Unsettled Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to confirm Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's claim the winger will remain at Old Trafford.

The 23-year-old claims he is being "hounded" by great clubs and that is normal for players of his stature.

Ferguson met Real Madrid target Ronaldo for clear-the-air talks and insisted there was no chance he would be quitting United for Spain.

But Ronaldo - who is on holiday in America as he recovers from ankle surgery - claims he has still to make a firm decision on his future.

He said: "I've had hundreds of questions about Manchester United and Real Madrid. What do you want me to say? That I'm going or I'm staying?

"I don't know about the future, only God knows it. I can't say any more.

"Great players are always hounded by great clubs. It's a normal situation. There are other great players who are in the market who are good and who other clubs want.

"I have always been hounded, not only this year. It's not strange for me, to see what happens."

Madrid are reportedly ready to offer Ronaldo massive wages, while United chief executive David Gill is adamant he will not receive a pay rise should he stay at United.

But Ronaldo, who signed a new deal at Old Trafford 18 months ago, claims any decision on his future will not be based on money.

He said: "I want to be happy regardless of where I play. I can be happy everywhere, if I am with people I like, if I am animated, motivated.

"Am I motivated to continue at United? I am always motivated."

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