Ronaldo return excites Fergie

Sir Alex Ferguson says it will be "fantastic" to welcome Cristiano Ronaldo back to Old Trafford when Manchester United face Real Madrid.

Last Updated: 30/12/12 at 11:34 Post Comment

Cristiano Ronaldo: Returning to Old Trafford after three-year absence

Cristiano Ronaldo: Returning to Old Trafford after three-year absence

The two European heavyweights will go head-to-head in the last 16 of the Champions League, and Real superstar Ronaldo will be facing United for the first time since he left the club in 2009.

Ferguson signed the Portuguese winger as a teenager, and in his six years with the club he became a global superstar.

Ferguson said, with tongue in cheek: "It is in his contract he can't play against us. It would be a disgrace if he played."

The Scot added: "It will be fantastic to have him back. When he comes on to the pitch at Old Trafford he will get a great reception, quite rightly - after that they can boo him as much as they like.

"You have to remember, he came here at 17 and developed himself into a great footballer. We are proud of the part we played in his career.

"To get six years out of a boy when he comes to us at 17, we have done very well."

Ferguson insists there is no ill-feeling about the manner in which Ronaldo left Old Trafford.

"He always had a hankering to go to Real Madrid at some point in his career and we helped him on that way," said Ferguson.

"It wasn't disloyalty. I got another year out of him when he wanted to go the previous year. He honoured that and did fantastic for us and then went with our blessing.

"My way of looking at it was that we were lucky to have him for six years. The United fans would share that."

Ferguson says his personal battle with Real coach Jose Mourinho will be secondary to Ronaldo's return.

"I don't have a great record against Jose so I will have to put that right," said Ferguson.

"But the main focus will certainly centre around Cristiano. It will be a fantastic tie. Hopefully we can get them back here with a good chance and get the players absolutely buzzing.

"We have not had a really good European game for quite a while having not qualified last year.

"This is a big opportunity for United to kick on and step forward in European football again."

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

T

he day Tonys hat goes missing for some bantz will be different story altogether..

TheBrestEver
Stoke probe 'banter gone wild'

I

m starting to think Roman may never actually be happy at the top level. If he wants all conquering fancy football I wonder if he'd be better off buying a lower division side then paying outlandish salaries to attract high caliber players too good for the division.

john matrix
The Most Unsatisfying European Victory...

R

afa has to be favourite for the Everton job now, surely :) He'll realise his ambition to live and work on Merseyside again, get the best out of whoever plays for them, maybe win some cups and be thoroughly loathed by the toffee fans. What's not to like? Go ead, Ken, gimajob!

captbusby
Benitez basks in final glory

Footer 365

Alan Pardew confident he will still be Newcastle manager next season

Alan Pardew is 'pretty confident' he will stay as Newcastle manager after ending the season with a defeat by Arsenal.

Michael Owen had mixed emotions after his final appearance for Stoke

Retiring Stoke striker Michael Owen admitted he had mixed emotions after his final appearance for the club.

Premier League: Paul Lambert says 'something is happening' at Aston Villa

Paul Lambert refused to answer questions about the future of Darren Bent following Aston Villa's 2-2 draw at Wigan.

Mail Box

James Collins Is Only 29. Tough Paper Round

He is one of a number of solid shouts for players that look old before their time. We also have the final words on lovely D-Beck and a rejection of end of season playoffs...

Without Posh, Becks Could Have Been Scholes

That's one opinion, but others give their thanks to the man. We also have ideas for a relegation playoff, happy memories of the season and a defence of Liverpool's campaign...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved