Cristiano Ronaldo has signed a two-year contract to return to Manchester United.

The English club reached an agreement to transfer him from Juventus for an initial €15m (£12.86m), which could later be increased by €8m (£6.86m).

“Manchester United is a club that has always had a special place in my heart, and I have been overwhelmed by all the messages I have received since the announcement on Friday,” Ronaldo said.

“I cannot wait to play at Old Trafford in front of a full stadium and see all the fans again.”

He added that he was looking forward to joining the team after the upcoming international games and hopes they have a very successful season ahead.

Ronaldo’s contract has the option of a third year if international clearance is granted.

Juventus said the initial fee will be paid over five years and might be increased “upon achievement of specific performance objectives” during the contract.

United had announced plans last Friday to bring the Portuguese striker back to the club, subject to the agreement of personal terms, a medical exam and a visa.

In a post on Instagram Ronaldo pledged to make history at the team, adding: “It’s like a dream come true, after all the times that I went back to play against Man. United, and even as an opponent, to have always felt such love and respect from the supporters in the stands.”

A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano)

He spoke of his “never-ending love” for the Red Devils and said he is back where he belongs.

Ronaldo dedicated his return to the club’s former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, telling him “this one is for you”.

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hailed Ronaldo as a “marvellous player” and a “very special person”.

“You run out of words to describe Cristiano,” he said.

He added: “I have no doubt that he will continue to impress us all and his experience will be so vital for the younger players in the squad.

A post shared by Manchester United (@manchesterunited)

“Ronaldo’s return demonstrates the unique appeal of this club and I am absolutely delighted he is coming home to where it all started.”

The forward first signed for Manchester United in 2003 from Sporting Lisbon, in Portugal, at the age of 18.

He left the club for Real Madrid in 2009, after scoring 118 goals in 292 appearances and winning three league titles and a Champions League.

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Ronaldo then spent nine years with Real, during which he became the LaLiga outfit’s all-time top scorer.

He tasted Champions League glory another four times before moving to Juventus in 2018.

The footballer was joint top scorer at this summer’s Euros with five goals, having scored a total of 109 times in 179 appearances for Portugal.

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