Manchester United have finally resigned, Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus, after the transfer market hooted up on Thursday with the news that Manchester City have been holding talks with Cristiano Ronaldo’s representatives over a possible move.
However, in a dramatic turn of events rivals Manchester United confirmed on Friday afternoon that they have reached an agreement to bring the five-time Ballon d’Or winner back to Old Trafford.
This was the day that Manchester United fans have been dreaming about for years. Cristiano Ronaldo is re-joining the club he left as a legend back in 2009.
During his first six-year spell with the Red Devils, Ronaldo developed from a hot prospect into a truly dominant global superstar – so good in fact that Real Madrid splashed $110m equivalent to £80m to take him to the Santiago Bernabeu of course a lot of money those days.
The following are key moments that still lingers in United minds, indeed he left Manchester as the Super star he was, a fighter a winning mentality player whose comeback is going to count a lot in United’s success.
1. 2004 FA Cup final
After a promising debut campaign for Ronaldo, he was handed a start in the 2004 FA Cup final. United’s opponents at the Millennium Stadium were second-tier Millwall and Ronaldo’s gulf in class was evident.
He ensured Lions defender Robbie Ryan had a torrid time, also nodding home at the back post to get his side up and running. They went on to win comfortably 3-0.
2. League Cup glory
After a trophyless 2004/05 campaign Ronaldo returned with a vengeance the following season, playing a vital role as United won the League Cup.
Manchester United eased to victory in the 2006 final, thrashing Wigan Athletic 4-0. Ronaldo scored again, of course, netting his side’s third goal on the hour mark before being substituted.
His combinations with the overlapping Gary Neville was typical of the sort of stuff he produced all season.
3. Breakout 2006/07 season
Ronaldo was riding the crest of a wave during the League Cup final with the 2006/07 season representing his first truly elite campaign.
He finished with 17 goals and 16 assists in the Premier League, scooping both the PFA Player and Young Player of the Year awards.
4. Hat-trick hero
It may surprise you to learn that Ronaldo only scored one hat-trick during his time in the Premier League.
He managed the feat in a 5-0 win against Newcastle in 2008. His first was a low free kick which sneaked through the wall, while the second was a calm finish following a free-flowing counter-attack.
His third was the pick of the bunch with Ronaldo leaving Cacapa on his backside with a clever feint before stroking home.
5. That free kick
If any one moment sums up Ronaldo’s first spell at United, it’s this one.
Standing over a free kick 30 yards from goal, it looked to everyone that his run-up was far too straight to have any chance of troubling David James in the Portsmouth goal.
6. Breaking George Best’s goal record
With two months of the 2007/08 season still to play, Ronaldo notched his 32nd and 33rd goals of the campaign in a 2-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers.
Not only did his strikes secure his side three points he also sealed a personal accolade, besting George Best’s record for the most goals scored from midfield for United in a single season.
Nine more goals would follow before the campaign was out.
7. 2008 Ballon d’Or
In December 2008, Ronaldo was recognized for an incredible year by being awarded that year’s Ballon d’Or.
It was a landslide with his closest challenger, Lionel Messi, finishing over 150 voting points behind him.
Messi would take his revenge the following year, though, with the pair hot-potatoing the award for the next decade.
8. 2008 Champions League final
The 2008 Champions League final between United and Chelsea was a rollercoaster of emotions for Ronaldo.
After a cagey opening he managed to open the scoring for his side, rising high at the back post to nod home Wes Brown’s cross. On the stroke of half time Frank Lampard equalized for the Blues with the final eventually going to extra time.
Usually reliable from the spot, Ronaldo could not convert his spot kick with a slip from John Terry offering him and his side a reprieve. United would then go on to win the shootout, provoking an understandably emotional reaction from the forward.
It was the start of a passionate love affair with the Champions League trophy.
I am a Multimedia Journalist with five years of experience from Digital to Broadcast Media{Radio and Television}. Interested in reporting Current affairs happenings within and across the borders. I have excellent attitude towards working with others and communication skills extremely patient and persistent with the ability to formulate unique ideas and hand eye co-ordination. Ability to work under minimal supervision, curious, hardworking and polite. In another life I am a News Anchor and Reporter.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login