On August 16th, 2003, the story of Cristiano Ronaldo's memorable introduction to English football was born.
It was a tense affair on August 16th, 2003, Manchester United held a narrow one-goal advantage against bogey side Bolton with just 29 minutes remaining. Sir Alex Ferguson searched for inspiration.
He looked towards the substitutes bench, chewing his gum with a little more force than usual, and a £12.2million midweek arrival from Sporting Lisbon stared back at him with purpose.
From that day onward, a star was born. Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro's debut against Manchester United, ten days previous to his Old Trafford bow was the start of his unbelievable journey to the top.
This 18-year-old had made an instant impact not only on the pitch but in the dressing room - even before his iconic debut at Old Trafford.
Former teammate Quinton Fortune has detailed the moment CR7 walked into the Manchester United dressing room for the very first time and it's typical of the man.
"Ronaldo came with so much confidence, it was unbelievable. He walked in the changing room and basically told everyone he's the best. Not in perfect English but you could make it out." he said in an interview with The Guardian.
"That set him above all the young players and he could back it up with his work ethic and ability.
"Even at that age, he wanted to be better at everything. If you did something in training he'd practice and come back and do it."
From a skinny, gangly teenager with Spaghetti-like string running through his hair to the almost machine-like center-forward we hail on a weekly basis at new club Juventus.
It has been a remarkable journey for the Madeira-born Ronaldo but his first days at United will always stick with the former Real Madrid forward.
"The first game I played against Manchester United was an unbelievable game, the perfect night." Ronaldo reminisced during the launch of his new range of CR7 boot.
"When I listened after the game some of my team-mates said 'listen, you are going to go to Manchester, trust me. Sir Alex Ferguson is there and wants to speak with you.
"So I went to the dressing room and he introduced me to the players, which for me was a little bit funny because I was a little shy.
"Alex Ferguson then said to me 'I want you now'. Everything came so fast and two days later I spoke to the coach and they took me to England.
"Then I was in Manchester and I signed."
Chelasani
108
Cristiano made history in united and wrote his own destiny...
Jubcdnpty
80
CR7 can shoot with both legs' he is best in headers, free kicks you can name it. He is the best.THE GOAT
faith1984
75
I remember senior man utd players begging coach SAF to sign the little Portuguese boy after he has tormented them in a pre season friendly match. SAF listened to his players . is it not better to have CR7 as a teammate than as an opponent. U are my real GOAT. Haters go an hug an active transformer.
Dopbceityz
53
He came to you United like a nobody and left us wanting of his superb talent! He left us with memories unforgettable. Ronaldo will remain in our hearts forever. A true Red Devil!
Willz Dzeke
52
If you don't believe in yourself and your dreams you have no chance at achieving them. Ronaldo started believing he is the best at a young age and he worked all his life to prove to everyone be is the best. His actions were motivated by words. Many years down the line a Legend was made. Hard Work pays.
loneavenger
36
Alex developed so many talented players..He is one of the best...CR7