During his first stint at Old Trafford, Ronaldo and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer were in the same squad between 2003 and 2007.
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New signing Cristiano Ronaldo has emphasised his “great” relationship with former teammate and current Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. During his first stint at Old Trafford, Ronaldo and Solskjaer were in the same squad between 2003 and 2007. Injuries limited Ole’s game time at that point in his career, hence they were limited to just 32 appearances together. Soon after, the Norwegian forward hanged up his boots and was quickly recruited by Sir Alex Ferguson to coach the forwards. It allowed Solskjaer to work closely with the young Ronaldo back then.
Both Solskjaer and Ronaldo went their separate ways in the years after, but they are set to be reunited this season once again. The 36-year-old Portuguese star’s return to Old Trafford was completed on Tuesday. It was 12 years after he left for Real Madrid and 18 years since he was originally brought to the club by Sir Alex. After joining the Red Devils from Italian giants Juventus, Cristiano Ronaldo spoke to the club media fondly about Ole.
When asked whether he has spoken to the manager about the move, Ronaldo replied, “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.”
Earlier, Solskjaer spoke highly about Ronaldo’s characteristics both on and off the pitch in a club statement to announce the transfer. “You run out of words to describe Cristiano,” Ole added “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.
“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.”
Happy to see fans back in the stadium, Cristiano Ronaldo also has a special message for Manchester United supporters. “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,” he added.
“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.”
