Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo says he returned to his former club Manchester United because the club has a “special place in his heart.”

“Manchester United is a club that has always had a special place in my heart, and I have been overwhelmed by all the messages I have received since the announcement on Friday,” Ronaldo said in a statement published on Man United’s website on Tuesday.

Ronaldo returned to Man United after almost 12 years since leaving the club, during which he played for Spanish giants Real Madrid and Juventus of Italy.

“I cannot wait to play at Old Trafford in front of a full stadium and see all the fans again,” said Ronaldo. “I’m looking forward to joining up with the team after the international games, and I hope we have a very successful season ahead.”

The five-time Ballon D’or winner, during his first at Old Trafford, made 292 appearances, netting 118 goals.

Man United signed Ronaldo on a two-year contract “with the option to extend for a further year, subject to international clearance.”

Man U coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said, “You run out of words to describe Cristiano. He is not only a marvellous player but also a great human being. To have the desire and the ability to play at the top level for such a long period requires a very special person.”