Real Madrid Galactico Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he is desperate to avoid drawing former employers Manchester United in the knock-out stages of the UEFA Champions League.

The current FIFA World Player of the Year, who joined Real for a world record £80million fee in the summer, would favour a meeting with his old club in the competition's final, which takes place at Real's very own Santiago Bernabeu stadium on May 22nd.

Ronaldo, 24, spent six years at Old Trafford, during which time he won the European crown when United defeated Chelsea in 2008, and he admits he has been impressed with how his old side have carried on since his departure.

"I don’t want to play United [in the knockout rounds] - they’re a very strong team and I have many friends there," he told ESPN.

"I played for six years at Old Trafford and have many friends at the club, but maybe if we met in the final it would be good. It will be very difficult if we play against United but to be honest I don’twant to play them.

"I am really happy here [in Madrid] and look forward to winning as many trophies as I did in Manchester."

source: extrafootie.co.uk