Cristiano Ronaldo has officially re-signed for Manchester United almost a week after the club announced that they have reached an agreement with Juventus for the services of the football icon.
Ronaldo first joined Manchester United in 2003 from Sporting Lisbon and stayed at the Premier League club until 2009 before he made a then-world transfer record move to Real Madrid.
Before he left Manchester United, the 36-year-old Portuguese football icon made 292 appearances for the club in which he scored 118 goals and provided 69 assists.
His effort earned him his first Ballon d’Or and European golden boot awards at Old Trafford. Ronaldo also helped Manchester United to win three Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League title, and a couple of other domestic titles.
After his exit from Manchester United, he spent 9 years at Real Madrid where he became a total beast in the game of football, winning four more Ballons d’Or, four more UEFA Champions League titles, and other domestic titles. Ronaldo spent his last three years at Juventus where he won two Italian Serie A and other domestic titles.
He became the first 36-year-old footballer to attract a transfer fee worth €15 million. Manchester United paid the amount to Juventus when Ronaldo decided that he would not wait until the last season on his contract with Juventus to expire before he would exit the club.
Earlier today, August 31 which happens to be transfer deadline day in England, Manchester United confirmed that Ronaldo has signed a two-year deal with the club with an option for extension.
“Manchester United is a club that has always had a special place in my heart, and I have been overwhelmed by all the messages I have received since the announcement on Friday,” Ronaldo told the club’s website after signing the deal.
“I cannot wait to play at Old Trafford in front of a full stadium and see all the fans again. I’m looking forward to joining up with the team after the international games, and I hope we have a very successful season ahead.”
While the manager of the club, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was Ronaldo’s teammate at Old Trafford between 2003 and 2008, said: “You run out of words to describe Cristiano.
“He is not only a marvelous player but also a great human being. To have the desire and the ability to play at the top level for such a long period requires a very special person. I do not doubt that he will continue to impress us all and his experience will be so vital for the younger players in the squad.
“Ronaldo’s return demonstrates the unique appeal of this club and I am absolutely delighted he is coming home to where it all started.”
𝗥𝗘𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗗.#MUFC | #RonaldoReturns pic.twitter.com/Z8ExoRRoVR
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 31, 2021
Cristiano Ronaldo dedicates his return to Manchester United to Sir Alex Ferguson
When Cristiano Ronaldo decided to leave Juventus earlier in August, the first club that approached him was Manchester United’s arch-rivals, Manchester City.
That sparked a massive movement within the legends of Manchester United including the legendary coach of the club, Sir Alex Ferguson, who did not want a player he groomed at Old Trafford to end up at a rival club.
Reports claimed that the retired coach played a vital role in ensuring that Ronaldo return to Manchester United instead of joining Manchester City.
After Ronaldo re-signed with Manchester United, the 5-time Ballon d’Or winner took to Instagram to write a long message to the club and also dedicated his return to Old Trafford to Sir Alex Ferguson.
Recall that Sir Ferguson brought Ronaldo to Manchester United in 2003 and coached him for 6 years before the Portuguese football star left for Real Madrid in 2009.
Ronaldo wrote: “Everyone who knows me, knows about my never ending love for Manchester United. The years I spent in this club where absolutely amazing and the path we’ve made together is written in gold letters in the history of this great and amazing institution.
I can’t even start to explain my feelings right now, as I see my return to Old Trafford announced worldwide. It’s like a dream come true, after all the times that I went back to play against Man. United, and even as an opponent, to have always felt such love and respect from the supporters in the stands. This is absolutely 100% the stuff that dreams are made of!
My first domestic League, my first Cup, my first call to the Portuguese National team, my first Champions League, my first Golden Boot and my first Ballon d’Or, they were all born from this special connection between me and the Red Devils. History has been written in the past and history will be written once again! You have my word!
I’m right here!
I’m back where I belong!
Let’s make it happen once again!
PS – Sir Alex, this one is for you…”
