God only knows if I'll sign for Real, says hounded United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to confirm whether his future is at Old Trafford with Real Madrid insisting they still expect him to move to the Bernabeu.

Ronaldo's comments contradict those of United manager Sir Alex Ferguson who is adamant the winger will start next season in England.  

Ferguson met Real Madrid target Ronaldo for clear-the-air talks on Monday and insisted on Friday there was no chance he would be quitting United for Spain.  

But Ronaldo - who is on holiday in America as he recovers from ankle surgery - claims he has still to make a firm decision on his future.  

'I've had hundreds of questions about Manchester United and Real Madrid,' he told ESPN. 'What do you want me to say? That I'm going or I'm staying?  

'I don't know about the future, only God knows it. I can't say any more.  

'Great players are always hounded by great clubs. It's a normal situation.  

'There are other great players who are in the market who are good and who other clubs want.  

'I have always been hounded, not only this year. It's not strange for me, to see what happens.'  

Champion: Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates opening the scoring during Manchester United's Champions League victory over Chelsea

Madrid are reportedly ready to offer Ronaldo massive wages, while United chief executive David Gill is adamant he will not receive a pay rise should he stay at United. 

But Ronaldo, who signed a new deal at Old Trafford 18 months ago, claims any decision on his future will not be based on money.  

'I want to be happy regardless of where I play,' he added. 'I can be happy everywhere, if I am with people I like, if I am animated, motivated.  

'Am I motivated to continue at United? I am always motivated.  

'I am ambitious and I want to always improve. I don't know the future, but I will be motivated.'  

Real Madrid president: Ramon Calderon

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon, though, believes Ferguson's optimism is little more than a ruse to get more money out of the Primera Liga giants who are reportedly willing to pay no more than £67.4million (85million euros).  

'This type (of transfer) is hard," he told Spanish media, when asked about Ferguson's comments.

'But we're going to go for it all the same.  

'I suppose it's all about a manner of theirs to let us know clearly that they're not going to lower the price in any way and that if we want him we have to pay a lot more money.'  

Madrid chiefs are said to be convinced the winger will join them before the beginning of the season.  

When asked about Ronaldo by the Madrid players on their first day of  pre-season training, Calderon reportedly reassured them with the words 'Don't worry, we have it all sorted.'