Cristiano Ronaldo returning to Manchester United - stop us if you've heard this one before. 

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner once again finds himself linked with a sensational return to Old Trafford following shock reports from Christian Martin that he is "tempted" by the move. 

It all began with Sport claiming Juventus want to get the Portuguese - on whom they spent around £100 million two years ago - off the books. 

However, the rumours really began years ago.

Since Ronaldo left the Theatre of Dreams for Real Madrid in 2009, there have been a number of occasions when one of his off-the-cuff remarks about his former employers has been leapt upon. 

We're a long way off a deal actually materialising, but even the thought of it is enough to excite United fans. And the 35-year-old has teased a return several times. 

2013

“I miss English football," Ronaldo said back in 2013, per the Express.

"For me, it was one of the best spells in my career when I was there at Manchester United. Everyone knows that it is a club that is still in my heart and I really miss it."

2014

A year on, the forward added:

“Some players I am still in contact with because when I was there I created a good relationship with everybody, not just the players, all the staff around.

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“And it was like my second family there too, so I’ll not forget that the people treat me well. I’ll not forget.

“I love Manchester, to be back, I never know, you never know.

“Of course I’m happy at Real Madrid, it’s my home, it’s my club but Manchester treat me unbelievable so we never know.”

2014 

Before Real played United in a pre-season tour, he reminisced:

"Of course, it was one of my favourite clubs, Manchester, everyone knows that every time when I speak about Real Madrid I should speak about Manchester United, I love it there.

“I was 18-years-old, I win everything there. The people treat me like a god there so I appreciate it and in the future nobody knows.”

2014

In a separate interview, which has been quoted by The Sun, he also said: 

“I love Manchester. Everyone knows that. Manchester is in my heart.

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“The supporters are amazing and I wish I can come back one day.”

2017

Ronaldo's flirtation with his old club has sometimes been unsolicited, but there was no mistaking the reason for it in 2017. 

Upon being booed by Real fans, he compared the way he was treated at the Bernabeu to his relationship with Manchester United fans. On the subject of a return, he told La Sexta (per the Daily Mail):

“Nothing is impossible. I don’t like it [booing] and it’s not normal that they whistle you in your own stadium. I just don’t like it. 

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"It’s not correct. And when you are on a difficult run that is when you need extra support from outside not less. Sometimes we don’t have it.

"I spent a lot of years at Manchester United and it never happened to me. Not even once. Maybe England is a case apart – the mentality is different."

Oh Cristiano, you big tease. 

So far, the Bianconeri front man has managed to stay tight-lipped this time around.

That could well change if a deal gathers momentum between now and the end of the season.