Manchester United on Tuesday confirmed the signing of Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo from Serie A giants Juventus on a two-year contract with the option to extend for a further year subject to international clearance.
“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 in a statement on the club’s website.
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“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,” the five-time Ballon d’Or winner added.
United had on Friday confirmed an agreement to sign Ronaldo from Juventus for a fee of €15 million, that could rise by a further €8 million depending on “specific performance objectives”. The news sent shockwaves around the football world as Ronaldo was poised to join rivals and ‘noisy neighbours’ Manchester City.
However, the move fell through as City were reportedly not willing to match Juventus’ €30 million asking price for the former Real Madrid forward, with United making a sensational last-minute swoop for Ronaldo.
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“You run out of words to describe Cristiano. 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,” United manager and a former teammate with Ronaldo Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said.
“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,” adding he is delighted with his arrival.
Ronaldo scored a total of 118 goals in 292 appearances in his first stint with the Premier League side from 2003 to 2009, winning three Premier Leagues, a Champions League and the first of five his Ballon d’Ors among other honours. He completed his medical in Lisbon over the weekend.
United have also signed Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid teammate Raphael Varane, along with Borussia Dortmund forward Jadon Sancho this summer.
Meanwhile, Juventus penned an emotional farewell for ‘CR7’, saying the “bond born on July 10, three years ago, has been dissolved, but what has been written will forever remain. It has been an incredible journey.”
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Ronaldo scored 101 goals in 133 appearances for the Turin club, winning five trophies including two Serie A titles. However, the club failed to win the Champions League in three seasons with the Portuguese, their primary objective for shelling out an initial €100 million to pry him away from the Santiago Bernebeau.
The ‘Bianconeri’ have also confirmed the return of former striker Moise Kean to the club, signing him from Everton on a two-year loan deal.
