By Spy Uganda
Cristiano Ronaldo has completed a sensational return to Manchester United after they made a late move to beat Manchester City to his signature.
City made the early running for the five-times Ballon D’Or winner but United overtook them in the running and agreed a deal to sign him from Juventus for a fee of €15m plus €8m in add-ons.
The deal for the 36-year-old is still subject to him agreeing personal terms on a two-year contract before he is registered with the Premier League and made available next week.
“Manchester United is delighted to confirm that the club has reached agreement with Juventus for the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo, subject to agreement of personal terms, visa and medical,” read a statement from United.
The deal moved quickly on Friday. Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri confirmed that the player wanted to leave Italy with United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer opening the door for his return to United by insisting: “He knows we are here.”
Ronaldo had been in talks with rivals City over a return to the Premier League but city sources had always remained cautious about the possibility of signing the 36-year-old.
United fans had been angered by the possibility of the Portuguese international, who is so treasured by them, joining their bitter rivals. It is also a coup for United to get one over on City.
“We’ve always had a good communication,” Solskjaer said. “Bruno has been talking to him as well and he knows what we feel about him. If he was ever going to move away from Juventus, he knows we are here.”
Solskjaer did not believe Ronaldo, 36, would be on the market this summer, 12 years after leaving United for Real Madrid before heading to Italy for the last three seasons. “He’s such a legend of this club,” said Solskjaer. “I didn’t think Cristiano would end up leaving Juventus.
“If you ask me, he is the greatest player of all time. I was fortunate enough to play with him, I coached him when I got my job. He is such a tremendous human being as well, so let’s see what happens with Cristiano. Everyone who has played with him has a soft spot for him.”
