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Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed suggestions that Cristiano Ronaldo was disloyal to Manchester United and has promised him a warm welcome when Real Madrid visit Old Trafford in the Champions League.
It will be Ronaldo's first game back since he left United for Real in a world record £80million deal in 2009.
The Portugal star made no secret of his desire to swap Manchester for Madrid but Ferguson believes that United fans should be grateful they were able to keep him for six years.
Praise: Sir Alex Ferguson has promised Cristiano Ronaldo a warm welcome when he returns to Old Trafford
'It wasn’t disloyalty because I got another year out of him when he wanted to go the previous year,' said the United boss. 'He honoured that and was fantastic for us. He went with our blessing.
'He always had a hankering to go to Madrid in his career and we helped him on that way.
'You’ve got to remember he came at 17 and really developed himself here as a great footballer. We’re proud of the part we played in his career. He’s improved as a footballer and his record at Real Madrid is incredible.
'My way of looking at it is that we were lucky to have him for six years and the United fans would share that.
Thanks for the memories: Ferguson praised Ronaldo for staying loyal to Manchester United
'The fans have always been that way with players who performed for us and are part of the history of the success of the club. They are recognised when they come back.
'One thing is for sure, he’ll get a great reception when he comes to Old Trafford and quite rightly so when he comes on the pitch - after that they can boo all they like!
'The only player in my time here who was booed simply because he went to Liverpool was Paul Ince but he was a terrific player for us too.'
Ferguson is relishing the opportunity to face Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho in what is the standout tie of the first knockout stage in February.
'I’ve not got a great record against Jose and I need to put that right,' he added. 'But the main focus will centre around Cristiano. It will be a fantastic tie and hopefully we can get them back here with a good chance and the place will be buzzing.
'We’ve not had a really good European game for quite a while having not qualified last year. This is a big opportunity for United to kick on and step forward in European football again.'
Ferguson was in jovial mood as looked ahead to the game at his weekly press conference this morning.
He began by saying: 'The contract with Real says that Cristiano can’t play against us, seriously! I think it will be a disgrace if he plays against us anyway. He has no loyalty to us!'
