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Cristiano Ronaldo Explains Decision To Leave Manchester United For Real Madrid

Speaking about his impending move, CR7 has explained just why he had to switch to the Bernabeu...

Jun 20, 2009 11:40:10 PM

Cristiano Ronaldo, Champions League Final 2008 (Owen Humphreys, PA)

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Cristiano Ronaldo, Champions League Final 2008 (Owen Humphreys, PA)

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In his first full interview since agreeing to move from Manchester United to Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo has explained the reasoning behind his transfer.

Speaking to the News Of The World, Ronaldo admitted that he had been contemplating a switch to the Bernabeu for some time.

He said, "After we won the European Cup [Champions League], I began to think that there was nothing left for me to achieve in Manchester.

"I realised that when you achieve everything, it is time to seek a new challenge. I stayed another year and enjoyed it, but my dream was to play for Real Madrid."

Many cynics have suggested that Ronaldo's main incentive to move to Madrid was a monetary one, but the Portuguese star dismissed such suggestions.

He continued, "Of course I did not move for money.

"What I want is to be the greatest player in the world. I know I need to work a lot, but that is my goal.

"And it is clear that if you become the best player of Real Madrid, you will become one of the best in history."

Ronaldo's €94 million transfer to Real Madrid will create a new world record for transfer fees.

Arjun Miglani, Goal.com