I want to retire at Real Madrid: Cristiano Ronaldo

Madrid: Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he wants to see out his career at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The 27-year-old broke the world transfer record when he signed for Madrid in 2009 in a €94 million deal after a six-year spell at Manchester United. He has proved value for money at the club, scoring 60 goals in all competitions in 2011-12 as Los Blancos secured their first Primera Division title since 2008. Last month, Ronaldo refused to commit his future to the Spanish capital side, but has now declared that he does not see himself playing for another club. "If it were up to me, I would stay at Madrid until the end of my career," he said. "But it does not depend on me..." The Portugal international also spoke of his delight to see Jose Mourinho commit his future to the club until 2016. "It was perfect, I am happy for that. A club like Madrid must have a top coach like Mourinho. He needs to be here.” "It seems clear that Madrid would not win as many titles without Mourinho as they would with him on the bench." Ronaldo has been tipped as the frontrunner in the race for the Ballon d`Or, and thinks that he is in a good position to beat Barcelona star Lionel Messi for the prestigious accolade. "I do not want to think too much about it, but I cannot deny that I feel a great excitement with the fact that I may win it, because it is every player`s dream," the 27-year-old added. "The Ballon d`Or is the pinnacle for a player, but I am not the one to vote, so all I can do is wait. "But I will be honest: I think I am very well placed to win it, or at least to be nominated. I had a fantastic season. "It is clear for me that other Madrid players and myself deserve to be nominated." The Portuguese also commented on the situation of fellow countryman Fabio Coentrao, who has been the target of criticism from Madrid supporters since joining the club from Benfica in a €30 million deal last year. "I think the fans were a bit unfair towards him, but that is just how the Madrid faithful are," Ronaldo explained. "The first year is always the hardest one, but he is one of the best defenders in the world. Good players always succeed." Goal.com