‘I belong to Manchester United’
CRISTIANO RONALDO admitted he was ‘super nervous’ before making a sensational return for Manchester United at Old Trafford yesterday.
The Portuguese superstar scored twice on his ‘second debut’ for United — and first appearance for his old club in 12 years.
The 36-year-old has played for Real Madrid and Juventus since leaving United in 2009, but he admitted that English football is still the most special stage of all.
‘It’s unbelievable,’ said Ronaldo. ‘When I started the game, I was so nervous, I swear. Maybe it didn’t show but I was. I didn’t expect to do that, to score two goals. Maybe one but not two. I’m happy to score the goals, I won’t deny that, but the most important thing is the team.
‘I belong to Manchester United. I arrived here at 18 years old, they treated me unbelievably and this is why I came back. I’m so proud to be here and I want to win.
‘Everyone knows that the football here in England is different than any part of the world. I’ve played everywhere and, to be honest, England is the most special one.’
On scoring his second goal at the Stretford End before performing a trademark celebration, Ronaldo added: ‘It was an unbelievable moment. I was super nervous and I was thinking before the game that what I want is to play well and show that I am still capable of helping the team.
‘This crowd is unbelievable and I’m going to give everything to make them proud of me. I didn’t expect they would sing my name all game. The reception is incredible but I’m here to win games, to help the team.
‘Manchester United need to be where they deserve. To win, to build a team, build a club and build a mentality — this is what we are looking for.’
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner gave a short speech to the squad on Friday night.
Solskjaer said: ‘Everyone when they come into the team has to introduce themselves. He said his name was Cristiano, that’s as much as I can say. Maybe not everyone knew his name but they do now.
‘The atmosphere around the club has been electric. The supporters have really enjoyed the last 10 days or so since he signed. There were loads of expectations on the team and him and he’s delivered.
‘This is what Cristiano is about. This was a day for everyone to enjoy. He lifts everyone. He puts demands on himself which will then put demands on his teammates and on us. That’s why he had done so much in his career.
‘He’s a different type of player to when he left but he’s still a ruthless and clinical goalscorer. He smells the big moments and when there are goals in there. He’s developed into a miles better footballer than he was when he was here. You’re not going to use him as a battering ram, are you?
‘I didn’t want to take him off unless he wanted to come off. He needs minutes and he wanted to play. He lost a few games for Juventus and Portugal and we needed to get 90 minutes in him.’