Karim Benzema Cristiano Ronaldo Real Madrid
Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with teammate Karim Benzema after scoring against Villarreal in their La Liga gameReuters

Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo admitted to being flattered after seeing the "Come Home Ronaldo" banner which flew over the El Madrigal during Real Madrid's La Liga game against Villarreal last weekend.

A Manchester United fans' group paid money from their own pockets to organise a plane to be flown over Villarreal's stadium with the message "Come Home Ronaldo" as Real Madrid and, more importantly, Ronaldo played their La Liga game.

Asked if he had seen the message fly over a few times during the game, Ronaldo answered in the affirmative.

"How could I not see that plane? It flew past 10 times," he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

However, Ronaldo stopped short of admitting he wants a return to Manchester United soon, even if he reiterated his love for the English Premier League club and their fans.

"I always said that I have a family at Manchester, but I'm good in Madrid," added Ronaldo.

"I'm glad of the affection that United fans have for me, it means that I have left good memories."

Speculation has been rife over a possible return for Ronaldo to Manchester United next summer, with recent reports suggesting Real Madrid were open to a sale.

It is understood any deal will cost Manchester United around £140 million. Money, though, is not thought to be a problem at Old Trafford, especially with the record-breaking endorsement deals that United have inked of late.

The only question remains if Ronaldo will be willing to make a spectacular return next summer, especially since he is so close to breaking Real Madrid's all-time goalscoring record, which, by the looks of it, he will need at least another season to top.

Meanwhile, a player who did make his move from Real Madrid to Manchester United over the summer – Angel Di Maria -- has already scooped up his first club award, after being named United's player of the month for September.

"I am very happy to have received the award but I've got to stress that it's all about the team," Di Maria told Manchester United's official website. "I'm happy that my career here at Manchester United has started very well, and I hope that what I'm doing out there on the field is helping us to pick up points and victories."

Di Maria has already scored two goals this season, while setting up quite a few more, and the midfielder admitted the highlight of his Manchester United career so far were the two goals, with the second of those being a jaw-dropping chip into the back of the net.

"They were decent goals and I was pleased with them, and I think it's probably goals that help you win awards like this," added the Argentine. "Above all, though, I'd like to say that I have been working hard to help the team pick up good results -- that hard work is important, and I think it has helped me win this award."


Reaction of Cristiano Ronaldo seeing Come Home... by zahidhabib