Cristiano Ronaldo Rules Out Imminent Return To Manchester United

Cristiano Ronaldo admits he misses Manchester United but has ruled out an imminent return to the club he left for Real Madrid. Although the forward, who has two years remaining on his contract, has been linked with a move to United and the champions would be keen to re-sign him, Ronaldo says he is happy in Spain.

"I miss English football," he said. "For me, it was [some] of the best years in my career when I was there in Manchester United. Everyone knows that it is a club that is still in my heart and I really, really miss. But now my life is in Spain. I am enjoying playing there, too."

The 28-year-old did not, however, rule out a move back to United. "Part of my life is there, but in the future we never know. I am really, really happy in the Spanish league." Ronaldo has so far refused to discuss new terms with Real but it would require United to offer £60m for the Spanish club to consider selling a player who has scored 146 goals in 135 appearances for them. It is unclear whether Ronaldo's former team-mate, Wayne Rooney, was able to meet David Moyes, United's new manager, at Carrington on Wednesday to discuss his future at the club. That leaves only Thursday to begin resolving an issue that has been lingering for six weeks.

After MUTV, the club's in-house television station, confirmed that Moyes's first press conference will be on Friday, the Scot may want to have at least one serious discussion with the striker he sold when Everton manager in 2004 so that he can answer questions about the 27-year-old's future at United.

Roberto Martínez, Moyes's successor at Goodison, has signalled that the United manager will not find it easy to prise Leighton Baines from Everton, after an initial £12m bid was rejected. "I think Leighton is more than a player, he is an icon," Martínez said. "He represents a lot about our football club and I am really, really excited about Leighton. This is a big season for him and for us as a club. When you are the left-back of this football club, and the level that he has been reaching over the last few years consistently, it shows me that he is the best left-back in the country. I can't wait to start working with him."

He continued: "Leighton is a phenomenal performer and has become a very consistent player for Everton. A lot of people get upset when other clubs show interest in their players but I feel it is compliment. Leighton is vital for our future and what we are going to achieve at the club."

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