as I have always said it doesn't always depend on me. I have many desires and in the next few days they will become clear."
