Cristiano Ronaldo Expresses Gratitude To Edison Cavani For Giving Him The No.7 Shirt For Man United.

Manchester United confirms that Edinson Cavani has willingly gave up the iconic no.7 Jersey to Cristiano Ronaldo following his return to Old Trafford.

Cavani had wore the no.7 shirt last season and also wore it in United 1-0 away win against Wolves last weekend.

The Premier League granted United the permission for the change of numbers, and with the departure of Daniel James to Leeds United on transfer deadline day, Cavani would now take up the vacant no.21 left by James.

The no.21, is also the same number the prolific striker (El Matador) wears for the Uruguayan national team.

Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his gratitude to Cavani;

"I wasn't sure if it would be possible to have the number seven shirt again. So I would like to say a huge thank you to Edi (Cavani) for this incredible gesture."

The no.7 shirt for Man United has previously been worn by icons like George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona and David Beckham. Now, it returns to the man who succeeded Beckham in it, Ronaldo. 

The Portuguese star famously wore the legendary shirt number during his first spell with the Red Devils.

In his first six seasons between 2003 and 2009, Ronaldo made 292 appearances and scored 118 goals, winning nine trophies including three Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo who recently represented his contry in the World Cup Qualifiers, has been released earlier today from the Portugal squad after picking up a suspension.

The 36-year-old captain, scored a world record 110th and 111th international goal as he fired Portugal to a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Republic of Ireland at the Estadio Algarve on Wednesday.

He went on to remove his shirt in celebration after scoring the winner and was given yellow card being the second in this stage of qualification, He is now suspended for Tuesday night's trip to Azerbaijan.

Ronaldo's release by the Portuguese Football Federation means he will also miss Saturday's friendly against World Cup hosts Qatar in Hungary.

United’s first fixture after the international break, in which Ronaldo could make his second debut at the Theatre of Dreams, is at home to Newcastle United on Saturday 11 September.