Cristiano Ronaldo: Manchester United announce sensational return of Portuguese superstar

Manchester United have agreed a deal with Juventus for the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo, who had also been linked with rivals Manchester City
Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus in action during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio v Juventus at Dacia Arena on August 22, 2021 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus in action during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio v Juventus at Dacia Arena on August 22, 2021 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus in action during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio v Juventus at Dacia Arena on August 22, 2021 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

The transfer is subject to agreement of personal terms, visa and medical, the Premier League club have announced.

Manchester United issued the following statement on their website:

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“Manchester United is delighted to confirm that the club has reached agreement with Juventus for the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo, subject to agreement of personal terms, visa and medical.

“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 European Championship for his native Portugal.

“In his first spell for Manchester United, he scored 118 goals in 292 games.

“Everyone at the club looks forward to welcoming Cristiano back to Manchester.”

Ronaldo in action for Manchester United back in 2003 (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)Ronaldo in action for Manchester United back in 2003 (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Ronaldo in action for Manchester United back in 2003 (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
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It is a sensational scoop for United, as the Portuguese superstar looked destined for rivals Manchester City until earlier today.

City were offered the 36-year-old, who had made it clear he wants to leave Juventus, and were considered front-runners for his signature but decided the deal was not one they wished to pursue.

How did the move happen?

United appeared to become an option when manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer held a press conference on Friday afternoon and said their former star “knows that we’re here”.

Solskjaer added that United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has been talking to his compatriot Ronaldo.

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Asked why Ronaldo had supposedly been heading to the Etihad instead of Old Trafford, Solskjaer said: “I didn’t think Cristiano was going to turn out leaving Juventus.

“It’s been speculation this morning, speculation the last few days, of course. We’ve always had a good communication – I know Bruno (Fernandes) has been talking to him as well. He knows what we feel about him and if he was ever going to move away from Juventus, he knows that we’re here.

“He’s such a tremendous human being as well, so let’s see what happens with Cristiano. Everyone who has played with him, I think, has a soft spot for him.”

Ronaldo scored 118 goals during six seasons at Old Trafford between 2003 and 2009, helping the club win three Premier League titles, a Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup, two League Cups and one FA Cup.

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