Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that the time he spent at Manchester United was amongst the most enjoyable periods of his life.
The Portuguese ran riot once again this weekend, scoring a hat-trick as Real flattened Sevilla 4-1.
Ronaldo travels to Manchester next week for the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie against the Red Devils.
"Yes Manchester was a very good cycle for me," Ronaldo admitted. "I won everything there. It was a fantastic part of my life there.
"And maybe it was the time I enjoyed my football the most because I was so young. To be at Manchester United, one of the biggest clubs in the world, at just 18. It was a dream.
"And to play alongside those players you had only seen before on television - maybe that's why I feel I enjoyed it there the most.
"I'm not saying I don't enjoy it here in Madrid - I do. But I'm older now, more mature. I'm not a dreamer any more like I was when I was young.
"I'm 28 now so I'm not at the beginning any more. I'm middle-aged."
Since his switch to Spain Ronaldo has justified his £80-million price tag, scoring more than a goal a game.
The Portugal international netted his 20th treble for the Spanish giants against Sevilla and admits that he thinks his all-round team contribution has improved since his move.
"The statistics have changed because I am more mature and I have learned some things.
"With that maturity you actually do more things for the team rather than for yourself. But I still try to score as many goals as I can although I also try to give a lot of assists.
"You also have to realise that the football here is different, the team is different. Many things here are different."
