2021 was a memorable year for Manchester United. The summer of 2021 marked a historic event for the club, with their prodigal son returning after a long wait of thirteen years. Old Trafford was filled with defeating sound as Cristiano Ronaldo took to the pitch clad in red, to the delight of the fans. Former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer commented on the Portuguese superstar’s return during an interview, expressing the nostalgic moment.
Cristiano made the most of his return to Manchester United during his first season with the side. The striker led the charge from the front for the club, bagging a staggering eighteen goals to his name. However, things turned sour between the player and the club the following season. Erik Ten Hag‘s arrival at Old Trafford saw Cristiano Ronaldo diminish with every passing game. The relationship later reached its breaking point in December 2022 as the Portuguese superstar ripped into the manager in a public interview, which saw the club part ways with the player in the subsequent weeks.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer comments on Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United
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The Norwegian tactician walked down the memory lane during an interview with Indian media outlet Times Of India. Solskjaer, during the interview, commented on Manchester United’s decision to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus in 2021. Ole claimed, “Cristiano wanted to leave Juventus, but we didn’t think it was possible to bring him back. We had built a squad without Cristiano. And then when this opportunity came, I think everyone in the world thought it’s going to be fantastic.”
He then added, “His first outing on return was against Newcastle. I think there have not been many days at Old Trafford that have seen a better vibe. And it was an unbelievable thing. So it’s about giving people memories. That’s a memory for everyone who was there.”
Manchester United spent $25 million in 2021 to acquire Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus. The Portuguese star made an instant impact following his move to Old Trafford. Ronaldo made thirty-nine appearances for the club across all competitions in the 2021/22 season, finding the back of the net on twenty-four occasions.
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Cristiano had a rough split with Juventus
While Cristiano Ronaldo had a fantastic run during his time in Italy, his time did end on a very sour note! The Portuguese superstar refused to train with the first team in his last months at Juventus, trying to force a way out of the club. Several club members were unimpressed with the player’s conduct, feeling that a more civilized approach could have been taken.
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Things did not end even after his exit from the club, as the two parties found themselves embroiled in a legal dispute. Cristiano appealed against the side in 2022, claiming Juventus still owed him over $22 million in unpaid wages. However, the club quickly lodged its rebuttal, claiming the player had signed a no-dues agreement on his way out. The matter is still in court, with the legal body yet to decide on the case.
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