Cristiano Ronaldo thanks Edinson Cavani for giving up No.7

Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo has thanked Edinson Cavani for giving up the number seven jersey on his return to the club.

Cavani was given the famous number seven jersey after joining the club from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer last season.

The Uruguayan brought some credibility back to the number after the Alexis Sanchez, Angel di Maria and Mephis Depay were unable to impress.

However, Cavani has now gone to the number 21 that he wears for Uruguay to allow Ronaldo to claim the number he wore during his first spell at Old Trafford and he could not be happier.

Read: Record-breaking CR7 rescues Portugal

"I wasn't sure if it would be possible to have the number seven shirt again," Ronaldo said, as per the club's official website.

"So I would like to say a huge thank you to Edi (Cavani) for this incredible gesture."

Ronaldo became United's fourth signing of the recent transfer window following the arrival of Tom Heaton, Jadon Sancho and his former Real Madrid teammate Raphael Varane.

The Portuguese forward is likely to make his second debut for the Red Devils against Newcastle United after the international break.

Here are the 10 best-paid footballers in 2021, including Ronaldo

10. Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich) - $483 000 per week

9. David de Gea (Manchester United) - $517 000 per week

8. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) - $531 000 per week

7. Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) - $531 000 per week

6. Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain) - $566 000 per week

5. Gareth Bale (Real Madrid) - $690 000 per week

4. Antoine Griezmann (Barcelona) - $793 000 per week

3. Luis Suarez (Atletico Madrid) - $793 000 per week

2. Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain) - $836 000 per week

1. Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain) - $1 325 000 per week