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CR7: I Wanted To Return
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Oriental's new man CR7 said coming home to Portugal was a factor in his move
Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently joined Oriental Lisbon on a free transfer, stated to the media that coming home closer to his roots in Portugal was the deciding factor on whether to sign for Vitor Martins' side.
The 35-year old, who has spent the past 11 seasons at Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid, told
A Bola that being home in Lisbon and closer to his family, who remain dear to him, was essential in his decision.
Portugal's all time leading scorer, with 48 goals, said that he also wanted to raise his son, Cristiano Jr. in Portugal and make sure he got to experience life in his native country.
"Returning to Portugal was something on my mind," the star winger revealed.
"Oriental came calling, and after the deal was sorted out, I was sure I was ready."
The veteran also stated his ambitions to go into coaching, saying,
"I got to witness the very best coach in the world - Sir Alex [Ferguson] - he was like a father to me. He taught me so much and after I finish playing I'm ready to go on and make that the next step in my career."
Sales at Oriental's club shop have hit an all time high, with Cristiano's traditional number 7 selling thousands upon thousands of shirts. Club chairman André Silva was jovial with the financial impact Ronaldo had made.
"There's no doubt this is helping the club on a financial level.," the 52-year old commented.
"We put a lot of money into this deal, with clauses and fees, I'm glad to see some of it coming back."
