‘Sir Alex, this one is for you’: Ronaldo’s delight at Manchester United return

Cristiano Ronaldo completed his move to Manchester United on Tuesday and said he had been overwhelmed by the messages he has received since a deal was secured for his return to Old Trafford from Juventus.

United said Ronaldo had rejoined on a two-year contract with the option for a further year, subject to international clearance. Juventus announced the fee was an initial €15m (£12.86m), plus €8m in potential add-ons.

“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,” the 36-year-old said. “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.”

Ronaldo scored 118 goals in 292 games in his first spell at United, playing alongside the club’s current manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, before leaving to join Real Madrid in 2009.

The player later posted on Instagram: “This is absolutely 100% 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! … PS – Sir Alex, this one is for you …”

“You run out of words to describe Cristiano,” Solskjær said in United’s statement. “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.

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“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.”

Leeds have completed the signing of the winger Daniel James from Manchester United in a £24m deal. The 23-year-old has joined two and a half years after Leeds’ attempt to secure him from Swansea collapsed.

“I’m here now and grateful that the club still believed in me from that time two and a half years ago,” James told Sky Sports. “I’m happy to be here and can’t wait to play in front of these fans. It’s all happened in the last day or two, very quick.”

source: theguardian.com