Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United teammates knew it was coming, but when the superstar openly declared his desire to leave Old Trafford during training, it still caught them off guard. In 2009, Ronaldo’s sights were firmly set on Real Madrid, a move that would redefine his career and shatter transfer records.
An Open Secret Among Teammates
Nani, Ronaldo’s compatriot and close friend at Manchester United, recently reflected on how the five-time Ballon d’Or winner shared his intentions with the squad. “Some days, he’d tell us, ‘I’ve been here six or seven years; I think it’s enough for me,’” Nani revealed. Although Ronaldo’s comments were casual at first, they carried a seriousness that would eventually lead to his then-world record £80 million transfer to Real Madrid.
Even as the whispers grew louder, Sir Alex Ferguson’s iron will delayed the inevitable. The United manager famously resisted Real Madrid’s overtures in 2008, insisting Ronaldo stay another season. “I’d rather shoot you than sell you to that guy now,” Ferguson once told the star, referring to then-Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon.
The Move That Shocked Football
After a stellar 2008/09 campaign, Ferguson relented, and Ronaldo became a Galactico in the summer of 2009. Real Madrid’s historic deal not only signaled a changing of the guard at Manchester United but also established Ronaldo as the face of a new era at the Bernabéu.
Despite the heartbreak for United fans, Ronaldo’s move marked the beginning of a period of dominance that cemented his place among the all-time greats.
A Legacy that Endures
Looking back, Ronaldo’s candid admission of wanting to leave speaks volumes about his ambition and transparency. For Manchester United, it was the end of an unforgettable chapter, but for Ronaldo, it was the dawn of a new, glittering era.