Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted he is ‘nervous’ about his return to Manchester United but says he is ready to start against Newcastle at Old Trafford at the weekend.
The Portuguese superstar made a shock return to United this summer having left the club for Real Madrid in 2009, joining from Juventus for an initial £12.8 million on a two-year deal.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 08: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United poses with Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after signing his contract with the club at Carrington Training Ground on September 08, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
“Of course I will be nervous on Saturday, but I am more mature, I am more experienced,” Ronaldo told United’s club website during an interview with former team-mate Wes Brown.
“I will be prepared and I am going to make pressure to Ole now to start in the XI [laughs]. I am ready to go!”
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 07: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground on September 07, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Upon returning to Old Trafford, Ronaldo dismissed the notion that his age will be an issue, and even hinted at staying beyond his initial two-year deal.
“People before speak about my age but they should, and they know, that I am different. I am different from the rest of the people. I show that all the time, year by year, and this year will be the same.
“I know, 100 per cent, that I will do good with my teammates. The supporters will be on our side, these fans are special. I hope they can push the team when they need it.
The crowd will be delighted to watch their hero back again in Premiership and you just get the feeling that he is going to live up to it completely, soak up the atmosphere and deliver a debut to remember for those 75,000 fans in Old Trafford and millions of United fans around the world tuning in.