London, Aug.9 : Manchester United stars welcomed Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo back to the club on Friday with a "Real Madrid" shirt.

According to The Sun, the pranksters had Ronaldo's name and number 7 etched on to the kit - and drew an X through it to signify he isn't heading to the Spanish side.

Ronaldo, 23, who has pledged his future to the Old Trafford side for this season at least - fell about laughing when presented with it at training.

He vowed to keep it with his other footie mementos.

Last night a club source said: "It was hilarious. The lads wanted Cristiano to know there was no tension after all the transfer talk.

"They sorted the shirt out earlier this week and couldn't wait to give it to him when he reported back for duty. Cristiano took it in very good spirit. The lads love playing pranks on each other - don't forget Rio Ferdinand even did his own TV show of wind-ups - and this was up there with the best," he added.

Ronaldo arrived at the Premier League champions' Carrington HQ in his 100,000-pound silver Bentley. He is waiting for his new 340,000-pounds Rolls Royce Phantom to be delivered.

An insider said of the shirt: "It was the perfect way to put an end to all the speculation about whether Ronnie was going or staying. He's a big hit in the dressing room and the lads are delighted to have him back."

ANI