Having helped United to the Champions League and Barclays League double with 42 goals, the 23-year-old Portugal wide man responded to his country's Euro 2008 exit at the hands of Germany last week by escaping with his girlfriend Nereida Gallardo to Sardinia.
At least there he was free from the glare of the public gaze and the paparazzi ... until they discovered where he was and snapped away to their hearts' content as he enjoyed some quality time with his fairer half before completing his move to Real Madrid on July 7 - if you believe all you read.
Have you heard the rumour? I'm leaving Manchester United for Real Madrid: Christiano Ronaldo keeps girlfriend Nereida Gallardo in the picture
...that sounds marvellous, darling, I love paella: Ronaldo's Spanish move gets the seal of approval
...so let's drink to taking Spanish steps: Ronaldo and Nereida toast the future
... but I mustn't rub it in with Sir Alex: Ronaldo applies the finishing touch to another slick move
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London gets ready for the Diamond Jubilee - in pictures
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EXCLUSIVE: I won't play with Joey Barton, says Adel Taarabt
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Diamond Jubilee: Boat by boat, here is where to watch the Queen's Thames flotilla - VIDEO
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Duchess of Cambridge is pretty in pink at her first Buckingham Palace garden party
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News pictures of the day
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Locked up and banned: The Tube drunk whose vile racist rant was caught on film (video)
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London 2012 Olympics: Raising the bar and the Games haven't even started yet. Price of toasting Team GB is £6 a pint! -
Timebomb ticking in Thames Estuary could put Boris Island plans in jeopardy -
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Regent’s Park rapist: Teenage jogger assaulted by stranger in terrifying 7am attack
Why I think doctors are right to strike 
Family pay tribute to the London man who gave his life to save a five-year-old girl from drowning 
Eton schoolboys fly Games flag on Everest 
Horror on the 5.53! Commuter dragged 200 feet after getting hand trapped on train 
Shrimpy's - review 
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