But he made the move to Italy in the summer as Ronaldo aims to help Juventus win their first Champions League since 1996.
And now the 33-year-old has revealed how he felt stepping foot back on the pitch at Old Trafford.
"Manchester? It was a great comeback, the Manchester United fans have always welcomed me like when I played at Old Trafford,” Ronaldo told Portuguese outlet Record.
"Even the Santiago Bernabeu was my home for many years and will always be a very special stadium for me.
Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United with Juventus this season (Image: GETTY)
Cristiano Ronaldo won the Champions League with Manchester United in 2008 (Image: GETTY)
"I will always have a great affection for that club and those fans with great pleasure and I expect to be well received."
Ronaldo is on the hunt for his sixth Champions League title having also won one with Manchester United.
But he insists his focus is just on the last-16 tie with Atletico Madrid.
He added: "Champions League final against Real Madrid? For now, I imagine a Juventus qualification to the quarter-finals.
"We must think step by step. Experience has taught me that everything is possible in the Champions League.
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