The outskirts of Old Trafford have become a kind of makeshift museum to Cristiano Ronaldo. The return of the Portuguese has unleashed the 'Christian mania' in Manchester. Dozens of photos of the star decorate the houses and shops that are attached to the stadium. “Welcome back” is repeated in many of the snapshots. Even a giant graffiti, next to one of the corners, reveals that one is in Christian territory.
Manchester has also used the Portuguese as a claim. The exterior canvases of Old Trafford feature him, ahead even of other media signings, such as Varane or Sancho. And the response from United fans to the Portuguese's return has been historic. Even the official store has overflowed, as evidenced by the upturn in T-shirt sales. And that the price of the elastic, with Ronaldo and the '7' on the back, costs 118 pounds (136 euros).
“We have neither the second nor the third kit left. Everything has been sold out. We only have the first shirt left. It's being crazy. The queues, in the first days, went around half a stadium. Without a doubt, he is the player who sells the most “, one of the managers of the official Manchester store tells AS. According to the United employee, there are many followers who reveal that the orders they place online, with Cristiano's name and number, will not arrive until February as there is no stock. Today the few remaining shirts in the store are expected to fly because Cristiano, 4536 days later, returns to play in the Champions League at 'his' Old Trafford. Today is a big day in Manchester.
The facade of Old Trafford, with Cristiano as the protagonist.
DAVID GONZÁLEZ
It has rained a lot since the star said goodbye to United in his favorite competition and at the Theater of Dreams. His last game was against Arsenal, in the semi-finals, on April 29, 2009. Right at the end of the season and after losing to Barcelona in the final, Cristiano packed his bags to head to the Bernabéu. Old Trafford mourned their loss. Those tears of longing took time to dry But now the cry is of joy, of hope because they want to reign in Europe again.
A fan, with the Cristiano Ronaldo shirt in the official store.
DAVID GONZÁLEZ
Curiously, Old Trafford already knows what it is to receive Cristiano with honors against Villarreal. In the 2008-09 season, the record cannibal, reappeared with Manchester against the Submarine after three months out of combat and after one of the most important injuries that CR7 has had in his career due to an ankle problem. That night, with Villarreal as witness, Old Trafford rose to cheer their idol in the 62nd minute. Cristiano could not score on his return, nor did Manchester beat a Villarreal who achieved a creditable draw. The circle closes tonight, with the return of one of the kings of Europe to the Theater of Dreams and the presence of Villarreal as a guest.