Ronaldo's mother: 'He's staying in England'

Cristiano Ronaldo's future at Manchester United has taken another twist after his mother said he is staying in England.

Dolores Aveiro is adamant her son will be staying at Old Trafford despite the striker's comments that he would like to move to Madrid if they were willing to pay what United demand.

She said: "He is fine where he is. The future only God knows, but what is sure is that he is going to continue in England."

Her comments come after Ronaldo's apparent "come-and-get-me" plea to Madrid.

He said: "I would like to play for Real Madrid - but only if it is true they are ready to pay what Manchester United ask of them. However it does not depend on me."

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon also said it was an "honour" that Ronaldo wanted to join the Spanish club.

Calderon said: "For Madrid it is an honour to know that a player like him thinks that playing at Real Madrid would be good. We are proud to know that he would like to be with us."

Meanwhile, Ronaldo's apparent plea to Madrid has left Rio Ferdinand fearing for United's future.

He said: "This team can get better but we need it to stay together. We have worked hard to get to the position we are in and want to build on the success we have had.

"That means keeping all the players at the club."

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.