Cristiano Ronaldo Returns to Manchester United After Various Negotiations

Since 2009, Manchester United has tried time and time again to re-sign one of their most prolific stars in history: Cristiano Ronaldo.

Endeavours, however, ultimately faltered, much to the chagrin of fans.

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But it seems that twelve years down the road…

They have finally achieved their goal.

Cristiano Ronaldo Returns To Manchester United After Various Negotiations

The recent transfer window has been nothing short of a roller coaster ride.

Lionel Messi, for instance, left Barcelona for Paris Saint Germain.

Romelu Lukaku returned to Chelsea.

And for some time, Cristiano Ronaldo was rumoured to be heading off to Manchester City:

A revelation that tore at the hearts of the most ardent Manchester United fans.

Yet, it appears that at the very end, Ronaldo has opted for an emotional return.

After various negotiations, the 5-time Ballon d’Or winner is set to return to Manchester United.

The transfer will be subjected to the agreement of personal terms, visa and medical. He’s believed to be signing a two-year contract worth 480,000 pounds (S$890,000) a week.

As for the transfer fee, it’s reportedly an upfront fee of €15 million (S$24 million), with an add-on of €8 million.

Ronaldo is believed to have made his decision after receiving text messages and calls from his former colleagues at Manchester United.

Sir Alex Ferguson himself is said to have convinced the star as well.

After hearing his former colleagues out, he was said to have told his agent that he wanted to move to Manchester United instead.

Previously, he had leaned towards Manchester City, The Etihad rivals, however, ultimately pulled out of negotiations.

Reception

After news of Ronaldo’s impending return broke out, United fans were so ecstatic that the club’s official website reportedly crashed.

The club’s share price also rose to US$18.47, nearly seven per cent more than before.

During Ronaldo’s decorated period at Old Trafford, which lasted from 2003 to 2009, the megastar won eight major trophies and even clinched football’s greatest prize, the Ballon d’Or, in 2008.

Of 196 Premier League appearances, he scored 84 goals, assisted 34, won one golden boot, clinched two Player Of The Season awards and swept three Premier League titles.

After his tenure at United, he moved to Real Madrid for a then world record 80 million pounds. He would go on to win four more Ballon d’Or titles, as well as an unprecedented three Uefa Champions League titles in a row.

With Ronaldo’s signature, Manchester United appears to have made clear its intent to compete for the league title in earnest.

The future of Edinson Cavani, however, remains unclarified. The acquisition of Ronaldo, as well as his astronomical wages, mean that United may have to offload in a bid to balance its books.

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