It is finally official!
Man United have announced the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo, who joins from Juventus for an initial fee of 12.8 million pounds.
Photo via Footy Headlines
The Portuguese superstar returns to Old Trafford more than a decade after he left to join Real Madrid.
Ronaldo took to social media to say that he’s back where he belongs.
"Everyone who knows me, knows about my never-ending love for Manchester United.”
"The years I spent in this club were absolutely amazing and the path we've made together is written in gold letters in the history of this great and amazing institution.”
"I can't even start to explain my feelings right now, as I see my return to Old Trafford announced worldwide.”
The player also dedicated his return to his former manager Sir Alex Ferguson – whom he affectionally still calls ‘Boss’ till this day.
Ferguson was instrumental in Ronaldo’s rise to fame at United, with the two winning three EPL titles, one FA Cup and the Champions League during their spell together.
It is said that Fergie also played a crucial role behind the scenes over the past week to convince Ronaldo to return.
And the player is already repaying United’s investment, even before kicking a ball.
Man United’s official announcement about Ronaldo’s signing has since garnered over 13 million ‘likes’ on Instagram…making it the most-liked post by a sports team on the platform.
United’s share price on the New York Stock Exchange also jumped by nearly 10% following news of the player’s arrival.
While the latest figures forecast that the Red Devils stand to make 30 million pounds over the next year just from the commercial rights associated with Ronaldo.
So you can understand why United would be willing to bend over backwards for their favourite son.
They’ve already asked the Premier League for special permission for Ronaldo to be given his iconic #7 shirt.
Edinson Cavani currently wears number seven…but United have convinced him to give it up for Ronnie in exchange for the number 21 jersey, which he wears for Uruguay.
You can just imagine how fast Ronaldo’s new #7 United replica shirts will be flying off the shelves once the switch is given the League’s approval.
Which brings us to Ronaldo’s second debut. With the season currently on international break, fans will have to wait a while longer to see the player’s return on the field.
As it stands now, the player should play his first game in the EPL tie against Newcastle on September 11th at Old Trafford.
Judging by the online buzz surrounding Ronaldo’s return, the reception he’ll get at the Theatre of Dreams is bound to be simply electric.
By: Nicholas Darren John
