written by News Blog RC

After being the subject of intense transfer speculation, Manchester United finally ended the “when will he sign for Real Madrid” debate regarding Cristiano Ronaldo today. Real Madrid’s world record offer of £80 Million for the 24 year old has been accepted by Manchester United.

Cristiano Ronaldo or “tranny” as he is affectionately known by the blue half of Manchester, has been playing some excellent football for United but it was clear that there wasn’t enough room for both the player and his ego in the Premiership.

In his 6 years at Old Trafford we have seen the Portugese player go through more than a few tubs of hair gel, frowns, screams, dives and at least 3 million stepovers. For the majority of United fans this won’t have come as a surprise. It was only a matter of time before Alex Ferguson cashed in on Ronaldo after his outbursts and antics on and off the pitch at Old Trafford became more regular.

United manager Alex Ferguson has had many famous spats with players and managers, and Ronaldo will have been no different. Ronaldo was obviously difficult to manage. So brilliant a footballer, but so petulant and generally annoying as a person. Many will think United will be lost without Cristiano but Ferguson has been here before and always seems to replace the seemingly irreplaceable.

“History will remember him very well in terms of his contribution as a footballer, he’ll also be seen as petulant, egotistical and stubborn but he’s been a wonderful player,” said United.

It took time for Ronaldo to find his best form after arriving in England but he became a pivotal player for United, who have won the last three Premier League titles.
In the 2007-08 season he scored 42 goals, which topped the previous club record for a midfielder held by George Best, and was on the scoresheet as United defeated Chelsea in the Champions League final.

His form through 2008 saw him named Fifa World Player of the Year in January, just a month after he won the Ballon d’Or as the European Player of the Year.
Ronaldo was the top scorer for his club last season, with 26 goals, taking his total for United to 118 in 292 appearances.

From BBC SPORT – Read the full article

CRISTIANO RONALDO FACTFILE
1985: Born 5 February
2002: Makes Sporting Lisbon debut
2003: Signs for Man Utd in £12m deal
2004: Wins first trophy, the FA Cup, with United
2006: Expresses desire to join Real Madrid
2007: Wins first Premier League title
2008: Wins Champions League
2009: Voted World and European player of the year
2009: Man Utd accept £80m bid from Real