Cristiano Ronaldo has thanked Edinson Cavani for his ‘incredible gesture’ that has handed the returning Manchester United hero the chance to reclaim his iconic No.7 shirt.
The Portuguese forward wore the number synonymous with fellow club legends like Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona and Beckham with distinction over the course of his first spell at Old Trafford and will now do so again after the club gained special dispensation from the Premier League.
Reacting to the news, Ronaldo said: ‘I wasn’t sure if it would be possible to have the number seven shirt again. So I would like to say a huge thank you to Edi [Cavani] for this incredible gesture.’
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However, Cavani will switch to the No.21 which he has worn for the majority of his international career with the Uruguay national team.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, scored a double in Wednesday’s night’s 2-1 victory over Ireland to become the most prolific goalscorer in international football, but the yellow card he picked up celebrating his winning goal means he cannot play in midweek due to suspension.
He has subsequently been given permission to return to England and will begin training with the Red devils’first team squad after completing a five-day period of quarantine.
Ronaldo will be in contention to play against Newcastle next week in what will be an emotional homecoming and speaking about the emotion of appearing in front of the United supporters once again, Ronaldo said this week: ‘Well, the fans is the key of football.
‘Now, with all the stadiums full of supporters, it’s not the same that we had one year ago, those empty stadiums. The fans, they are the key, and I’m so glad.
‘The Manchester United fans, they are special, I know, I remember very well. I know they still sing my music which has made me feel even more happy and my commitment is to give everything on the pitch, like I did before, like I do it all the time, and try to do my best, help the team score goals, make assists, win games, and I hope to see them very, very soon.’
