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Cristiano Ronaldo looking to complete Real Madrid "dream"

21/06/2008

Cristiano Ronaldo has said he is hopeful of completing his "dream" move to Real Madrid, despite Manchester United reiterating their refusal to sell.

The 23-year-old had given a clear indication of his mindset following Portugal's Euro 2008 to Germany - saying "the possibilities [of a move to the Bernabeu] are great" - and has now said "it is a thing I want and it is a dream for me".

United had issued a firm statement on Friday reaffirming their position, stressing: "United are not listening to offers."

A statement on the club's official website read: "Ronaldo has continually been linked with a move to Spanish side Real Madrid this summer," it continued.

"However, the club reaffirmed its position... on Friday morning. And the message is simple: the 23-year-old United star is 'not for sale'."

But the winger has now revealed he made the decision to move to Real before the Champions League final.

"I didn't want to say anything then. Next it was Euro 2008 and I didn't want to lose focus. Now I can say more," he told the Times newspaper.

"It [moving to Real] is a dream, a step forward, you can call it what you want."

He also revealed that Luiz Felipe Scolari, former Portugal boss and incoming Chelsea manager, had convinced him of the need to move to Madrid.

"For me it is a great opportunity and, as Scolari says, that train passes by only once and we have to take advantage of it," he added.

"That is why he took advantage of his change. Other people have to take advantage of opportunities, too."

When asked about whether he feared upsetting United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Ronaldo added: "It is my opinion. That is why I don't mind if people get upset.

"It is my decision. It is what I want. I don't know what I have to say to him. I have to say what I want and what I think."

Real have already been reported to Fifa by United over their interest in Ronaldo, but the complaint was rejected.

Despite United's insistence their star player is not for sale, reports suggest the Spanish giants are prepared to pay upwards of £80 million for the forward.