Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that former manager Sir Alex Ferguson quickly informed him that he was going to wear the iconic No.7 shirt after joining Manchester United for the first time back in 2003.
United, who will be going in search of a fourth successive victory when they travel to Villa Park to face Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon, signed the five-time Ballon d'Or winner from Sporting Lisbon as a tender 18-year-old. He joined the club for Β£12.24million and put pen to paper on a five-year deal.
Ronaldo, who will go down in history as one of the greatest players of all-time, arrived at Old Trafford as a youngster looking to take the next step in his career. He had wowed audiences in Portugal and United were determined to win the race for his signature.
Although he arrived at the club as a youngster, Ferguson signed him with the intentions of throwing him straight into the first-team fold. And that was further highlighted when he awarded him the infamous No.7 shirt.
It is a number steeped in history at Old Trafford, being worn by some of the club's greatest-ever players. And for Ronaldo, it was a moment that he says he is unlikely to ever forget.
"All players know, in Manchester and around the world as well, that number seven is a mythic number in this club," Ronaldo said in a special video released by United. "In the beginning that I signed for Manchester, I was very nervous to see the full stadium.
"The passion that the fans have for football kind of surprised me a lot. Sir Alex Ferguson said to me 'you're going to take the number seven'.
"It was that kind of moment that you never forget. I knew the history of the number seven in the club.
"I was nervous, but in the same time I was feeling good after an experienced manager, an experienced person knew that Cristiano is the right guy to hold that shirt."
Ronaldo, of course, returned to Old Trafford in the summer of 2021, rejoining the club from Juventus, just over 12 years after he joined Real Madrid. He reclaimed the No.7 shirt from Edinson Cavani upon his return.
Asked how it feels to wear the iconic No.7 shirt, Ronaldo added: "Emotional. Very emotional."
Fewbclpsty
0
How many years since u taken yr league πππππ€
Live the reality n stop asking irrelevant questions....π π π
vaaaikprt
0
U still living in the past Era of 2003....π π π we are living in the new Era...we are not interested in ur flash backs....π π π
How many years since u taken yr league πππππ€
Fewbclpsty
0
U still living in the past Era of 2003....π π π we are living in the new Era...we are not interested in ur flash backs....π π π
Vezonic22
0
I miss SAF so much but such times are long. Time to enjoy ETH and stand by him as he manages Manchester United.
Footballking26
4
Whether You Love or Hate Them...But one thing im sure most of Us will Miss These Two...They have done So Much and i think we'll Never See like these Two again...even though it's seems impossible...I just wish them before they retire to have one Word Cup each
jezabdnpyz
4
Years Back When United Played Sporting Lisbon In Portugal π΅πΉ.., A Skinny Young Kid Impressed All The United Players That They Urged Their Big Boss Alex Ferguson To Him Immediately. After The Match Has Ended.., After Changing And All United Players Went Up The Coach But One Person Was Missing. Fergie Stayed Behind To Talk And Persuade That Kid To Come To OT π And Wear That Famous Red Jersey. He Will Be Adored.., Will Be Loved By All. THE REST IS HISTORY.
Alexandrascoba
3
the way people look at things then is different from now in you is going to be great someday
Bodiklrtyz
0
Ronaldo have win every trophy in the world,, but he didn't give himself the respect that other people give him, he always wants to be the best for the all time man,, and that can be possible, if Ronaldo have the same love with others, like how, united shows him, for the frst time being in the club,,, most especially president time in the club,,, show the youngest, how then skow you for the first time,, i think he could have been the best and the first at all times
Alexandrascoba
2
wahala to yin no yen eyin teni no le