Cristiano Ronaldo Say:"Real Madrid is my home" News Conference.... 2013

Cristiano Ronaldo rules out return to Manchester United after new Real Madrid deal, saying: 'this is my home'

Cristiano Ronaldo effectively killed off any chance of a return to Manchester United when he signed a new £75  million contract with Real Madrid on Sunday that will keep him at the Spanish club until 2018.

The 28-year-old, who had been linked with a move to Old Trafford during the summer transfer window to replace the unsettled Wayne Rooney, indicated that he is likely to remain in the Spanish capital for the rest of his career.

“Everyone knows that I was at Manchester for six years and it was a club that gave me many, many things,” he said. “But Manchester is the past, now my club is Real Madrid. It’s my home and my family and I am really happy here.”

His words were in stark contrast with a statement he made a year ago. Then, during an interview, he claimed his morale in Madrid was at rock bottom and that he was “sad”.

He did not at the time elaborate on what was causing his unhappiness, but it was an artfully dropped adjective which sparked a firestorm of rumour. The suggestion grew that he had tired of the then coach Jose Mourinho’s abrasive management and craved a return to a place where he felt unequivocally adored. It was a remark which had the stands at Old Trafford ringing with chants willing him back.

“Maybe that day I was a little sad,” he said on Sunday of his moment of dismay. “It’s normal. It’s human. Maybe I shouldn’t have said it publicly, but I am not perfect. I make mistakes like everyone else, but it happened and that page has been turned. Now I am fine, comfortable and very motivated. I want to continue at this club for many years and give it my all like always.”