Manchester United have confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will wear his iconic number seven shirt at the club following his summer switch from Juventus.
The 36-year-old’s blockbuster return to Old Trafford was confirmed on transfer deadline day, although it looked as though he may have to give up the number seven shirt he has worn in all but one of his seasons since first joining Man United in 2003.
Edinson Cavani wore the ‘7’ last season and once again turned out in it during last weekend’s win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, but the club have now confirmed that the Uruguayan has given up the shirt.
Ronaldo has built his ‘CR7’ brand around his association with the famous shirt number, which he has also worn for Real Madrid, Juventus and Portugal.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner will now inherit his usual number, with Cavani taking the number 21, which he also wears for the Uruguay national side.
The ‘7’ jersey holds iconic status at Manchester United, having previously been worn by club legends George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona and David Beckham.
Ronaldo himself added to that legacy during his first stint at Old Trafford, when he netted 118 goals in 292 appearances between 2003 and 2009.
The Portuguese striker became the leading men’s international scorer of all time on Wednesday, netting twice to earn his country a dramatic late win over the Republic of Ireland and taking his tally up to 111 goals for his nation.
However, Ronaldo has been released early from international duty now, having picked up a booking which rules him out of their next game.
Ronaldo could make his second debut for Man United when they return to domestic action against Newcastle United on September 11.
