Cristiano Ronaldo has taken the blame for the furore that has surrounded his proposed transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid.

The Portugal international has already conceded that he had his heart set on a switch to the Spanish giants at the end of the 2007/08 season.

Last summer's transfer window was dominated by rumours that Ronaldo was seeking a switch to Real, but United held firm over the winger's future.

However, Real appear set to finally secure their long-term target after they had an £80million bid accepted by United earlier this month.

The Fifa World Player of the Year has now voiced his regret for the controversy that marred the lead up to the agreement.

He told the News of the World: "Anything that has not been right with the move is my fault and nothing to do with Real Madrid or Manchester United.
Public

"I opened my mouth and that is what caused the problems between the two clubs who both acted in the correct way. Yes, I would have handled things differently and not been so public."

When asked if a move had been agreed a year ago, he replied: "No, not that I know of. Any agreements that the clubs had were private.

"I expressed a desire to join Madrid and the two clubs reached an agreement. This transfer is no different from any other."

Ronaldo also outlined his respect for Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who brought the 24-year-old to Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon in 2003.

He said: "I have said many times that it is the relationship a son has with a father. He respects me and I respect him and when one of us is talking, the other one listens.

"It is not a one-sided relationship. We both hear each other out and that is why we have got on so well.

"He taught me everything about football and I have never met a man who is so passionate about the game after so many years.

"He instilled that passion into me and he made me a winner. The most important thing he taught me is that second place is not an option.

Fergie

"He also taught me lots of things in order to make me a better person and people might not understand how much time he invests in players off the pitch. But he really does and he cares about each and every one of us.

"In an ideal world. I would like him to be my life coach and for me to never leave him but that is not possible and I just have to continue my journey and hold on to what he has taught me.

"Sir Alex has shown so much confidence in me and for that I owe him everything. When I arrived - even though I did not want it - he insisted I have number seven on my shirt.

"I was very adamant that I did not want it. Then, he sat me down and told me about the history of the number seven and said ... do you understand what I am trying to say to you? I think you will be worthy of wearing this shirt.

"When I think of the greats who have worn that United shirt, I understood how much confidence he had in me. And I hope now that I am another Manchester United great who wore the most famous shirt at the club."