Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted that Real were "the closest club to my heart" - but admitted it was a wrench to leave England.

"Thank you to all (United) supporters, the boss (Sir Alex Ferguson), friends and team-mates - I've been there six years and have friends there. But people respect my decision," he said.

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"The great challenge now, and dream, is to play at Real Madrid but I'm going to miss many things in Manchester."

The forward claimed he left Old Trafford, and Ferguson, on friendly terms.

"It was good," he said of his departure. "My relationship with him was always good and will stay that way forever.

"I went to Manchester, spoke to them and everything was fine. Life goes on."

Ronaldo also reiterated his belief that he was worth the vast sum paid for his services.

"I have always thought that the best clubs, to have the best players, have to pay - so Real Madrid did a good thing. It was a correct decision.

"I understand...it is not your everyday thing to manage these figures, but I'm happy to be the most expensive player in the history of football and I'm going to prove that they paid good money for me and it was worth it."

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