Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that Manchester United will always have a place in his heart.
The Portuguese international won numerous trophies during his six-year stint at Old Trafford.
However, having joined Spanish champions Real Madrid for a world record fee of £80m in 2009, the 27-year-old has revealed that he still has strong feelings towards his former employers.
"I've got a lot of affection for my friends there [in Manchester]," he said. "It's a team that has played a large part in my career. People there know me well and the people I know there have a place in my heart."
Ronaldo will come up against United for the first time since he left Old Trafford in two Champions League ties in February and March.
Despite revealing his "affection" for the Red Devils, Ronaldo has insisted that he will be doing all he can to help Madrid progress through to the quarter-finals.
"Now I play for Real Madrid. There will be some sadness [when Madrid take on United], but I want to win, score and do my best," he added.
Ronaldo found the net 118 times for United.
Liam Apicella
