CRISTIANO RONALDO has admitted that Manchester United have always held a ‘special place’ in his heart after sealing his return.
The Portuguese superstar has signed for the Red Devils from Juventus, 12 years after originally leaving Old Trafford.
Upon the transfer’s completion, Ronaldo, 36, gushed: “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.
“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.”
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer added: “You run out of words to describe Cristiano.
“He is not only a marvellous 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.
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“I have no 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.”
The forward completed his Man United medical over the weekend, ahead of his £21m return.
The football icon is expected to pocket around £480,000-a-week at Old Trafford, having signed a two-year deal with an option for a third.
He missed Sunday’s 1-0 win over Wolves, having already headed off to Portugal for international duty.
But he is expected to return against Newcastle United after the international break.
In total for Juventus, Ronaldo scored 101 goals in 133 appearances, making his final outing during the 2-2 draw with Udinese little over a week ago.
Having sealed his Old Trafford comeback, Ronaldo is set to play as a centre-forward, boss Solskjaer has revealed.
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