For years we heard Cristiano Ronaldo claimed that only God knew where he future lay when asked about rumours linking him with Real Madrid.

Now the tables have turned, with Ronaldo playing for the Spanish club, and claiming that one day he may return to United.

“I don’t close the door, so maybe in the future I hope so, because I know the league, I know the players, I know the atmosphere,” said Ronaldo. “Why not? I hope so one day, but you never know. The team that I like most in England is Manchester but I cannot say that I am going to play there one day because I am very, very happy in Madrid. I’ve said a few times that, if Madrid want, I can sign for ten years more until the finish of my career but nobody knows the future. I cannot lie to you and say I will stay here ten years, that I am not going to come back to Manchester. It is not fair on my part. Let’s see what future God has prepared for me.”

Ronaldo has also reflected on the importance of Sir Alex Ferguson on his career, claiming he is like a second father.

“I said a few times that to play for Real Madrid was my dream – as it was for Manchester too,” he continued. “For me they are the best clubs in the world, apart from maybe Barcelona, Chelsea, Arsenal, Milan. I’m really happy with what I did in Manchester because I don’t forget the six years that I played there. I have a lot of friends there. Sir Alex Ferguson is my second dad – he helped me a lot to improve and now Mr Mourinho too because they are experienced managers who win many things, so for me they are the best coaches. I have good memories from Manchester and when I watch sometimes the games I miss it a lot because it’s part of me I left in England. Just because I play in Madrid I’m not going to miss speaking with the old guys so, when I have an opportunity, I speak with Sir Alex Ferguson. It was important for me when I played there, when my life was there, so it is good to speak with him because I’ll never forget who really helped me.”