With having guided them to 3 Premier League titles, a Club World Cup trophy, a Champions League success, among other accolades, and winning his first Ballon d’Or, Ronaldo had already established himself as one of the world’s best prior to quitting United.
The Portuguese’s continued his exploits at the Santiago Bernabeu. Just the next season upon Raul’s departure, i.e in the 2010/11, the number 7 shirt went his way, and with it he became the team’s prime goalscorer.
Rumors of Ronaldo’s return to Man United have been in existence since his Real Madrid days.
Speaking in the latest UTD Podcast, Patrice Evra claims the 34-year old was once indeed nearing his return to Old Trafford. Evra also reveals how Sir Alex Ferguson planned to sign both Ronaldo and Gareth Bale in 2013.
He told: “I remember there was a lot of media saying Ferguson will maybe retire next year. And he said, ‘Patrice, I will never retire. I will be here another 10 years’.
“He then said: My target is I’m 99 percent sure we will have Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. I just need these two players to win the Champions League again. Ninety-nine percent.”
“And to be fair, when I speak with Cristiano, I ask him and he said yes to the boss, and was coming to join United. He told me this.”
