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Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to rule out a return to Manchester United.

The 29-year-old, who left Old Trafford in 2009, was linked with a move back last summer before signing a new long-term deal at Real Madrid.

He's under contract at the Bernabeu until 2018, by which time he'll be 33.

But asked ahead of Real's clash with United in Michigan whether he could ever see himself returning to the club he joined from Sporting Lisbon in 2003, the Portuguese forward claimed anything is possible.

Ronaldo said: “Of course, it was one of my favourite clubs, Manchester, everyone knows that every time when I speak about Real Madrid I should speak about Manchester United, I love it there.

“I was 18-years-old, I win everything there. The people treat me like a god there so I appreciate it and in the future nobody knows.”

In 2012 Ronaldo claimed he was 'sad' at Real Madrid, prompting more talk of a return to United.

He has since put his differences with the club behind him and helped them to a record 10th European title last season.

But he insists he will never forget how well he was treated at Old Trafford after arriving as an 18-year-old.

And it's for that reason, he says, that he could never rule out the possibility of going back.

He added: “Some players I am still in contact with because when I was there I create a good relationship with everybody, not just the players, all the staff around and it was like my second family there too so I’ll not forget that the people treat me good.

“I’ll not forget, so I appreciate a lot.

“I love Manchester, to be back, I never know, you never know, football you never know.

“I appreciate this club, for me it’s one of the best clubs in the world and I have passion for this club.

“Of course I’m happy at Real Madrid, it’s my home, it’s my club but Manchester treat me unbelievable so we never know.”

Ronaldo had to watch from afar as United slipped to seventh in the Premier League under David Moyes last season.

But he's backed his old club to bounce back under new boss Louis van Gaal.

He said: “It will be a better season for sure, my feeling is he is a fantastic coach, he showed it for Holland. The team play unbelievable, good football and I hope that Manchester come back like the people know.

“Manchester are so strong, play nice football, with a lot of goals and I’m looking forward, I see Manchester this year much more than the other years.

“I was with Sir Alex when we won the Champions League.

“He came to see me and to speak with me, and Manchester United need him because he’s been there for 20 years at the club and he wins everything, he was a Sir there in England.

“But I think Van Gaal is going to do a fantastic job, he’s experienced manager and I think he’s going to do well for Manchester.”

At his pre-match press conference, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti ruled Ronaldo out of the game with United at the 109,000-capacity Michigan Stadium.

But Ronaldo – who trained away from the main group on Friday – insists he wants to play against his old team-mates.

He added: “We have discussed to put me on, but let’s see. I want to play a little bit because it’s my ex-club so I want to play so let’s see.”