Cristiano Ronaldo is returning to Manchester United! The club officially announced on August 27, 2021 that a deal has been agreed with Juventus for the transfer. Cristiano will sign a 2 year contract.
You can pinch yourself again, but no you’re not dreaming. It’s done, it’s real, it’s true! Old Trafford, Stretford End, Cristiano Ronaldo – the last dance is happening!
Transfer of the decade.
Welcome 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲, @Cristiano 🔴#MUFC | #Ronaldo
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 27, 2021
Earlier in the week, reports started circulating that Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes were in direct contact with Manchester City. Having failed already in the pursuit of Harry Kane, Lionel Messi and in dire need of a striker, City seemed favorites to sign the five time Ballon d’Or winner. Negotiations were advancing well. By the end of August 26, Thursday, City were very confident of finalizing the deal.
Personally I had conceded that Ronaldo was moving to Man City. United did not have any plans to sign him. Turns out, among other clubs besides City, Jorge Mendes also held contacts with Manchester United regarding a potential transfer.
Cristiano’s position was clear – he always preferred United over City. But, if United didn’t want him, he’d go to City.
Cometh the 11th hour. Manchester United found themselves in a difficult situation. How could we let our boy Cristiano join City? No we were not in the market for a striker, but, we’re talking about Cristiano here. He is our boy!
The following day, on August 28, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjær was asked several questions about Cristiano during the pre-match press conference for the Wolves game. In one of his best pressers ever, Ole managed to avoid talking about United’s involvement in the pursuit of Cristiano. Well he did, until the very end. Answering the final question of the presser, he astonishingly asserted, “If Cristiano decides to leave Juventus, he knows we’re here.”
From that moment on, the media narrative about “Ronaldo to City” reversed completely to “Ronaldo to United”. Ole’s revelation spread like wildfire among the United fans. It was confirmed within a couple hours of Ole’s presser that City had pulled out of the deal. Once United stepped in, it was all over for City.
……. pic.twitter.com/RkchkEZzBJ
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) August 27, 2021
It all happened in matter of few hours. From no plan of signing Ronaldo, United were suddenly in pole position. United did everything swiftly and efficiently. Official proposals were sent to Juventus and Jorge Mendes. The club officially announced the transfer am hour later. It was shocking, ruthless and full of emotions, especially for United fans.
Of course, a deal for Ronaldo is harder to materialize than it reads. United’s other Portugese Magnifico Bruno Fernandes was in constant contact with Ronaldo, so were his former Reds teammate Rio Ferdinand. They were pivotal to make this deal happen by holding discussions with Ronaldo during the most important hours prior to the transfer confirmation.
The most important phone call to Cristiano Ronaldo was made by Sir Alex Ferguson himself.
A dream come true for the fans.
What a transfer, what a day! For many United fans probably the best day ever. We will once again watch Cristiano Ronaldo playing for us at Old Trafford. This is a dream come true for countless United fans who grew up watching Ronaldo. So many great memories are alive again, and a chance to make new ones.
Never stop dreaming… #mufc @Cristiano 🐐🙌 pic.twitter.com/kSsw1cULKV
— Bruno Fernandes (@B_Fernandes8) August 27, 2021
Ronaldo’s willingness to rejoin United brings some of qualities as a human being into light. He is joining a premier league side, it’s a tough challenge. At 36, to take this challenge is simply admirable.
Secondly, I think he feels that his return to Manchester United is due – that his legacy is unfulfilled. He left United following champions league final defeat against Barcelona. Can you imagine him informing Sir Alex that he wanted to leave? He did. For anyone, that would leave a void. Ronaldo knows it’s Manchester United who made him. It’s his duty to contribute to the club during the final stages of his illustrious career.
All United fans are so happy for what Ronaldo has done for the club. He is an inspiration to young footballers in the squad, who will learn a lot from him in the next two years. That alone will fulfill his legacy. And that’s how the greatest footballer ever should act.
Viva Ronaldo!
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