MANCHESTER, England -- Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo signed a five-year contract Friday to stay at Old Trafford through till 2012.

The 22-year-old Portugal international is set to earn a reported 238,000 per week, according to London newspaper Evening Standard.

"I am delighted," Ronaldo said. "Everyone knew that I wanted to stay. I am very happy at the club and I want to win trophies, and hopefully we will do that this season."

Ronaldo joined United in August 2003 from Sporting Lisbon. He has scored 18 goals for United this season and 45 overall.

Ronaldo's future at the club was uncertain at the beginning of the season after clashing with United teammate Wayne Rooney in the World Cup quarterfinal match between Portugal and England in July.

Rooney was sent off for stomping on the groin of Portugal defender Ricardo Carvalho. Ronaldo had earlier run to the referee to protest Rooney's actions, receiving a shove from the England striker.

Ronaldo, who was seen winking at his bench afterward, went on to score the winning penalty kick.

After Portugal lost to Germany in the third-place playoff, Ronaldo said he wanted to leave United and move to Spain. But he was persuaded to stay and has made vital contributions with the club in contention for the Champions League, Premier League title and FA Cup this season.

"We had dinner with him in Portugal and stressed this had happened before to David Beckham," Ferguson said. "There is nothing wrong with booing -- we get booed at most places. But he had the nerve to handle it. He still gets a bit of it, but that is only because he is a great player."

Ferguson added that Ronaldo is as skilled at 22 as Diego Maradona and Pele were at the same age, while United teammate Ryan Giggs described the Portuguese winger as the best player in the world.

"I don't believe there is anyone who could rival him as being the best player in the world," Giggs said. "For someone in his position, and of his age, to be as consistent as he has been, is remarkable."