by Stacie84

Created on: June 13, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

On the back of a phenomenal season that has seen Ronaldo net a spectacular 42 goals for Manchester United, and score his 50th League goal, as well as becoming a double winner by securing both the League title and the Champions League, it seemed his talent knew no bounds and we could be forgiven for thinking his future with United was secure. However then came reports that were to rock the club and fans alike.

Speculation has long been rife, surrounding the future of the Manchester United superstar. The media frenzy that has unfolded has taken focus far beyond an ambitious 23 year old in pursuit of his dreams and has become bitter and personal.

The five seasons that he has had with United, have seen Sir Alex Ferguson nurture him from a youngster with a spectacular talent, to a player who has been dubbed the best player in the world right now. Quotes stating that he is "extremely grateful" to Sir Alex and his team mates for all they have done for him as well as comments to the press that he "owes so much to his manager" have made recent claims that he is keen to move to Madrid almost unbelievable.

However, he may have been swayed. Real bosses have already shown themselves as underhand and conniving - meeting with the winger in private over four months ago - in talks of a possible move to Madrid. It seems that there is no limit to how far they are prepared to go to lure the superstar away from the club to which he owes so much.

After latching on to how keen The Reds are to hold on to him, bosses are urging Ron to STRIKE in order to force his way out of the Theatre of Dreams. There have since been reports that a furious United camp have said that they would rather leave Christiano in the stands and not play him than lose him to Real Madrid. Surely a player of such stature shouldn't have to be party to such playground behaviour? It will be a shame if this endless war of words between the competing clubs were to sway the young wingers decision.

It strikes me that FIFA should have intervened in this bitter debate before it became so fierce, Sir Alex has voiced his fury over the sly moves of his Spanish counterparts to FIFA describing them as immoral. The response was that Real are not at fault. Surely with Ronaldo contracted until 2012 and United adamant that they are not prepared to let him go, such negotiation shouldn't even be possible in the first place?

However, ethics aside the decision must lie with the player himself, regards of commitments, contracts and loyalty, he cannot be forced to stay where he is not happy. Surely he has given enough to the club to warrant a little respect? I fear that Christiano may feel that having conquered Europe and been party to several Premiership titles with United, that he has achieved all that he can with the club. However I sincerely hope this is not the case. With a Super Cup and Community shield imminent there is still so much to strive for. A player of his potential at a club with such stature he can have it all.

Real may be boyhood dream for the winger, but would a move to Madrid would fulfil his dreams whilst dampening his career? As we have seen so many times in the past. When high profile players such as Beckham and Henry favoured a move abroad after achieving great success with English Clubs, they have failed to make such an impact in their new squad.

It will be interesting to see what transpires but I would hate to see a player of such phenomenal talent scupper his chances by following his heart.

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