You are in > manchester.com  > News > Beckham urges Ronaldo to stay at United

General Sport

Beckham urges Ronaldo to stay at United

03/06/2008

Former Manchester United midfielder David Beckham believes Cristiano Ronaldo should not quit Old Trafford to join Real Madrid.

Beckham, who made the same move to Spain in 2003 after a public falling out with manager Sir Alex Ferguson, has urged the Portuguese star to stay in England because he believes it will be better for his development.

"I believe he's at the right club now, and a club he should stay at because, as much as Real Madrid are a great team and one of the biggest clubs in the world, he's only just starting at Manchester United," the England international said.

"He's only been there a few years. He's got a lot of people around him who will protect him.

"As a fan of Manchester United I hope he stays there, but who knows what will happen."

Ronaldo has been the subject of a war of words in the English and Spanish press in recent weeks, with United and Real issuing claims and counter claims over his immediate future.

It is thought he will announce a final decision on his whereabouts for next season before the weekend, which sees the start of the 2008 European Championships in Austria and Switzerland.