Ferguson unsurprised by reception Thursday, September 18, 2008
The jury was out as to whether Portuguese wing-wizard Cristiano Ronaldo would receive jeers or cheers on his Manchester United return, but Sir Alex Ferguson believes he got the reception that he deserved.
Cristiano Ronaldo had long been linked with a big-money move to Real Madrid and Manchester United's number 7 did little to quash the rumours.
Prior to his involvement in the European Championships with Portugal, he was even quoted by the Guardian as saying: "I want to play for Real Madrid, but only if it is true they are eager to pay me and Manchester United what they have been saying they will."
His high-profile flirtations with the Spanish giants led some commentators to believe that he could expect a frosty reception on his return to the United fold, but Sir Alex Ferguson believes this would have been undeserved, he told MUTV:
"Don’t forget, these supporters have enjoyed Ronaldo for five years at this club and he’s showed great loyalty and commitment every time he puts that jersey on."
"I wasn’t surprised by the cheers but I think it would have been a great encouragement to the boy... I imagine he’ll have been relieved a little bit – perhaps he was a little apprehensive before the match, wondering what kind of reception he was going to get. Deep down I knew he’d be welcomed back."
