“As everyone knows, ever since I signed for United at 18, Alex Ferguson has been key. I remember when I played for Sporting against Manchester. To me he is a father in football. He helped me a lot, taught me a lot, and for me he played a big role [on my return] because with the relationship we had, we are always in contact", he said.

“I like him a lot, and it was the main key for me to be where I am today, and it was essential to sign for Manchester United,” he added.

“I'm happy, I want to continue to make history, help Manchester United to achieve great results, win trophies and, above all, win great things”, he said, remembering that he will talk face to face, after a short conversation, with the coach, his former Norwegian teammate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Cristiano Ronaldo, 36, will return to England and Manchester United, where he played between 2003 and 2009, having won a Champions League, three championships, a Club World Cup, an FA Cup, two English League Cups and a Super Cup.