Amid interest from Real Madrid and Barcelona, the president of the Portuguese FA, Gilberto Madail, declared: "It's logical that such clubs would be interested because he is an exceptional player. But I believe he is happy where he is - at least so far.

"In addition, he should be grateful to Manchester United and realise what this club has done for him as a footballer. Under (Sir Alex) Ferguson, Cristiano has grown as a man. He cannot forget that."

Madail added: "If one day he had to changes teams, I would like that he returned to Portugal."