Picture Credit: Twitter
Premier League giants Manchester United have confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will wear the iconic No. 7 shirt after he rejoined the club from Juventus. The 36-year-old takes the number from Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani - who moves to number 21. Notably, Ronaldo wore the No. 7 shirt in his first stint at Old Trafford.
Initially, there had been fears that Ronaldo would not be able to take up the No. 7 shirt as Premier League rules prevent a mid-season swap except in some circumstances. Manchester United asked the Premier League for special dispensation to allow Ronaldo to wear the number 7 at the club and were successful in their request.
I would like to say a huge thank you to Cavani: Ronaldo
Ronaldo will begin training with the Red Devils when he completes five days isolation period. On Thursday, he was released early from international duty by Portugal because of suspension.
"I wasn't sure if it would be possible to have the number seven shirt again, so I would like to say a huge thank you to Edi [Cavani] for this incredible gesture," Ronaldo said.
"The Portuguese superstar famously wore the legendary shirt number during his first spell at United and we can now confirm that Ronaldo will have it on his back once again," United said on their website.
Ronaldo became the all-time leading men's international goalscorer on Tuesday. Ronaldo scored two late headers against the Republic of Ireland to take his tally to 111 for Portugal. He surpassed the record previously held by Ali Daei, who scored 109 goals for Iran between 1993 and 2006.
Ronaldo could be available to Solskjaer for United's home game against Newcastle United on 11 September, which is the club's first match following the international break. The Portuguese striker scored 118 goals for United in the 2007-08 season and won the Premier League Golden Boot. He also he helped the Red Devils win their last Champions League title in the same year.