Former Real Madrid star Ronaldo was honored at the Bernabéu before Saturday's La Liga game against Sporting Gijón to farewell the club's fans following the Brazil legend's recent retirement.
Highlights of Ronaldo's career were projected on the screens at the stadium prior to his arrival on the pitch, where he was greeted by Iker Casillas and Sporting captain David Barral.
"It's been very moving. Many memories came straight back," Ronaldo said.
"I remembered details of many games I played with the Real Madrid shirt. I'm very moved. This is like returning home.
"It was tough to announce my retirement, but I couldn't carry on. I've suffered many injuries and, unfortunately, the time to leave arrived. I decided to put an end to a beautiful career.
"I am very proud of being a part of Real Madrid history because it is the greatest club in the world. It's the club for which I scored the most goals."
He added: "My favourite moment was winning the 2002/03 title and celebrating at Cibeles because winning a league title with Real Madrid is a dream come true.
"I didn't know what celebrations at Cibeles were like and it was rather spectacular. I became a true Madridista then and there."
Ronaldo joined Real from Inter Milan in 2002. He scored 104 goals for Los Galacticos and helped the capital club to two La Liga titles before being sold to AC Milan in January 2007.
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| Ex-Real Madrid striker Ronaldo holds up a trophy next to president Florentino Pérez Photo: Reuters |
Highlights of Ronaldo's career were projected on the screens at the stadium prior to his arrival on the pitch, where he was greeted by Iker Casillas and Sporting captain David Barral.
Visibly moved, the 34-year-old was presented by president Florentino Pérez and sporting director Jorge Valdano with a replica of the Machinbarrena and Aranguren statue, which was created in 1925 and now sits in front of the dressing room.
"It's been very moving. Many memories came straight back," Ronaldo said.
"I remembered details of many games I played with the Real Madrid shirt. I'm very moved. This is like returning home.
"It was tough to announce my retirement, but I couldn't carry on. I've suffered many injuries and, unfortunately, the time to leave arrived. I decided to put an end to a beautiful career.
"I am very proud of being a part of Real Madrid history because it is the greatest club in the world. It's the club for which I scored the most goals."
He added: "My favourite moment was winning the 2002/03 title and celebrating at Cibeles because winning a league title with Real Madrid is a dream come true.
"I didn't know what celebrations at Cibeles were like and it was rather spectacular. I became a true Madridista then and there."
Ronaldo joined Real from Inter Milan in 2002. He scored 104 goals for Los Galacticos and helped the capital club to two La Liga titles before being sold to AC Milan in January 2007.
Related links:
Team
Personal
Also see:
