RIO LOVES UNITED

“When the whole contract situation arose it went from being a great relationship with the fans to being the worst with anti-Rio banners being held up. I could understand it.

“I could understand the fans' feelings in view of what they were being fed in the media. But that was one of the reasons I wrote the book. I wanted people to know that there was no intention on my behalf to leave the club.

“The manager asked me what was going on with the Kenyon meeting. It was a freak, chance meeting. I didn't want to sign for Chelsea. I never spoke to him about that. I just wanted to sign for United.

“I don't mess around. If I didn't like it here I would tell the manager that I wanted to leave. But I love it here. Some days I wake up and think I might stay in Manchester for the rest of my life and raise my children.

“I have no other thoughts in my head other than playing for United and winning things.”

Elsewhere:

“When I first came to Manchester United the manager said winning the first trophy is easier than retaining it, or getting another one. Rather sickly, it has come true.

“This is a key stage of my career now. One of my major reasons for coming to this club was to take my football to another level.

“You might get talked about as a good footballer — but it is winning things that really elevates you. That is the aim of this entire group of players, as a collective. We are capable of winning these big prizes.

“It upsets me that I will forever be a drugs cheat in some people's eyes. I am not a drug-taker — never have been, never will be. Plenty have accused me of it. It bothers me that young kids think I was a druggie.”