By this time, Manchester United faithful are well aware of Cristiano Ronaldo’s  move to sunnier climes.  Some of you may  feel betrayed and perhaps, even abandoned.  Cristiano Ronaldo was under contract with the United until 2012, after all.

For those of you who aren’t  familiar with Cristiano Ronaldo and his boyhood dream, let me quickly tell you.  Cristiano Ronaldo’s boyhood dream was to play for Real Madrid. Most young Portuguese football players have that same dream, but very few can ever achieve that dream.   Portugal and Spain are neighbors, and the culture is very close in nature as well as the climates between the two countries. It is really a no brainer that most young Portuguese football player’s dream is to play for the team occupying the Bernabeu. Cristiano Ronaldo is no different. But Why now, you may ask. Why not in 2012, after his contract runs out? You may be justified in you mode of thought based on emotion, but when we look at the situation from the athlete’s point of view, the picture does change.  We should not forget the reality of pro sports and the countless things that can happen in three years time. From injury to a player, to the want of an organization of that specific player. Who’s to say that Cristiano Ronaldo won’t have a serious injury that puts him out of the sport, or who knows if Real Madrid would still be interested in signing Cristiano Ronaldo in 2012. There are no guarantees in this sort of thing, and to pretend that there are, is juvenile and naive to put it mildly.

I have a simple opinion on why Cristiano Ronaldo raised the Real Madrid move at the time he did. If you recall back to the end of Manchester United’s 2008 season, you will most likely find your answer, and it isn’t devious, disloyal or anything else of the sort. Towards the end of United’s 2008 season, Cristiano Ronaldo was dating a Spanish girl by the name of Nareida Gallardo. The relationship between Cristiano Ronaldo and the Spaniard carried on for longer than any other relationship that Cristiano Ronaldo had to that moment.  Also, Cristiano Ronaldo had one trophy left to win at Manchester United.   When the Reds took home the Champions League Trophy in 2008, it meant that Cristiano Ronaldo had nothing else to accomplish there.

Cristiano Ronaldo needs goals to attain in order for him to be at his best. If he had nothing else to strive for, it is only reasonable that his level of play would drop, and given his personality, it is the last thing that Cristiano Ronaldo wanted to happen. After all, football has always been his life. When you couple the fact that there was nothing left for Cristiano Ronaldo to strive for at Old Trafford, with his Spanish girlfriend, one can begin to see the picture more clearly. Oh, and don’t forget that playing for Real Madrid has always been his dream.

In conclusion, It is very easy to stand back and judge everything about everyone else. Don’t forget that the world of sports has a short time span for most athletes. If an athlete does not seize the opportunity when it is presented to them, they may never get the chance again. Cristiano didn’t wait to find that out, and I for one, don’t blame him.

Anyone who knows anything about the young football sensation, knows that he is a highly motivated player and not at all shy to speak his mind.  This candidness has often spurred nasty comments from media, especially in England.  Comments of Cristiano being cocky and arrogant.  Comments of Cristiano being “in it for the money”, and so forth.

When Manchester United won the Champions league last year, the young Portuguese footballer had nothing left to strive for with the club who put him in the forefront of football.  Cristiano Ronaldo needed  a new challenge and Real Madrid will undoubtedly deliver.

Most United fans were aware that Cristiano Ronaldo would not continue at the club for much longer, but didn’t think that he’d leave so soon, especially after Cristiano signed his five year extension with Manchester United, which would keep him playing for the club until 2012.  2012 was not to be however, and  United fans all over the world became aware of this reality when Manchester United announced that they had accepted an offer from Real Madrid to the tune of £80million.

The record breaking transfer has put a new fire under Cristiano Ronaldo’s feet and new goals to achieve.  These goals are lofty, but that is what makes Cristiano Ronaldo the footballer he is.  He does not put limitations on his ability on the football turf and continues to work at becoming better at the wonderful game of football.

Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken to Spanish media for the first time since the transfer was announced, and during this interview has expressed his want to become the best Real Madrid player in history.

“My goal is to become one the best players in the club’s history… or the best,” he told Marca without hesitation during his first interview with the Spanish media.

“When I completed the transfer, I felt relieved. Now I can say that I have fulfilled my dream,” he added.

“Monday will be the greatest moment of my life.”

Real Madrid will officially welcome Cristiano Ronaldo on Monday July 6, in what is expected to be a ceremony that tops all football ceremonies.

We don’t know yet what number Cristiano Ronaldo will take, but it is expected that he will take the number 9 jersey.

In conclusion, We wish Cristiano Ronaldo all the best at his new club, and hope that he indeed achieves the goals that he has set out for himself.