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Manchester United announced Friday it had reached a deal to bring back Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus.
Manchester United released a statement about the move saying: "Manchester United is pleased to confirm that we have reached an agreement with Juventus regarding the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo. Subject to agreement of personal terms and visa, medical, and other conditions."
According to ESPN's Mark Ogden Ronaldo will be in Portugal during the international break, with a view toward making his home debut at Manchester United against Newcastle United on September 11.
Sky Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio reported Thursday that Ronaldo believed Juventus would transfer him before Tuesday's transfer deadline.
Di Marzio said that although Manchester City wanted Ronaldo to be a free transfer, the asking price for Juventus was $29 million. He said that Ronaldo was only available to Manchester City.
Fabrizio Romano, a journalist, reported Friday that Manchester City pulled out of the negotiations for Ronaldo but had not reached an agreement with Ronaldo and Juventus.
Romano also reported on Manchester United's plans to make an offer for Man City after they were unable to land the legendary forward.
After previously playing for Manchester United for six years and Real Madrid for nine years, the 36-year old had just begun his fourth season with Juventus.
Rumours of a Ronaldo transfer heatedly erupted Sunday as he was sitting on the bench during Juve's Serie A opener versus Udinese. Ronaldo thought he had scored a winning goal in the 60th minute, but it was disallowed following a VAR review. The game ended in a draw at 2-2.
Sky Sports reports that Ronaldo requested to be on the bench to "preserve himself" in preparation for a possible transfer.
Massimiliano Allegri, the manager of Juventus, gave a different account. He said that Ronaldo was feeling well. Before the game, I spoke to him and told him that he would be starting on the bench. He was available. He was a good player when he got to the pitch.
Pavel Nedved, vice president of Juventus, later called the decision to allow Ronaldo to play as a substitute an "shared" one that was made between Allegri and the forward. Nedved said that he could also "absolutely guarantee" Ronaldo's continued association with Juve through the 2021-22 season.
Portugal international is widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever thanks to his 674 career goals across 897 matches in all competitions.
Ronaldo scored 101 goals in 134 matches against Juventus, after scoring 118 in 292 matches for Manchester United and an impressive 450 in 438 matches against Real Madrid.
Real Madrid was his greatest success, where he won La Liga twice and two Copas del Rey, as well as the UEFA Champions League. He was the winner of three Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League and one FA Cup. He also won the FIFA Club World Cup at Manchester United.
Ronaldo also led Portugal to its greatest achievement: the UEFA European Championship 2016.
Ronaldo has not played in the EPL for over a decade, but he is poised to make an impact in what is arguably the most important league in the world.
Ronaldo was productive in his first spell with Manchester United but he really broke out with Real Madrid and became an all-time great player.
The Red Devils are in a strong position to win their first EPL title since 2013, after being runner-up last year. Ronaldo could bring that same level of production to Manchester United.
