The Portuguese superstar started the most successful phase of his career at Santiago Bernabeu.
On this day in 2009, Manchester United accepted Real Madrid’s £80m bid to sign Cristiano Ronaldo.
Prior to United’s official statement, Real Madrid had confirmed their interest in signing the Champions League winner. Ronaldo had informed the club on his desire to join the Blancos ahead of the 2009-10 season.
“Manchester United have received a world-record, unconditional offer of £80million for Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid,” the club’s statement read.
“At the request of Cristiano – who has again expressed his desire to leave – and after discussion with the player’s representatives, United have agreed to give Real Madrid permission to talk to the player.”
United had no doubt that they had lost the best player in the world. But the world-record fee generated hopes for a squad rebuild under Sir Alex Ferguson.
“Selling Ronaldo is a big disappointment,” Duncan Drasdo, chairman of the Man Utd Supporters Trust, said at the time. “If the money is reinvested into the club, at least it will soften the blow.”
Ronaldo finally joined Real Madrid on June 26, starting a glorious spell at Santiago Bernabeu. The Portuguese star became the club’s all-time top-scorer by registering 450 goals in 438 appearances for the Blancos.
CR7’s incredible performances in Real Madrid’s attacking line helped them win a host of major trophies, including five Champions League titles and two La Liga honours.