Cristiano Ronaldo 'Openly Told His Man United Team-mates He Wanted To Join Real Madrid In 2009'

Cristiano Ronaldo had no problem letting his Manchester United team-mates know he wanted to leave the club in 2009. 

The Portugal star made the move to Old Trafford in 2003 and quickly rocketed to stardom following his debut against Bolton Wanderers. 

The forward went on to win three Premier League titles and the Champions League with the club, as well as becoming United's first Ballon d'Or winner since George Best in 1968. 

But five years on, Ronaldo had decided it was time to move on from Manchester and with Real Madrid circling, it was not long before he was pushing for a transfer. 

Sir Alex Ferguson soon became aware Ronaldo was trying to put the wheels in motion to leave Old Trafford but the former United boss refused to cave to his demands. 

In his autobiography, Ferguson explained how he persuaded Ronaldo to stay for one more season, as he recalled: 'Real Madrid paid £80m in cash for him [in 2009] and do you know why?