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'Some days he was telling us 'I'm here six or seven years now, I think it's enough for me'': Nani reveals Cristiano Ronaldo would openly discuss leaving Manchester United before sealing world-record £80m Real Madrid move

Cristiano Ronaldo made it no secret of his desire to leave Manchester United in order to join Real Madrid in 2009, according to former team-mate and compatriot Nani.

Ronaldo, who joined United from Sporting Lisbon in 2003, would openly discuss engineering a move away from the club with his colleagues after enjoying six trophy-laden years at Old Trafford.

The Portuguese talisman would get his wish in 2009 when Real Madrid paid £80million for his services – a world-record fee at the time.

Cristiano Ronaldo (L) would openly discuss leaving Manchester United, according to Nani (R)
Portuguese talisman would be granted his wish in 2009 when Real Madrid paid u00a380m for him

While Ronaldo would often talk about leaving the Red Devils, Nani admits that the speed of his departure actually took the United dressing room by surprise.