“I Was Petrified”- Cristiano Ronaldo Once Hesitated in Donning Iconic Number 7 Jersey at Manchester United

Cristiano Ronaldo made a comeback to Manchester United in August 2021 for his second stint. It was amidst rumors of him joining city rivals Manchester City. United moved fast in the market and reached an agreement with the player and Juventus to bring back one of their iconic number 7. However, on his return, the crucial question was what jersey number the player will wear.

Cristiano wore the number seven jersey in his first stint at the club. But in 2021, Edinson Cavani was wearing the jersey. Amidst who will wear the number jersey row, Ronaldo’s previous comments on how he got to wear the number seven jersey in his first stint resurfaced. 

Cristiano Ronaldo hesitated to wear the iconic jersey

After spending just a season at the Portuguese senior team Sporting CP, the Al Nassr forward attracted a lot of interest from European clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United. His performance in a friendly against United caught the eye of legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Ferguson took the initiative and made the club sign the then-starlet. 

On his arrival at Old Trafford, Ronaldo asked for the number 28 jersey that he wore at Sporting. But Ferguson had complete trust in him and asked him to wear the iconic number seven jersey worn by legends like David Beckham. 

Reminding the incident, Ronaldo said, “When I arrived at United, I asked for 28 but the coach said, ‘No, you will wear seven.’” “I was petrified, as I knew Beckham wore that shirt. But I took on the challenge and since then it has been my lucky number. I have won everything in football with that shirt,” five-time Balon d’Or added. 

The Portuguese went on to prove the United manager right with his performances. He won his first UEFA Champions League, first European Golden boot, and first Balon d’Or under Ferguson at Old Trafford. Ronaldo left for Real Madrid in 2009, with United fans having a special place for him in their hearts. However, the return of the Portuguese turned sour at United.

The return of Ronaldo went wrong at United

Everything was fine until the second season at United started. Despite finishing as a top scorer at United, the five-time Champions League winner fell out of favor under new manager Erik ten Haag. It left the forward frustrated. It resulted in the Portuguese leaving the game early and ended with ten Haag punishing the talisman. 

READ MORE: From 4000 Square Feet to Marble Bathrooms- Here’s an Inside Look at Cristiano Ronaldo’s Lavish Kingdom Suite

He then went on to give an explosive interview with Piers Morgan. The interview made the club take a drastic step, and United mutually terminated the contract. Ronaldo now plays his trade in Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr FC.

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What do you think of Sir Alex Ferguson showing trust in Ronaldo from the day he first arrived at United?