Cristiano Ronaldo: Man Utd complete move to re-sign forward

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Manchester United fans raised a cardboard of Ronaldo at Wolves Sunday to their faces

Cristiano Ronaldo is back at Manchester United after more a decade, having moved from Juventus in Italy.

United paid 15m Euros (12.85m), and possibly 8m Euros (6.85m), in add-ons, for the 36-year old.

Ronaldo has signed a contract for two years with Old Trafford, with the possibility of an additional year.

The Portuguese star said, "Manchester United has always held a special place within my heart."

"All the messages that I have received since Friday's [initial] announcement have overwhelmed me."

Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or Winner, scored 118 goals in 292 United appearances before he left for Real Madrid in 2009. He was the leading scorer in Serie A last season with 29.

He said, "I can't wait to play at Old Trafford before a full stadium again and see all the supporters."

"I look forward to joining the team after the international matches, and I wish we have a very prosperous season ahead."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, United manager, said that Cristiano is too hard to describe. He is not only a remarkable player but also a great person.

"To be able to play at the highest level for so long is a rare gift."

"I am certain that he will continue impressing us all, and his experience will prove so valuable for the younger players in our squad.

"Ronaldo's Return demonstrates the unique appeal this club has, and I am absolutely thrilled that he is returning to where it all began."

Ronaldo was linked to Manchester City, but he chose to return to United where he spent six seasons and won three Premier League titles and one Champions League. He also won two League Cups, one FA Cup, and the Fifa Club World Cup.

It is believed that he spoke to Ferguson before his return to United.

Ronaldo may be available to Solskjaer in United's home match against Newcastle United on September 11, which will be the club's first match after the international break.

Ronaldo wore number seven in his first spell at United, but it is now owned by Edinson Cavi. Even if Uruguay's striker offered to swap the shirt, Premier League rules prohibit any mid-season swap, except in extreme circumstances.

What is the secret to this amazing move?

Ronaldo, who was linked to Real Madrid, Paris St-Germain, and Manchester City during the summer of 2013, criticized media reports that he was linked with a departure from Juventus.

Carlo Ancelotti, Real's boss, said he never considered signing the forward. Massimiliano Allegri, the manager of Juventus said that the player "never expressed a desire for leaving" and was "staying".

Allegri removed Ronaldo from his starting line up and brought him in as a replacement for the league opener against Udinese. Juventus then informed Ronaldo that they would be willing to sell him.

Jorge Mendes, Ronaldo's agent, spoke with several European clubs about the possibility of signing him.

Allegri disclosed that Ronaldo told Juventus on Friday that he "no more has any intention" of playing for the club. United boss Solskjaer stated that his Old Trafford teammate "knows that it's here".

Pep Guardiola, City boss, stated that players like Ronaldo had to "decide where they want to play". However, after carefully considering the matter, he decided to not pursue a deal.

United announced that they had reached an agreement with Ronaldo to sign him subject to personal terms and visa requirements.

Juventus confirmed his departure in a statement. He said that "two icons of European football and the European world" had come together in 2018. However, after 101 goals in 133 matches and five trophies, "the chapter has ended".

The club stated that CR7 was welcomed by Juventus fans like a king and they were eager to cheer him on. It was a wonderful story.

According to the Italian club, Ronaldo would be paid over five years, until he turns 41.

Numbers: Why Ronaldo is the best in the world

Five-time Ballon d'Or Winner, claiming the prize in 2008 (with Man Utd), 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017 (all with Real Madrid).

Five-time Champions League winner with Man Utd in 2008, 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018, all with Real Madrid

In 2007, 2008, 2009 (all with Man Utd), 2012, 2017 (with Real Madrid), and 2019, 2020 (with Juventus), won seven league titles.

2016 European Championship Winner with Portugal

32 trophies won for country and club with Sporting Lisbon and Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus, Portugal.

All-time Champions League leader scorer with 134 goals in just 176 games.