Cristiano Ronaldo was asked to choose his favourite fish dish but even then he refused to take the bait.

The Manchester United winger - subject of the most intense transfer speculation since the last player reeled in by Real Madrid - was offered fish and chips or paella.

Instead, the 23-year-old opted for 'bacalhau' or salted cod much favoured in his native Portugal.

Ronaldo reiterated his pledge not to discuss his future until after Euro 2008 but, with two of the world's biggest clubs vying for his attention, the issue dominated Tuesday's Portugal press conference in Neuchatel ahead of Thursday's quarter-final against Germany.

"At the last game I already said that I don't want to talk about my future," said Ronaldo.

"Now, I am concentrating on the Germany game.

"Mr Scolari has already decided and has decided very well. I will talk about it at the end of the European Championship."

Reference to Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who announced he would be joining United's title rivals Chelsea midway through the group stages, was not enough to draw a response from the player.

And Ronaldo refused to criticise the Brazilian, even though he had gone back on a pledge not to discuss his next career move until after Portugal's interest in the championship.

He added: "He's a friend and I have a great friendship with him.

"He has decided on a good future and I think things will go all right for him.

"He's a great coach and I will always consider him as a friend."

Madrid's pursuit of the former Sporting Lisbon winger prompted the European champions to complain to FIFA, but no action has yet been taken against the Bernabeu outfit and the Portuguese team's press officer intervened when he was asked again about his future.

At the end, one reporter tried the fish and chips question, but with no luck.

In between, Ronaldo was happy to talk about what promises to be an intriguing last-eight clash with the Germans at Basle's St Jakob-Park.

"Germany have a great team," he said. "I watched the game yesterday night (1-0 win over Austria) and I saw nice football, very strong play. They have a very mature team.

"It will be a tough game but every team has weaknesses and I hope Portugal play well and I hope to win."

Ronaldo believes the differences between the sides will make for an entertaining encounter and claims Portugal have a game plan in mind to beat the Germans.

"I think it's going to be a very, very good game," he said.

"Both teams are good, Portugal are more about technique and Germany more physically strong players.

"But it's not a problem for us because these players have great experience.

"We know very well what we are going to do on the pitch."

Ronaldo had the perfect season in England last term, winning the Barclays Premier League and Champions League with United and hitting 42 goals to be crowned PFA Player of the Year and Football Writers'

Player of the Year.

And he admits he has thought about rounding it all off in style with international glory in Switzerland and Austria.

"Of course it's a dream," he said. "We are going very well at the moment in training, confidence is very strong.

"Yes, I have thought about that but first we have to do the job."

Ronaldo's team-mate and one of five Portugal captains, Petit, is delighted to have "the number one player in the world" on his side rather than among the opposition.

The Benfica midfielder said: "It's very good to have Cristiano Ronaldo on our side, the number one player in the world.

"Of course, we have other good players but it's very good to have him on our side when he's having one of his inspired days."

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