Could Ronaldo return?

By Chris
December 22 2012

Sir Alex Ferguson would "love" to see Cristiano Ronaldo spend a second spell as a Manchester United player - though admits its an unlikely development! The Portuguese international, who became the world's most expensive footballer when the Red Devils sold him to Real Madrid, is expected to line-up against his former club in the Champions League round of 16.

Ronaldo signed for United in 2003 in a £12.24million move from Sporting Lisbon, and became a global sporting superstar during his six years with the club.

The winger bagged 118 goals in his time at United, and helped the club to Champions League glory in 2008, in addition to three league titles, an FA Cup, two League Cups and a World Club Championship.

He joined Real Madrid in 2009 for £80million, the largest transfer fee ever paid for a player.

Sir Alex has admitted that he would like to see Ronaldo return to Lancashire for a second spell with the club, but accepts any such scenario is a "long way off".

When asked about the possibility of such a move, he said: “I don’t see that. I’d love to see that but it’s fanciful thinking, really.

"First of all how much it would take to get him from Real Madrid. And second, I don’t think there’s any chance they would want to sell him.

“But you never know. I don’t know when his contract finishes. He may want to go to another club at some point and I’d hope he would want to come here. But that’s a long way off.”

Ronaldo is set to line-up against his former club in February and March as Real Madrid prepare to do battle with United in the final 16 of the Uefa Champions League.