Manchester United has completed a deal to re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus.
The Red Devils emerged as front-runners for the 36-year-old’s signature earlier on Thursday, with Manchester City having previously been reported to be on the brink of signing him from Juventus.
However, Man City pulled out of the race for his signature on Thursday after learning of Ronaldo’s preference to rejoin Man United, where he scored 118 goals in 292 appearances between 2003 and 2009.
The 20-time English champions have since moved quickly to agree a deal with Juventus for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, and they have now confirmed that Ronaldo is set to return to Old Trafford.
Personal terms are yet to be agreed, while Ronaldo must also pass his medical, but neither of those are expected to be stumbling blocks ahead of his sensational switch back to the Premier League.
“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,” read a statement on the club’s official website.
“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, who informed Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri earlier this week that he was keen to leave the club, will remain in Portugal for the international break before joining up with his new teammates.
The Portuguese forward becomes Man United’s fourth summer signing, following Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Tom Heaton.
Ronaldo helped the club to three Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League during his first stint at Old Trafford, while he has netted 551 times in just 572 club appearances since leaving in 2009.
