10 Best Cristiano Ronaldo Moments Ever

7. Leaving Manchester United

FILE - In this Sept. 16, 2014 file photo, Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after missing a chance during a Champions League Group B soccer match against Basel at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain. Christopher Renzi, of Rhode Island,
Andres Kudacki/AP

In 2009, Cristiano Ronaldo had apparently fulfilled his obligation to Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson. The Portuguese winger had reportedly spoken to Sir Alex in the previous summer about playing for Real Madrid but Ferguson convinced his protege to remain for one more season before he could leave for Spain.

Real had lodged bids for the prolific Ronaldo on several occasions but Sir Alex had always insisted Ronaldo must stay at United until he achieved everything he needed to in England. Cristiano delivered and won everything (except the Europa League) with United, including a Balon d'Or, and departed the club as the most expensive player in history.

£80 million is rumoured to have been the figure Real spent on Cristiano. And it was money well spent.

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