Cristiano Ronaldo Says He Thought About Returning To Manchester United

Though he ultimately stayed put at the Bernabeu, 2013 FIFA Ballon d'Or Award winner Cristiano Ronaldo said recently that he did mull over the possibility of returning to Manchester United last summer, a club he spent six seasons with from 2003 to 2009. Latching on with Real Madrid after signing a massive £80 million deal with the La Liga giants in June of 2009, Ronaldo would continue to rise in popularity, quickly becoming one of the most recognizable athletes in the world and one of the most dominant in the sport of professional soccer.

Despite registering 266 total goals with Real Madrid in major leagues and tournaments including the Spanish Primera Division, UEFA Champions League and Spanish Cup, the 28-year-old international superstar indicated that he did give thought to returning to Old Trafford. Current Man U centre-back Rio Ferdinand tried to sway CR7 back to England but after a series of talks with his former Premier League teammate, Ronaldo simply stated that even though United remains in his heart, his goal is to held Real Madrid and native Portugal win championships.

“Everyone knows I was in Manchester for six years, but Manchester is in the past,” the two-time Ballon d'Or Award winner said. “It is true Rio and I spoke a lot in the summer. Rio is a great friend of mine. We played together for many years at Manchester United. We were neighbors when I was there in Manchester. He is a fantastic guy and he tried to change my mind to go back to Manchester. I did think about United. They are still in my heart. It is a club where I played for six years and I love that club. I have a lot of friends there and I wish them all the best.

“I hope to do better than last year,” he continued. “I am going to try to do my best to win trophies with Madrid and my country. This season is a challenged for me.”

In 18 La Liga contests this season, the Real Madrid forward has owns 20 goals and 4 assists, once again establishing himself as one of the top players in the Spanish league and across the international landscape of soccer.