Cristiano Ronaldo enjoyed a fairytale start to his Manchester United homecoming after scoring a brace in the victory against Newcastle - but he has admitted to feeling 'super nervous' before kick-off.
Superstar Ronaldo, 36, hit the ground running at Old Trafford after sealing his return from Juventus with two strikes, one a poacher's finish after a rebound and another a powerful drive through the goalkeeper.
Throughout the game, he was serenaded by the crowd, but after the final whistle, he revealed early jitters had set in.
'When I started the game I was so nervous, I swear,' Ronaldo told BBC Sport. 'But I think it was normal because I didn't expect them to sing my name all game.
'I was very nervous. Maybe I didn't show it, but I was. As I said before, the reception is incredible. I'm here to win games, to help the team, and to make the club get where they deserve.'
United moved to the top of the Premier League table after securing the three points, which came after Javier Manquillo's equaliser threatened to mar Ronaldo's party.
But the veteran ensured he stole the show after dazzling on his second debut, and he has also opened up on his feeling of pride.
Reflecting on his first goal, Ronaldo added: 'It was an unbelievable moment. I was super nervous.
'I was thinking last night what I wanted - to play good, to show that I am still capable of helping the team. When I started the game, I was super nervous, they sung my name. This club, it's unbelievable.
'I feel so proud. I'm going to give everything to make them proud of me.'
His sights are set high during his second United stint, too, with references to the top-flight and Champions League trophies also dropped in the same interview.
Hailing his team-mates and boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ronaldo said: 'We have a fantastic team, a young team, with a fantastic coach.
'But we have to build up confidence, the team needs to be mature if we want to win the league and want to win the Champions League. I think we are in a good way.
'We have to win games, build up the confidence, build up the team and I'm here to help the team.'
Desmondeyum
651
Cristiano Ronaldo: "I belong to Manchester United."
ShadadMcQhernzy
539
4 games 7 assists 👟 The Darling Boy Needs Applause 👏
26201361(deleted)
435
Great Portuguese’s players
Timwise
401
Pogba: Bros how old are you again? RONALDO: Age is just a number 😂✨
sunnyblaze12
389
how can I tell my kids that it took Ronaldo just one game to have more goals than arsenal
badgoal
371
you could see it in his eyes when Newcastle equalize that he is gonna score
AdaieFrimpong
364
They said Ronaldo was the problem of Juventus, we said okay we want our problem back and as soon as he came back home he proved one again to his Haters that he’s a problem for Defenders and a nightmare for Goalkeepers🔥🥂 Today we United fans celebrate our problems with pride.
Desmondeyum
310
Ronaldo was the problem 💀😂😂😂😂😂
ManUtdAmadDialo
268
Never say he won't kiss It again. He's a goal KILLER. So unpredictable
Zeuilmpru
186
Chelsea as well which is my favorite Team Lukaku did well there as well , thanks for the entire Team.
Saucdeimrs
144
i am very happy for my goat ronny i was just a ronaldo fan where ever he go i followed him but later i felt unconditional love towards city as a fan of club but i love ronaldo more than city i want ronaldo success wish either city or united will lift trophy🐐
xtrazeal2
124
17yrs same Ronaldo ❤️❤️❤️
Ozsyed7
15
He has destroyed Juventus forever. It's a slow poison.
destroyed em by scoring 30+ goals a season, horrible person really
kadikmrsuz
11
I was also feeling nervous for him. I was wondering how was going to.perform. He did exellently well. I also had a hard time on who to give the man of the match today. So i gave to the whole team. They were all fantastic. That Fernandes goal was hands down supersonic. The whole team and the whole stadium had a moment of disbelief such that time stood still just for a secobd as we were all stunned by it. I was even more pleased for Lingard to be on the scoresheet too. The build up to that goal was classy,stylish and even more entertaining. Credit to Newcastle too. They did not come to OT to just roll over. They gave Man U a scare ot two too during the maych. All in all a great game. Welcome back home CR7.