Cristiano Ronaldo says he made up his mind last year to quit Manchester United for Real Madrid, whom he has agreed to join for a world record £80 million.
Madrid courted Ronaldo all through last summer but the 24-year-old decided to stay and try to help United defend their 2008 Champions League title, featuring in their final loss in May to Barcelona. Although United retained their English Premier League title, Ronaldo told the paper he decided to leave after the May 2007 final win over Chelsea.
“After we won the European Cup. I thought there is no more I can achieve here,” the Portuguese told the News of the World.
“And when you have done all you can, you know it is time for a new challenge. I stayed one more season and it was nice to make it three titles in a row but it was my dream to play for Madrid.”
“To go down as the greatest. It will take lots of work but that is my target. If you go down as the greatest at Madrid it means you are one of the greatest of all time.”
“Sometimes you do things because emotions are running high – but Wayne is my good friend,” Ronaldo said.
“I can’t regret it because I think the whole experience made me stronger.
“But looking back it was not the right thing to do and not something I would do any more.”
