In the wake of his World Cup controversy, the brilliant winger snubbed apparent interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona in favour of signing a lucrative contract extension that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2012.

Yet the deal has not stopped the Spanish giants repeatedly suggesting the 22-year-old would be welcome at the Bernabeu or the Nou Camp whenever he wanted to make the switch.

However, as he launched the publicity for his new book "Moments", Ronaldo told a packed gathering, including United chief executive David Gill, that he was going nowhere.

Wearing an oversize pair of designer sunglasses to protect the eye injury he suffered during last night's win over AS Roma, the former Sporting Lisbon star also revisited the World Cup row with Wayne Rooney, hailed the influence of Sir Alex Ferguson and placed Champions League glory at the top of his aspirations for the season.

But it was his commitment to the Old Trafford cause that provided the sweetest music for the Red Devils faithful.

"I have enjoyed playing for this club for five years and I want to keep going like that," he said.

"Sometimes in the past I have thought about other clubs but I took a decision to stay because this is the right place for me.

"It is not just about the club. It is the people, the players and the supporters. You have everything here.

"No-one knows the future but only when the club says they don't want me will I leave."

At one point, in the aftermath of England's stormy exit from the World Cup, Ronaldo's departure seemed certain.

Condemned from many sides for his over-zealous, and successful, attempt to get Wayne Rooney sent off during the quarter-final clash in Gelsenkirchen, Ronaldo confirmed on more than one occasion that he would never return to United.

In the end though, a combination of his trusted advisor Jorge Menges, Ferguson and his assistant Carlos Queiroz, plus Gill persuaded Ronaldo to remain where he was.

Almost 15 months on, Ronaldo accepts his initial reaction to the row was too hasty. And, while he acknowledges he has made mistakes and learned from the whole saga, he does not regret it.

"Everybody makes mistakes," he said.

"When you are growing up you do bad things. When your head is full straight after a game, you say things you don't really want to say.

"It is one moment in my short career. It is not a problem and I don't regret it.

"My relationship with Wayne Rooney has always been great. It was before the World Cup and remained so after it. I am more mature as well, so I feel great."

The outstanding young duo are united in a common cause now, spearheading Ferguson's quest for more honours before he finally calls time on his illustrious Old Trafford reign.

Although a shared language means his relationship with Queiroz is possibly closer than with his manager, Ronaldo has nothing but praise for the influence Ferguson has had on his career.

"I am at this club because of Sir Alex Ferguson," he said.

"He is the one who gives me the confidence to play."

The Madeira-born youngster still shakes his head at how far he has come in the game.

His name is virtually certain to be on the short-list for the Fifpro World Player of the Year when it is unveiled on Monday and he is also bound to be under heavy consideration for the prestigious European and FIFA world awards later in the year.

The brilliance of AC Milan's Kaka may ensure Ronaldo misses out this time around but it seems only a matter of time before his immense talent receives an ultimate individual honour.

And the Champions League win he craves in Moscow next year would certainly go a long way to helping achieve his personal dream.

"Obviously it is a dream to be the best player in the world but it is not something I think about," he said.

"My aim is just to do better every year, not just me but my colleagues as well.

"Of course I want to win the Premier League again, it is a great feeling when you win something with your club.

"But the Champions League is my big aim now. I have never won it and I hope to win it this season. We have the players, so why not?"