Just minutes after Ronaldo and his Portugal team-mates crashed out of Euro 2008, the winger finally broke his silence over his Old Trafford future - and left no doubt where his heart lies.
Following the last-eight defeat to Germany, he was quoted by The Sun declaring: "In the next few days there could be news.
"I know there is a concrete offer on the table, now let's see if we can reach a deal in the next days.
"Everyone knows what I want. I have many desires and in the next days they will become clear."
Ronaldo and his agent Jorge Mendes know Real will table a world-record £80million bid and put enormous pressure on United to accept.
He added: "For me it's a very good opportunity. As Scolari says, this only happens once."
And asked when he decided he wanted to quit Old Trafford, Ronaldo revealed: "Some time ago, before this competition.
"I didn't want to say anything because we were in competition and these are important decisions."
Ronaldo claimed that leaving United would be difficult but added: "I think it could be good for both of us".
United will be enraged by his comments, having already made it clear they have no intention of selling their prize asset.
