Cristiano Ronaldo has given his first interview since his Manchester United return, saying he’s “not here for a vacation” and wants to bring the glory back to Old Trafford.
The 36-year-old could play for the Red Devils again for the first time in 12 years on Sunday (12am AEST) when United takes on Newcastle.
He admitted to feeling “nervous” about his return, but said he would be pushing manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær to put him straight in the starting XI.
“Of course, I will be nervous on Saturday but I am more mature,” he told former United teammate Wes Brown in an interview for MUTV.
“I am experienced, I will be prepared. I am going to pressure Ole to start in the XI.”
Ronaldo is expected to play up front for United on the weekend with Mason Greenwood likely to be pushed to the wing, while Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes will complete the team’s attacking options.
Ronaldo’s return comes with plenty of sentimental value after he won three Premiership titles and a Champions League at Old Trafford, where he transformed from a teenage prospect to a world superstar.
But he made it clear he hasn’t returned from Juventus 12 years later as simply a feel-good move late in his career.
“This is why I am here. I am not here for a vacation,” he said.
“Before was good, winning important things and I wore the shirt before, many years ago, but I am here to win again.
“I am capable, me and my team-mates. I am ready to go, I am ready to go. It is a good chance for me, for the supporters, for the club, to get one step ahead.
“I am ready and I think I will be a huge thing in the next three or four years.”
Ronaldo will also return to United’s No.7 jersey after Edison Cavani parted ways with the number.
Story first published on Fox Sports