Manchester United FC

• Nickname:
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:
• Capacity:NaN

Fergie hails departing Ronaldo

01 Jul 2009 - 11:16:17

Click To Enlarge

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has wished Cristiano Ronaldo well after confirming that the Portugal international has completed his £80million transfer to Real Madrid.

The 24-year-old scored 118 goals in 292 first-team appearances for United during his six-year stay at Old Trafford.

Ferguson told United's official website: "Cristiano has been a marvellous player for Manchester United. His six years at Old Trafford have seen him develop into the best footballer in the world.

"His contribution has been a major factor in the club's success in that time and his talent, his ability to entertain and his infectious personality have enthralled fans the world over.

"Everyone here wishes him well in his future career."

Ronaldo had said last month that he could not turn down the chance to play for Real, telling the Portuguese press: "Real Madrid is the club at which I've always wanted to play.

"I want to start pre-season well, that's what I really want. The truth is that I'm eager to start. I know that the expectations are great, but I have to get used to that.

"It will be a little difficult at the start because I was at Manchester United for six years. In England, they play a more physical style of football, faster, but that is not an excuse. I only hope that I can adapt as quickly as possible.

"My life is based on challenges. Every year at Manchester United I had that. This is a different season because everything is new and that's why it's a different challenge.

"Winning titles is the challenge. Madrid are used to winning things, the same as Manchester United. I have high hopes and I'm certain that everything will turn out well."