Ronaldo’s first interview: ‘I’m here to make history - with thanks to Sir Alex’ plus fans, Ole & more

Cristiano Ronaldo has explained the key role Sir Alex Ferguson played in his move back to Manchester United.

The Portuguese star signed for the Red Devils on transfer deadline after he was strongly linked with a move to Manchester City last week.

However, the 36-year-old ultimately chose to return to Old Trafford and has expressed his joy at signing for United once again.

“Well, as you know, I have a fantastic history with this amazing club,” he told the club’s official website on Wednesday.

“I was there at 18 years old and of course I’m so happy to be back home after 12 years. So I’m really glad and looking forward to start my first game.”

Asked to explain the role Ferguson had in his decision to sign for the 20-time English champions, Ronaldo said: “As everybody knows, since I signed for Manchester [United] at 18, Sir Alex Ferguson was the key.

“I remember when we played against Manchester when I was at Sporting Lisbon. For me, Sir Alex Ferguson is like a father in football for me. He helped me a lot, he taught me many things, and in my opinion of course he had a big role because the relationship that we had, we keep in touch all the time, and he’s an unbelievable person.

“I really like him a lot and he was the main key for me to be in the position that I am, that I signed for Manchester United.”

Why move now?

Ronaldo said it was an easy decision to make in the end to return.

He said: “I think it’s the best decision that I have made it. It’s right on point in my opinion. I moved from Juve now to Manchester, it’s a new chapter, I’m so happy and glad, and I want to carry on again, to make history, to try to help Manchester achieve great results, to win trophies and number one of them, to win great things.”

What did he say about Ole?

It’s not just former managers that Ronaldo has been liaising with, and the former Real Madrid man explained he spoken to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before committing his future to the Red Devils.

“Well, we had a chat, but of course I’m going to have time to speak with him face to face, to know what he expects,” said Ronaldo. “As you know, I played with him for two or three years at Manchester United so I have a good relationship with him but now with a different role, I’m a player and he’s a coach.

“But it doesn’t matter, my relationship with him is great and as I say before, I’m there in Manchester to help the team achieve his results and the coach can count on me for whatever he wants. So I’m available for everything.”

And what about the supporters?

Ronaldo said seeing full stadiums again had changed the game.

He added: “The fans, they are the key, and I’m so glad. The Manchester United fans, they are special, I know, I remember very well.

“I know they still sing my music which has made me feel even more happy and my commitment is to give everything on the pitch, like I did before, like I do it all the time, and try to do my best, help the team score goals, make assists, win games, and I hope to see them very, very soon.”