Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes has recalled the joy of Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Old Trafford as he celebrates equalling his return of six Premier League Player of the Month awards.
The 31-year-old midfielder matched his illustrious compatriot on Friday when he picked up the award for March, during which he scored two goals and claimed four assists as United cemented themselves in third place in the table.
Fellow Portugal international Ronaldo won his sixth monthly award in April 2022 during his second spell with the club, who he had rejoined from Juventus during the summer of the previous year.
Asked about players he looked up to in a round-table interview on the club's official website, Fernandes said: "Cristiano is an easy one for me.
Bruno Fernandes welcomed his international teammate Cristiano Ronaldo back to Old Trafford in 2021. Clive Brunskill/Getty Images "He is Portuguese and everyone from 2000 -- I was born in 1994 -- from that age upwards, everyone was looking at him and seeing him.
"He won the Ballon d'Or with the club, which was something very special. All the fans here, when he came back, will never forget that day, when he comes back against Newcastle.
"It was an unforgettable day. He comes back, scores two goals and looks like he never left and everything. The atmosphere in the stadium was crazy that day, probably the best one I have experienced.
"Just the fact of Cristiano coming back, not the rest, but what was created around that, him getting into the pitch, the way he was presented, everything gives goosebumps still to me."
Ronaldo made his second United debut on September 11, 2021, scoring his side's first two goals in a 4-1 Premier League home victory over the Magpies.
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