Europe 1 with AFP 6:32 p.m., August 27, 2021
Legend Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Manchester United, where he wore the jersey from 2003 to 2009 before flying to Real Madrid.
The Portuguese footballer, 36, allows the Red Devils to become one of the biggest favorites for the Champions League title this season.
Manchester United have reached an agreement with Juventus Turin for the transfer of star striker Cristiano Ronaldo, who previously wore the "Red Devils" jersey between 2003 and 2009, the English football club announced on Friday. "Manchester United are delighted to confirm that the club have reached an agreement with Juventus for the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo, a transfer still subject to an agreement on the terms of the contract, obtaining a visa and the medical go-ahead." , said the English club in a statement.
The 36-year-old scorer, five-time Golden Ball, notably won the Champions League in 2008 with Manchester United, as well as the English Championship three times (2007, 2008, 2009).
He scored 118 goals in 292 games as Mancunien, before joining Real Madrid, where he remained until 2018. The Portuguese remains on three seasons for Juventus marked by his failures in the Champions League, his fetish competition.
A proposal for 25 million euros?
His arrival makes Manchester United one of the big favorites for the European title this season, alongside Manchester City and Paris SG.
The "Citizens" were initially approached to sign the superstar, especially as they are looking for a striker.
But the "Red Devils" were the quickest to draw an offer that meets the demands of Juventus, with which the Portuguese was linked until 2022. Italian media have mentioned an English proposal at around 25 million euros. euros, the figure desired by Juventus, who spent 115 million euros to attract him to Piedmont in 2018.
With Sancho and Varane
The team coached by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hit the market hard this summer with Jadon Sancho (85 million euros) and Raphaël Varane (40 million euros), ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo.
"Cristiano has been a legend at this club. He's the greatest player of all time if you ask me," said the Norwegian manager, who was CR7's United teammate from 2003 to 2007, on Friday.
Ronaldo arrived in Lisbon on Friday afternoon where he is preparing to play the qualifying matches for the 2022 World Cup with his selection. He could make his United debut after returning from the international break on September 11 against Newcastle. His transfer continues a crazy summer in the transfer window which also saw his former Barça rival, Lionel Messi, join PSG.