5 Players Who Received A Hero's Welcome
1. Cristiano Ronaldo - Manchester United
Its fair to say that the second leg of Manchester Uniteds clash with Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2013 was a little awkward. Not only were the Mancunians dumped out of the Champions League in what would be Sir Alex Fergusons last ever European game, but the man who struck the winner for the Madridistas was the same person whose name had been sung relentlessly throughout the game by the Old Trafford faithful.
With no ill will or bad blood existing between club and player, on the contrary, the red half of Manchester dream of the day when Cristiano Ronaldo will one day grow tired of the Madrid lifestyle and realise what he had in England. They may be waiting a while, but the tired media sound-bites resurrected every six months dont help, with the Ballon dOr winner declaring his love for the supporters and you never say never.
Whether it was a kind-hearted display of affection or a slightly more cynical ploy to emotionally blackmail arguably the worlds most potent footballer, Viva Ronaldo was sung throughout the game by the home crowd, as the tie swung in their balance. However, following Nanis questionable red card, and Luka Modrics fine equaliser, the tie was poised at 2-2, before Ronaldo swept home the winner to hushed silence.
A muted aura all around the stadium, the former Manchester United winger simply refused to celebrate, as the Madridistas were sent into raptures. Following the full-time whistle, the disappointment was evident, but the dedicated song was in full flow once more, with the departing Ronaldo signalling waves to all corners of the stadium. Much like he had done to most other teams that season, he could cross off his former arena as a stadium that had been vanquished. But where he had been whistled and cat-called across Spain and Europe, the reception he had received in Manchester will have come as a welcome surprise, and one that hasnt been forgotten in a hurry.
''The people treat me like a god so I appreciate it. Its crazy. I remember when we played there against Manchester in the Champions League, they kill me. My heart was so happy. For me its one of the best clubs in the world and I have passion for this club. Cristiano Ronaldo, August 2014.