Ronaldo eager to confirm Madrid move

Cristiano Ronaldo is looking forward to a fresh challenge in his career as he moves closer to his dream switch to Real Madrid after six hugely successful years at Manchester United.

Speaking to the press in Portugal, where he is continuing his holidays, Ronaldo revealed that although negotiations are still ongoing with Madrid, he is eager for his new life to begin at the Bernabeu.

Ronaldo's management company Gestifute confirmed that the 24-year-old had spoken to the press in Portugal. "As I've already said in every interview. Real Madrid is the club in which I've always wanted to play," Ronaldo was quoted as saying.

He added: "It will be good to play with Kaka, a player who was the Ballon d'Or, the best in the world, but also with Raul, (Iker) Casillas and Guti.

"If I'm allowed, now I want to rest, because the negotiations are still not concluded.

"I want to start pre-season well, that's what I really want.

"The truth is that I'm eager to start."

He added: "I still don't have a house in Madrid, but I'll set aside time to look. I also want to learn Spanish, but this is the time to rest, to be with my family, so I can then start strongly and give the best of me.

"I know that the expectations are great but I have to get used to that."

Ronaldo also confirmed reports that appeared in the media that he had undergone medical tests with Madrid on Sunday, saying: "Everything went perfectly."