Published By: Rohit Chatterjee

On this Day (Aug. 31): Old Trafford Welcomes Back Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo's return to Manchester United came with a €15 million fee to Juventus

Three years ago today, Manchester United proudly announced Cristiano Ronaldo's return from Juventus. The Portuguese star, who dazzled at Old Trafford from 2003 to 2009, rejoined the club on a two-year deal with an option for another year.

The transfer, completed on August 31, followed a week of negotiations, medical exams, and visa arrangements. Ronaldo's comeback marked a thrilling chapter for United fans, as the prolific forward returned to the club where he once won eight major trophies.

Frantic negotiations and Manchester City's interest

Ronaldo's return to Manchester United came with a €15 million fee to Juventus, potentially rising by €8 million based on performance. It all began when Ronaldo's agent, Jorge Mendes, made a surprising call to United, pitching the "offer of a lifetime." 

After frantic negotiations involving Manchester City and Juventus, Ronaldo's future was quickly decided. His unexpected comeback to Old Trafford, 12 years after leaving, shocked fans, especially as he seemed poised to join United's rivals.

A dramatic and unexpected transfer

The deal to bring Ronaldo back to Manchester United accelerated rapidly, driven by calls from his current and former teammates, like Bruno Fernandes and Rio Ferdinand. By late Thursday, August 27, United and Ronaldo's agent, Jorge Mendes, had agreed on personal terms for a two-year contract. 

By the morning of August 28, talks with Juventus about the transfer fee were already underway. The swift progress of the negotiations caught everyone by surprise, sealing Ronaldo's dramatic return to Old Trafford.

CR7 words

The Portugal star expressed his excitement upon rejoining Manchester United, saying, "Manchester United is a club that has always had a special place in my heart, and I have been overwhelmed by all the messages I have received since the announcement on Friday." He eagerly anticipated playing again at Old Trafford, stating, "I cannot wait to play at Old Trafford in front of a full stadium and see all the fans again."

From Premier League star to Ballon d'Or winner

Having arrived at Manchester United in 2003 from Sporting CP at 18, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner swiftly rose to stardom, clinching three Premier League titles and the Champions League. His brilliance earned him the Ballon d'Or in 2008. 

His first spell at United included winning the Premier League Golden Boot in 2007–08 and leading the club to their last Champions League victory. With 118 goals under his belt, Ronaldo moved to Real Madrid in 2009, setting a new world record with an 80 million-pound transfer. 

In 2018, Juventus signed Ronaldo for €100 million, hoping he'd deliver their first Champions League title since 1996. Though European glory eluded them, Ronaldo made his mark in Italy. 

He scored 101 goals, secured two Serie A titles, and won the Coppa Italia. Though short, his time in Turin was filled with memorable moments and solidified his legacy across yet another major European league.

Ronaldo's exit from Manchester United

Ronaldo's second stint at United was short-lived. On November 22, 2022, the club announced his immediate departure after both parties agreed to terminate his contract. This came after a controversial interview with Piers Morgan, in which Ronaldo openly criticised the club and manager Erik ten Hag. 

United acknowledged Ronaldo for his contributions, which featured 145 goals in 346 appearances across two periods at Old Trafford. His departure marked the end of a turbulent return to the club, where he first became a global icon.