The Da Silva twins are delighted seeing Cristiano Ronaldo back with Manchester United.

The twins shared a dressing room with Ronaldo for just 18 months but it was long enough.

"He did extraordinary things and we gained our own confidence from that," Rafael, a free agent, said.

For Nantes defender Fabio, the affection runs even deeper.

"He is my hero, the best," he told the Daily Mail. "He helped me a lot, saying: 'Don't worry, just play. Calm, cool. I will be here for you'.

"That meant so much and, of course, his talent is something I've never seen in my life.

"I love him because he set a very big example for young boys like us. That is what he will do for the players this second time.

"The things I took from Cristiano are for life. The players about to play with him now at United should be thankful every day."