Cristiano Ronaldo Signs for United
By Chris O'Brien / David Hobbs
November 21 2003
Manchester United have completed the signing of 18-year-old Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo. The Under-21 international joins United from Sporting Lisbon for a fee of £12.2million. Ronaldo impressed the United scouts in a recent friendly between the two clubs.
|
Cristiano Ronaldo Signs for United |
|
Manchester United have announced the signing of Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo from Sporting Lisbon. The Red Devils have splashed out £12.2million on the 18-year-old, who is seen as one of the World’s brightest prospects. Ronaldo shone in the recent friendly between United and Sporting Lisbon, and his performance saw many United players urging Sir Alex Ferguson to make an offer for the striker. "After we played Sporting last week the lads in the dressing room talked about him constantly, and on the plane back from the game they urged me to sign him – that’s how highly they rated him." Chelsea and Real Madrid have been showing increasing interest in Ronaldo over the past week, but United’s link-up agreement with the Portuguese outfit always made a move to Old Trafford the most likely option. Sir Alex Ferguson has also revealed that the players versatility was a driving factor behind United's move to sign Ronaldo. "He is an extremely talented footballer, a two-footed attacker who can play anywhere up front: right, left or through the middle." said Sir Alex. "He is one of the most exciting young players I have ever seen." Ronaldo has put pen-to-paper on a 5-year contract at Old Trafford, making him the first Portuguese player to join United. |
