1985: Born February 5 in Funchal on the Portuguese island of Madeira.

2002: Makes his debut for Sporting Lisbon in the Portuguese Super Liga at the age of 17 after winning international caps for Portugal's youth sides.

2003: August 6 - Scores in pre-season friendly against Manchester United.

August 8 - Completes a £12.24million transfer to United, taking the number seven shirt following the sale of then England captain David Beckham to Real Madrid.

Expert View

United's problem is that they will have to replace Ronaldo with not one but two new players: a brilliant winger and a prolific goalscorer

Oliver Kay

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80m reasons why Ronaldo sale made sense

Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill both knew that when Real came in with £80m bid it was simply an offer they could not refuse

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Who will end up filling Ronaldo's shirt?

Karim Benzema, Antonio Valencia, Franck Ribery and David Silva are rumoured to be Sir Alex Ferguson's shopping list

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August 16 - Makes his debut as a second-half substitute in opening-day 4-0 win over Bolton at Old Trafford.

August 20 - Plays for Portugal's full national side in 1-0 win over Kazakhstan.

November 1 - Scores his first goal for United in the 3-0 victory over Portsmouth at Old Trafford.

2004: May 22 - Dazzles in United's 3-0 FA Cup final victory over Millwall.

June 24 - Scores in the shoot-out as Portugal knock England out of the European Championships 6-5 on penalties.

July 4 - Plays in Euro 2004 final, which Portugal lose 1-0 to Greece.

2005: October 19 - Arrested and questioned by police after an allegation of rape at a London hotel is made against him. Ronaldo asserts his innocence. No charges are brought.

November 18 - Agrees two-year extension to his United contract, keeping him at the club until 2010.