Photo: Juventus FC
In a move that surprised many, Cristiano Ronaldo is heading back to Manchester United after a 12-year absence.
Ronaldo, 36, agreed to a two-year contract with United on Friday (August 27) following initial reports that he was close to a deal with rival Manchester City, ESPN reports.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner spent seven years with United (2003-09) before joining Real Madrid (2009-18) and later Juventus (2018-21).
"Manchester United is delighted to confirm that the club has reached agreement with Juventus for the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo, subject to agreement of personal terms, visa and medical," the club announced in a statement confirming the signing on its official website. "Cristiano, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, has so far won over 30 major trophies during his career, including five UEFA Champions League titles, four FIFA Club World Cups, seven league titles in England, Spain and Italy, and the European Championship for his native Portugal."
The Portuguese superstar scored 118 goals in 292 matches during his first stint at Old Trafford, which included leading United to three Premier League titles and a Champions League victory in 2008.
Ronaldo joined Real Madrid in 2009 for a then-world record fee of £80 million.
The announcement comes after an already busy transfer window period, which already saw Ronaldo's rival, Lionel Messi, sign with Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month after spending his entire club career with FC Barcelona.