Fresh reports have emerged as to how former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, former teammates Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra influenced Cristiano Ronaldo’s sensational return to the Old Trafford.
According to The Sun, 36-year-old had been in secret talks for months to rejoin the Red Devils — despite rumours he would sign for rivals Man City.
Ronaldo, whose glittering first spell included a European Champions League and three Premier League titles wins, will put pen to paper on a two-year deal worth £480,000 a week, or £25million a year.
He is expected to earn millions more in a cut of replica shirt sales, having apparently made sure he will again wear the famous No7 after making a fortune from his CR7 brand.
Currently back in Portugal, he is expected to fly into Manchester this weekend with Argentinian model girlfriend Georgina Rodríguez, 27, and his four kids to look for a mega-mansion near the city.
Yesterday, it emerged his mentor and former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson — who signed him as an 18-year-old and has a special “father and son” relationship with him — phoned to urge him to return.
Sir Alex, 79, hopes it will get one over City and help restore the glory years.
Red Devils chief Ed Woodward also spent two months wooing the club legend before the huge coup.
According to ESPN, the Portuguese “was only convinced to consider a return to Old Trafford following contact from a number of former teammates.”
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand revealed he phoned and urged Ronaldo not to sign for City.
And, another Former United defender Patrice Evra appeared to verify the claim by sharing a screengrab of his recent WhatsApp conversation with the Portugal international.
After receiving a voice note from the Frenchman, Ronaldo replied: “You the man. I’m gonna play in our club.”
Ronaldo broke his silence on his imminent departure from Turin on Friday afternoon, penning an emotional message to Juventus fans on Instagram.
The announcement saw United’s share price leap eight per cent, increasing its value by around £181million.
The club website crashed as millions of fans tried to learn more about the comeback.
United are understood to be paying a £21.4million transfer fee for Ronaldo once he has completed a medical and agreed personal terms.