Cristiano Ronaldo has secured a sensational return to Manchester United from Juventus. The 36-year-old has finally returned to his home at Old Trafford after playing for Real Madrid and Juventus.
Ronaldo’s official presentation and his second United debut have been delayed by the international break. He is expected to slot into the team right away after the Premier League resumes.
In the meantime, Cristiano Ronaldo has given an exclusive interview to ManUtd.com. Here’s the interview in full:
Cristiano, how does it feel to be able to call yourself a Manchester United player again?
“Well, as you know, I have a fantastic history with this amazing club. I was there at 18 years old and of course I’m so happy to be back home after 12 years. So I’m really glad and looking forward to start my first game.”
What part did Sir Alex Ferguson play in your return to the club?
“As everybody knows, since I signed for Manchester [United] at 18, Sir Alex Ferguson was the key. I remember when we played against Manchester when I was at Sporting Lisbon. For me, Sir Alex Ferguson is like a father in football for me. He helped me a lot, he taught me many things, and in my opinion of course he had a big role because the relationship that we had, we keep in touch all the time, and he’s an unbelievable person. I really like him a lot and he was the main key for me to be in the position that I am, that I signed for Manchester United.”
What feels right about this move at this point in your career and your life?
“I think it’s the best decision that I have made it. It’s right on point in my opinion. I moved from Juve now to Manchester, it’s a new chapter, I’m so happy and glad, and I want to carry on again, to make history, to try to help Manchester achieve great results, to win trophies and number one of them, to win great things.”
Have you spoken to Ole about the move and about what he’s building at United?
“Well, we had a chat, but of course I’m going to have time to speak with him face to face, to know what he expects. As you know, I played with him for two or three years at Manchester United so I have a good relationship with him but now with a different role, I’m a player and he’s a coach. But it doesn’t matter, my relationship with him is great and as I say before, I’m there in Manchester to help the team achieve his results and the coach can count on me for whatever he wants. So I’m available for everything.”
Finally, what is your message to the United fans who have continued to sing your name and are now loving seeing you back in a red shirt?
“Well, the fans is the key of football. Now, with all the stadiums full of supporters, it’s not the same that we had one year ago, those empty stadiums. The fans, they are the key, and I’m so glad. The Manchester United fans, they are special, I know, I remember very well. I know they still sing my music which has made me feel even more happy and my commitment is to give everything on the pitch, like I did before, like I do it all the time, and try to do my best, help the team score goals, make assists, win games, and I hope to see them very, very soon.”