Cristiano Ronaldo rejoins Man Utd after 12 years following Man City snub

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Cristiano Ronaldo has officially rejoined Manchester United after 12 years away from Old Trafford.

The Red Devils confirmed the spectacular return after days of speculation as to where the Portuguese star would go upon leaving Juventus.

Ronaldo was set to join rivals Manchester City before United arrived with an 11th-hour bid to derail the Etihad move.

Ronaldo had then travelled to Lisbon, where he is due to have a medical, and confirmed moments before United's announcement that fans would know his next club within the hour.

The former Real Madrid man is said to have snubbed Pep Guardiola's side after hearing a return to Old Trafford was possible.

Ronaldo, 36, will join Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side on a two-year deal, with an agreement in place with Juventus while personal terms and a medical are still to be confirmed.

A statement from the Red Devils read: "Manchester United is delighted to confirm that the club has reached agreement with Juventus for the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo, subject to agreement of personal terms, visa and medical.

"Cristiano, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, has so far won over 30 major trophies during his career, including five UEFA Champions League titles, four FIFA Club World Cups, seven league titles in England, Spain and Italy, and the European Championship for his native Portugal.

"In his first spell for Manchester United, he scored 118 goals in 292 games.

"Everyone at the club looks forward to welcoming Cristiano back to Manchester."

Ronaldo is said to have spoken with former mentor and close friend Sir Alex Ferguson on Friday morning about the possibility of returning to United.

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Up until that point, City were expected to confirm the arrival of the Red Devils icon.

Despite his destination being unclear, it was obvious that Ronaldo felt his time in Italy was finished.

Speaking on Friday, Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri told reporters: "Yesterday, Cristiano told me that he no longer has any intention to play for Juventus. For this reason he will not be called up for tomorrow's game.

"Things change, it's a law of life. Juventus remains, which is the most important thing.

  • Man Utd stars 'stepped in' to persuade Cristiano Ronaldo to ditch Man City move

"He is to be thanked for what he has done, also as an example amongst the youngsters. But as I said, we must go on."

Hours later, Solskjaer added: "I've said many times with speculation, when you're Man United, when you're Ronaldo, when you're Messi, when you're Pogba, when you're Bruno, you have to read a lot about yourselves. So let's see what happens with Cristiano, he's such a legend of this club.

"Cristiano has been a legend of this club, he is a legend of this club, he's the greatest player of all time, if you ask me. I was fortunate enough to play with him, I coached him (in 2008) when I got my job. He almost retired me in that Wolverhampton game (in 2003) when I got injured because he kept switching sides!

"Such a tremendous human being, as well. Let's see what happens with Cristiano. Everyone who's played with him has a soft spot for him."

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