Real Madrid signing Cristiano Ronaldo says Manchester United can cope without him.

"I'm a one-off," he told Shortlist magazine. "But that doesn't mean Manchester United won't buy world-class players.

"Sir Alex will spend well on big names, I'm sure. He's lost big players before, but gone on to even more success. For me they will still win the Premier League next year, and I hope for a long time to come.

"Not many players could turn down United and I fully expect big names to arrive.

"I decided I needed a new challenge after winning everything with United and the boss has a price for me which he thinks is fair. I feel it's the right outcome and have spoken with the boss all the way through this. When I'm at a club, I'll always give it my heart and soul.

"Until the very end I gave United everything I had on the pitch. It was nice to leave after winning another title but it would have been perfect to win another European Cup. That defeat in the final really hurt, so when people say I don't show loyalty, I don't listen.

"Of course I have a sentimental attachment to United. I spent a quarter of my life there. I was a boy when I arrived in Manchester and I'm leaving a man. The club and its fans will always have a place in my heart.

"I learned a lot of lessons there, and I'll never forget the things I was taught by so many people."