Florentino Perez: 'Cristiano will come back to Real one day'

The footballing world was shocked when Florentino Perez consented to Cristiano Ronaldo leaving Real Madrid after nine incredibly sucessful seasons.

The long-serving president of 'Los Blancos' claims that the move was made for financial reasons, with the £100 million earned from the transfer being able to be re-invested in the squad.

Despite rumours that the relationship between Perez and 'CR7' had become strained in the lead-up to the player's departure, the president spoke glowingly of what he had brought to the club.

"Cristiano has remained in the heart of all Madridistas" Florentio Perez told 'El Chiringuito'.

"If I saw him today I'd give him a big hug, he's the worthy heir to Alfredo Di Stefano. One day he'll return to Real Madrid."