Cristiano Ronaldo Takes Squad Number 9 At Real Madrid

World record signing Cristiano Ronaldo has selected the number 9 jersey as he paraded in front of journalists for the first time as a Real Madrid player.

The Portuguese winger finally got his hands on the coveted white jersey, as his €96m move from Manchester United was sealed in front of 80,000 jubilant fans who packed the Santiago Bernabeu to the rafters this evening.

The atmosphere inside the stadium was electric as the former CR7 was revealed as 'RONALDO 9' for the 2009/10 campaign, replacing Javier Saviola who occupied the role last season.

The choice of 'Ronaldo' as his shirt name is somewhat surprising. It was widely expected that 'C. Ronaldo' would be used, given that Brazilian striker Ronaldo was a hugely popular purchase and shirt sale upon his arrival in 2002.

The 24-year old has added his name to former Los Merengues legends such as Hugo Sanchez, Ronaldo, and of course the greatest of them all, Alfredo di Stefano in wearing the number nine jersey with pride, and in doing so joins an elite legacy of footballers.

At Manchester United, Ronaldo had initially selected the number 28, but after persuasion from Sir Alex Ferguson he was given the No. 7 and in doing so he joined the elite list of Red Devils such as Eric Cantona, George Best and David Beckham who all donned the jersey.

Paul Macdonald, Goal.com

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