After reaching an agreement with Juventus to re-sign Ronaldo on Friday, United have now announced that the Portuguese star has signed a two-year contract with the club.
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The dream move is completed. Cristiano Ronaldo is now officially a Manchester United player. After reaching an agreement with Juventus to re-sign Ronaldo on Friday, United have now announced that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has signed a two-year contract with the club. The Red Devils have secured the Portuguese star for an initial fee of 15 million euros that could rise to 23 million euros ($27 million, 20 million pound), according to figures released by Juventus. The 36-year-old forward came to prominence during his six-year stay at Old Trafford between 2003 and 2009 when he was primarily playing as a winger. He then moved to Real Madrid for a then world record transfer fee of a reported 80 million pound. It is at Santiago Bernabeu, he transformed into a goal scoring machine.
“Manchester United is delighted to confirm the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo on a two-year contract with the option to extend for a further year, subject to international clearance,” a club statement read. Cristiano, a five-time Ballon D’or winner, has so far won over 30 major trophies during his career, including five UEFA Champions League titles, four FIFA Club World Cups, seven league titles in England, Spain and Italy, and the UEFA European Championship for his native Portugal.
Cristiano is the first player to have won league titles in England, Spain and Italy. He was also the highest goalscorer in last season’s Serie A and won the golden boot at this year’s European Championship. In his first spell for Manchester United, he scored 118 goals in 292 games, the statement added.
Homecoming complete ✔
? @Cristiano#MUFC | #RonaldoReturns
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 31, 2021
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo is keen to join his new teammates after the international break. “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,” the Portuguese legend said.
On his part, Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes that his signing demonstrates the “unique appeal of this club.” “You run out of words to describe Cristiano. He is not only a marvellous player, but also a great human being,” Ole added.
“To have the desire and the ability to play at the top level for such a long period requires a very special person. 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.”
Cristiano Ronaldo also opened up about his love affair with Manchester United in a social media post. “Everyone who knows me, knows about my never ending love for Manchester United,” Ronaldo said on Instagram. “The years I spent in this club were 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 per cent 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…”
