Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson expects Cristiano Ronaldo to return to training on 31 July and insists the winger is not for sale.
The future of the Portugal international has been in doubt since he made it clear he wanted a move to Spain after his World Cup bust-up with Wayne Rooney.
Ferguson said: “Without any question, Ronaldo will be our player next season and for the rest of his contract.
“He’ll be back in July to start training again with us,” he said.
“I haven’t paid much attention to what Cristiano is supposed to have said about his future.
“I haven’t spoken to him since the World Cup.”
Ronaldo has been criticised in England for his role in the sending off of United team-mate Rooney when Portugal beat England in the World Cup quarter-final. The winger also revealed that he was keen on a move to Spain with Real Madrid or Barcelona his preferred destinations.
After the game he said: “I should get out of Manchester as the circumstances are not right.”
However, Ferguson says Ronaldo will be able to deal with the expected backlash from supporters.
“There have been other players down the years who have had stick,” he said.
“David Beckham came back after the World Cup in 1998 and had it, while Eric Cantona had it all the time – everywhere he went.
“There will be no problem with Cristiano and it certainly didn’t affect him when he was booed at the World Cup.
“He’s got a fantastic attitude and he’s a really strong character.”
