Cristiano Ronaldo back where he’s loved most

Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo returns to his old city tonight, for the Champions League semi-final first leg at Manchester City, with a feeling he is coming towards another crucial moment in his career.

Ronaldo missed Madrid’s 3-2 La Liga win at Rayo Vallecano on Saturday with a hamstring problem, but is expected to be named in the XI and receive a fiery reception at Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester United’s bitter rivals City.

Between 2003 and 2009 a more callow Ronaldo won three Premier League titles and one Champions League with Manchester United, while also receiving his first Ballon D’Or trophy. His personal record with United against a then middling City team was mixed however — 11 ‘derbies’ brought him just four goals, but two red cards.