London, June 23 : Ace Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo will this week demand that Manchester United sell him to Real Madrid as a reward for his loyalty to the English club.

The Portuguese winger, 23, claimed that he deserved to be released from his contract for his display over the past five years, NOTW.CO.UK reported.

Ronaldo, who still has four years left on his current deal, is expected to release a statement inside the next 48 hours. He is returning to Manchester to make his public appeal to the club after weeks of speculation about his future.

A source close to the player said: "Cristiano will make an impassioned plea to United and claim he deserves to be allowed to follow his dream of playing for Real Madrid."

"He will try to persuade them that the commitment he has shown, the level of performances he has produced and the trophies he has won are more than enough to allow him the opportunity to leave," the source added.

"Cristiano does not want to leave under a cloud. He wants to leave on good terms with United's blessing," the source said.

But Ronaldo's attempt to force his departure is certain to be ignored by United. Boss Sir Alex Ferguson who is away on holiday in France and is not due to return until June 30.

We understand the United manager has no intention of interrupting his break to discuss Ronaldo's future.

Chief executive David Gill is also on holiday, which means no one will be available if Real want to open negotiations over the proposed 75million pound transfer.

ANI