Real Madrid boosted by Ronaldo renewal

MADRID — Cristiano Ronaldo believes putting pen to paper on a new Real Madrid deal, which ties him to the club until 2018, can help propel them to the Champions League title.

Ronaldo signed a new contract on Sunday, the perfect boost ahead of their Champions League opener with Galatasaray on Tuesday.

With the Portuguese's previous deal set to expire in 2015 there had been strong suggestions that he could make a sensational return to Manchester United, who he left to join Madrid in 2009 for a then world record 94 million euros ($ 131 million, £ 80 million).

Madrid president Florentino Perez has splashed the club's cash once more in the transfer market over the past few months by spending over 160 million euros in bringing Gareth Bale, Isco and Asier Illarramendi to the Bernabeu.

And despite the departures of Gonzalo Higuain and Mesut Ozil, Ronaldo is convinced Madrid can finally end their 12-year wait to win their 10th European Cup.

"It is not new what has happened this summer, players come and go," he said.

" Real Madrid, throughout its history, has always tried to bring the best players to the club and they have usually been successful.

" Regarding the 10th European Cup, we could have won more titles but at times it is not possible. I have no doubt that sooner or later Madrid will win it and I am convinced we can do it this year."