Cristiano Ronaldo hints at Real Madrid exit admitting "only God knows" about his future

Manchester United have long been linked with a move to bring the Ballon d'Or winner back to England and will be buoyed by the Portuguese's words.

FIFA Ballon d'Or nominee Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Real Madrid is interviewed prior to the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala

Cristiano has admitted "only God knows" what his future holds.

Despite penning a new deal with Real Madrid only last year speculation has persisted linking him with a move away.

Indeed, former club Manchester United have consistently been rumoured to be preparing a blockbuster move to bring him back to Old Trafford.

And despite conceding he is happy at the Bernabeu, the 29-year-old refused to rule out one day moving to pastures new.

"Nobody knows, only God knows," he said when asked if he would ever leave the reigning European champions.

"The future, I don't know, but I'm very happy at Real."

When pushed further on whether he'd welcome a fresh challenge Ronaldo again left matters open.

"I signed a new deal one year ago but, the future, you never know," he added.