Cristiano Ronaldo wants a move back to Manchester United.
That’s right, the Real Madrid superstar who made his name at Old Trafford could be heading ‘home’ before the end of his career.
In an interview with the Daily Telegraph in the UK, Ronaldo professed his love for the club who nurtured his talents after he arrived in Manchester from Sporting Lisbon back in 2003.
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The reigning World and European Player of the Year arrived at United as a teenager with legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson taking the Portuguese under his wing. From 2003 to 2009 Ronaldo became a hero at United, but then Real Madrid swooped in with a $120 million fee and the rest is history.
However, Ronaldo has left the door wide open for a return to United.“I love Manchester,” Ronaldo said. “Everyone knows that — I have said it many times. Manchester is in my heart. I left many good friends there, the supporters are amazing and I wish I can come back one day... I am happy here in Real Madrid and have four more years, but in the future you never know because they treated me unbelievably there. I really did love being at Manchester United. Believe me, they will be a good team again, I’m sure of it. It is a great club.”
Ronaldo also believes Portugal can bounce back from their disappointing World Cup group stage exit and challenge for the Euro 2016 crown.
“Maybe at Euro 2016, that’s the time we’re going to win something,” Ronaldod said. “I’m looking forward to that. I think it’s possible.”
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Right now, the forward is said to be seething after Real Madrid sold two of their most important players over the summer and spent big on James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos as the balance of the team has been upset with a slow start to the season at the Santiago Bernabeu.
With the 29-year-old pining for a switch back to Manchester from Madrid, will Ronaldo get his wish? United will have to splash the cash to make it happen, but we know they aren’t afraid to do that anymore. With Ronaldo’s good buddy Angel di Maria on board, plus the likes of Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao, can United really justify adding Ronaldo?
Maybe after this season, if they qualify for the Champions League, Ronaldo will return to United all grown up, in his 30s and eager to achieve more success for the club he loves.