We are not dreaming, Cristiano Ronaldo is really coming home. It has come completely out of nowhere, but it's certainly real. This is no hoax.
City were allegedly a matter of hours or even minutes away from a deal, but it seems it may have become far from that in the mind of the Portuguese legend - regarded by many as the greatest to ever play the game. Fans and players alike were frustrated at United's lack of an approach as City discussed the possibility of signing the Juventus man, and it seems that frustration was ultimately acknowledged - big time. As soon as United stated their desired involvement in a deal, there was no doubt between Ronaldo and agent Jorge Mendes as to the correct decision.
Where did it change? Mendes eagerly made contact with United (not for the first time this summer) last night amidst discussions with City, yet it still looked likely that Cristiano was headed to the blue side as everybody woke up across the country this morning. Roll forward to just past one o'clock, where the narrative shifted in a substantial way. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer held his press conference at Carrington, clearly willing to speak about his former teammate rather than shrugging off questions about another team's player as is usually done. He answered the questions in a surprisingly positive and smiley manner - an indication that there was something to be optimistic about. He already knew.
“We've always had a good communication. Bruno has been talking to him as well and he knows what we feel about him. If he was ever going to move away from Juventus, he knows we are here.”
“Cristiano is a legend of this club, the the greatest player of all time if you ask me. I was fortunate enough to play with him. I coached him when I got my job. Let's see what happens.”
What changed the decision on the ultimate destination is seemingly clear, with lots of contact made with former teammates and his "football father" Sir Alex Ferguson since Thursday. Rio Ferdinand was one of those who contacted Cristiano immediately: "I rang him straight away (after the news of City's interest). [I said] What's going on? Tell me you're lying." A cryptic tweet posted by the former centre back this morning was an early indication of the potential attempted hijack from The Glazers, after Ed Woodward and co worked overdrive overnight. Rio's impact cannot be downplayed, given he essentially catalysed the entire move with various conversations here and there.
Bruno Fernandes was also said to have been pressuring his international teammate all night, reported as being "decisive" with regards to the final decision. Friday morning then seems when the aforementioned conversation with Fergie occured, something of immense value to the Portuguese international. It's become clear that Patrice Evra shared WhatsApp exchanges with Cristiano, whilst Solskjaer personally attempted to intervene. One thing is for sure - he was alerted of the possible damage to his legacy at United, and couldn't face the fans he cares so much about turning on him after years upon years of loyalty. Once a red, always a red.
Really, it all ended up materialising in rapid-fire succession as United's serious interest rang around the media following announcements of Cristiano's Juventus departure after he missed training. Every refresh of Twitter brought new news, and it became more and more encouraging by the minute. Soon enough, it was announced that Manchester City had pulled out of any discussed deal after no agreement over personal terms or a fee. Ronaldo had been successfully swayed.
The discussions between United, Juventus and Jorge Mendes developed about as well as possible after Cristiano informed City he was no longer interested. Before long, a contract proposal was submitted by United and negotiations quickly headed towards an advanced stage. In an instant, there were rumblings of a two-year deal being finalised and a Lisbon medical in the offing. The final stages of the deal were promptly reached, with an offer of €15 million + €8 million in add-ons submitted and accepted without a hassle. An agreement was never in doubt from there, with the deal supposedly worth £480,000 weekly.
From there, it was a Fabrizio Romano "here we go" and an official announcement (subject to personal terms, visa and medicals) to put minds at ease. It's understood that the player will remain in Portugal to join his international teammates following the medical in Lisbon, with no chance of paperwork being completed in time for even a slim chance of availability to face Wolves on Sunday.
He may be 36, but there is no doubt that Ronaldo can still have an utterly profound impact. Not only will he severely bolster the chance of winning trophies with his everpresent world class ability, he'll also provide another integral experienced figurehead within a very youthful squad. Similar to Edinson Cavani, he's clearly capable of educating others whilst offering utmost efficiency on the pitch with his plethora of world-renowned qualities. No doubt, he remains one of the great game changers in world football.
This move is nothing about money and defies modern football: it's about football, it's about rewriting history and creating new memories to cherish back where he became the player he has been. He is a born winner - just what this squad has been crying out for.
Talking of born winners, Ronaldo will join ex-teammate and another remarkable addition in Raphael Varane - both were part of Zinedine Zidane's incredibly successful Real Madrid side not so long ago. Mentalities like that will do wonders in transforming this team, and redeveloping the buzz around Old Trafford as the post-Fergie restructure continues. With Jadon Sancho (one of Europe's brightest budding stars) also added to the squad, there is no reason why United can't challenge for silverware. This isn't only one of the best sides in the league now, but one of the best in the world. Sign a defensive midfielder before the window shuts, and the project is all but complete.
I'm sure nobody can wait for the possible return on September 11th against Newcastle, when Ronaldo is tipped to make his second United debut. The international break has unquestionably fallen at just the wrong moment, but it will only allow anticipation to build further towards that moment at Old Trafford.
If you scored 25 goals per season, you would score 375 goals; Ronaldo has scored a mindboggling 674 so far in his career. Add five Ballon d'Ors and over 30 major trophies to that, and you have Cristiano Ronaldo's honours. Just like that, he's back. VIVA RONALDO!
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