80,000 fans welcome Ronaldo

CRISTIANO RONALDO fulfilled a “childhood dream” last night as he was unveiled as a Real Madrid player in front of an estimated crowd of 80,000 at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

The Portuguese forward, who has been handed the number nine jersey, was greeted by Alfredo di Stefano – considered the greatest player to have worn that particular shirt – Eusebio and Florentino Perez, the club president whose re-election prompted Ronaldo’s £80million (€94m) signing from Manchester United.

“I am just so happy to be here,” he said to a rapturous reception from the gathered thousands.