Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo always expected to one day face Manchester United in the Champions League.

The £80million Madrid striker confessed he cannot wait for the epic showdown to kick off in just 10 days' time.

Ronaldo, 27, told The Sun: "On the day of the draw I was out training and I had this strong feeling that we were going to get Manchester United.

"And when the draw was made I was very happy. It's a tough match of course - Madrid and United are the two biggest clubs in the world and it's a real 50-50. It could go either way.

"But for me it will be a pleasure, a real pleasure. Of course I know there will be a lot of attention on me but for me there is no pressure, no pressure at all.

"It is only a game, just a football match against my old club. I'm not going to war, I'm going home - and I am really looking forward to it."