Queiroz 'perfect choice' for Portugal says Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has welcomed Carlos Queiroz's appointment as Portugal coach amid increasing speculation he will follow his mentor out of Manchester United.

Queiroz, who served as Sir Alex Ferguson's right-hand man for all but one of the last six years, has agreed a four-year contract with the Portuguese Football Federation. He is scheduled to be formally presented at a news conference on Wednesday.

The 55-year-old's departure leaves Ferguson needing to recruit a new assistant. But, perhaps more importantly, it eliminates a link between United and Ronaldo, who wants to join Real Madrid.

Queiroz, who succeeds new Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari as Portugal coach, is believed to have been instrumental in luring Ronaldo to Old Trafford in 2003, as well as the club's other recruits from Portuguese football, Anderson and Nani, last summer.

He will now manage Ronaldo at international level and the winger is delighted at the appointment.

"I have been working with him for some time and I just have to say that he is perfect for this job," he told Portuguese broadcaster RTP.

After four successful years at Old Trafford, Queiroz admitted that leaving United was not easy, despite feeling the time is again right to strike out on his own.

"It is with a very heavy heart that I leave the greatest football club in the world," said Queiroz, who will take full responsibility for all aspects of Portugal's national teams, including oversight of the youth teams.

"This has been a special period in my life both personally and professionally.

"To Sir Alex, I thank him for his faith in me and his knowledge, spirit and desire from which I will take strength and have confidence in my new role."

Ferguson was full of praise for his departing assistant, adding on the club's official website: "Carlos is one of the best coaches in world football.

"His attention to detail, ability to innovate and will to win have been a key factor to the team's recent successes. He has played an important role in building and blending the exceptional squad of players at the club."

Ferguson must now decide who to appoint as replacement for the Portuguese coach.

Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc, the former France defender who spent two seasons with United at the end of his career, and Pako Ayesteran, Rafael Benitez's former number two at Liverpool, have been mentioned as candidates to fill the post left vacant by Queiroz.