Reaching the Champions League semi-finals, especially their incredibly inspiring victory over AC Milan at the San Siro, propelled Manchester United's morale and confidence to new heights.The media began to view United as strong contenders for the Champions League title this season, and Cristiano Ronaldo, naturally, was the most dazzling figure in this red wave.
However, just as the team was focusing on the grueling schedule ahead, a breeze from the Iberian Peninsula quietly blew into Carrington.
Florentino Pérez, the president of Real Madrid, obsessed with collecting top superstars and creating the first "Galácticos" era, although not yet back in action, was already the talk of "finding a new flag bearer" within the club.And with a phenomenal season and third place on the Ballon d'Or, Cristiano Ronaldo's name was inevitably linked to the Bernabéu.
First, Spanish media outlets such as Marca and AS began to report extensively on Real Madrid's "interest" in Ronaldo.Then, some subtle "greetings" and "admiration" conveyed through third parties also began to reach Ronaldo's ears through Mendes.
"Cristiano, you know, Real Madrid… that's a different stage." Mendes' tone was tentative on the phone."It has the most glorious history, the most discerning fans, and it's one of the essential paths to becoming a 'legend'."
Cristiano Ronaldo stood silently by the floor-to-ceiling windows of his apartment, gazing at the Manchester nightscape.The Bernabéu?Real Madrid?That was the dream club of every professional player.Images of Zidane, Ronaldo, Raúl, Figo… those figures who wrote legends in their white jerseys flashed through his mind.
It would be a lie to say I wasn't tempted.
But he calmly told Mendes, "Jorge, I am a Manchester United player now.This season, we still have the league and the Champions League to compete for.Tell those people that I am only focused on Manchester right now."
He hung up the phone, his gaze still fixed on the view outside the window.The wind blowing from afar carried both allure and challenge.He knew that, given his trajectory, it was almost inevitable that he would one day set foot on the Bernabéu pitch.But not now.
Now, his roots are in Carrington, but his soul is in Old Trafford.He was reborn here, earned Ferguson's unwavering trust here, transformed from a genius into a superstar here, and fought alongside his teammates for glory here.This emotion and responsibility are far heavier and more real than the allure of distant places.
He forcefully suppressed these turbulent thoughts, as if putting away a precious whetstone.Now was not the time to think about the distant future.
On the second day of training, he was once again the first to arrive.Ferguson seemed to sense something and, during a break in training, casually walked up to him.
"There are many noises outside, son." The jazz looked at the training field, his tone calm."Remember, Manchester is where you can become the person you want to be."
Cristiano Ronaldo nodded emphatically: "I know, boss.This is my home."
Ferguson patted him on the back and said nothing more.Some things are better left unsaid.
Cristiano Ronaldo turned and plunged into training, his gaze resolute.The winds may continue to blow in the distance, but the path beneath his feet now leads only in one direction—to conquer all the challenges before him, together with his red-clad comrades, and to fulfill his promise to this city.
The dream of the Bernabéu can wait, but now, he wants to use more goals and trophies to make Manchester's red the most awe-inspiring color in the football world of this era.