Ronaldo has agreed to extend his contract with Real Madrid until 2008, the Spanish club have confirmed.

The Brazilian striker joined Madrid from Inter for €45m in 2002, signing a four-year deal with an option for one further season

‘.I’m delighted,” Ronaldo told Real’s Web Site. “There were grave doubts about my signing at first but little by little I’ve demonstrated that I’m worthy of a team like Real Madrid.”

“We’re going to look into something to tie me for life with Real Madrid, a club that inspires passion throughout the world,” he said.

“We’re trying to maintain the nucleus of the side for years to come,” Real director Emilio Butragueno told the club’s web site.

“This is great news for Real Madrid fans. “As a goal-scoring centre-forward, Ronaldo is the best in the world, without a doubt.”

Ronaldo has been strongly linked with a return to former club Internazionale in recent months, while city rivals Milan have also been linked with the former World Player of the Year.

Ronaldo, 27, is the leading scorer in Spain’s Primera Liga this season with 22 goals.