Cristiano Ronaldo has given an interview to ‘Champions’, the official UEFA Champions League magazine. In this month’s edition, the focus is on the upcoming clash between Cristiano’s current club, Real Madrid, and his former one, Manchester United.

“I believe things will go well. In my opinion Real Madrid have a better team, but we have to show that on the pitch, because United are a very united team and always have been in recent years”, Cristiano said.

The Portuguese star always praises the club that made him who he is now, before his move to Real Madrid for a world record fee of €96 million.

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated his birthday yesterday, but a win against Manchester United in the Champion’s League would be the icing on the cake.

“I’ve wanted to face them for some time. I have great memories from my time there. I actually said beforehand that I believed we would draw Manchester United”, CR7 stated.

Ronaldo also praised Sir Alex Ferguson, his former coach. “He taught me the basis of football. I arrived in Manchester when I was only 18. He managed my career in the best way possible and for me he is one of the most important people in football. I still have an excellent relationship with him and it will be nice to see him again”.

Manchester United’s Champions League last-16 first-leg encounter with Real Madrid will take place next week, Wednesday 13th February at Santiago Bernabeu .