After Manchester United lifted the Premiership trophy this season, Cristiano Ronaldo spent the time the rest of the players lapped the pitch talking to the reporters. His future? We will see.

Now we see. His future is with Real Madrid.

December 8, 2008
“It’s not the time to talk about other clubs at the moment. I’m happy here and I’m going to stay.”

December 19, 2008
“I don’t care what people are saying. I have not read it. I am here in Japan and I know nothing about what is going on around me. But I am very happy playing for Manchester United.”

January 1, 2009
“People were speaking about me this summer but that was normal because of what I did during the season. What people are saying now is not true. Who says that is a liar because I am happy at the club, I want to stay here. I feel at home here. I feel very happy here. When I arrived at the stadium, to play against Villarreal, I felt a little bit of pressure. But the fans were very good and this is why I feel the Manchester United supporters are amazing. I love the fans because they have been brilliant with me, not just this season but every season. Like I said before, I feel at home in Manchester.”

January 20, 2009
“Everything that revolves around Cristiano Ronaldo is a bit of speculation. Everything that I do generates a certain interest from the press and public. But 90 per cent of what is said and written about me stems from speculation. The only thing that is true is that I am happy at Manchester United. This is my home. Because I am winning things, because of friends, because of fans, I have always felt very loved. I feel at home here, it is a very lovely stage in my career, as much because of the coach, who has always supported me, as because of the players. I feel part of the furniture at United. I don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow, but I feel very happy here.”

February 27, 2009
“I feel very happy where I am now. I feel very happy in Manchester. Manchester are challenging for titles and I have to appreciate that. Maybe the other clubs don’t have an opportunity like us. As for the future, only God knows. I prefer to speak about the present and the present is brilliant. Manchester play well and I feel very happy here and I want to stay here.”

April 16, 2009
“I just don’t care what the whole world seems to want to say about me or speculate about my future. I’ve said it a thousand times and, by now, people should realise…I’m totally happy at United. I’m in the form of my life and I’m having the season of my career so far. So it makes me mad sometimes to read some of the things which are supposed to be related to my future. I get angry but I’m trying to accept it’s a waste of energy to be furious because it is not worth it.”

April 18, 2009
“It is a great feeling and I love to play here. I am very happy here. I want to win more trophies here. At the moment I think I am at the right club. And I want to win trophies next season as well. It is not luck that there are three English teams in the semi final of the Champions League. In my opinion it is because the Premier League is the toughest league and the most competitive league with the best players.”

May 25, 2009
“I have to answer this a thousand times. I am happy here and I want to stay here.”

May 27, 2009
“Now, as I have said many times, only God knows the future. I have never hid from anyone that I would like to play in Spain one day. It’s a dream, but sometimes dreams don’t happen. I can guarantee that I am happy at Manchester United and that I would love to continue.”

June 11th, 2009
At Cristiano’s request – who has again expressed his desire to leave – and after discussion with the player’s representatives, United have agreed to give Real Madrid permission to talk to the player.