Cristiano Ronaldo to wear iconic No 7 shirt again at Manchester United

 Ronaldo recovers the number from Edinson Cavani who takes the No 21 shirt left by Daniel James; Ronaldo said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to Edi (Cavani) for this incredible gesture.”

Cristiano Ronaldo will don the No 7 shirt again at Manchester United after the club was approved of dispensation by the Premier League to assign him the number.

However, with the exit of Daniel James to Leeds on Deadline Day, United has been permitted by the Premier League for Cavani to take James’ vacant No 21 shirt, with Ronaldo reclaiming the No 7 shirt from Cavani.

Ronaldo said: “I wasn’t sure if it would be possible to have the number seven shirt again. So I would like to say a huge thank you to Edi (Cavani) for this incredible gesture.”

United’s statement came hours after Ronaldo was released early from the Portugal squad after picking up a suspension.

The 36-year-old scored a world record 110th international goal as he fired Portugal to a dramatic victory over the Republic of Ireland in Wednesday’s World Cup Qualifier.

Ronaldo re-signed for United on Deadline Day from Juventus on a two-year contract, with the option to extend for another year.

United’s announcement came hours after Ronaldo was released early from the Portugal squad after picking up a suspension.

The 36-year-old scored a world record 110th international goal as he fired Portugal to a dramatic victory over the Republic of Ireland in Wednesday’s World Cup Qualifier.

 Cristiano Ronaldo’s historic goals as his 110th & 111th international strikes sunk the Republic of Ireland, deep into stoppage time.

Ronaldo’s record goal canceled out John Egan’s opener with just a minute remaining at the Estadio Algarve, and he then completed the job with his 111th in stoppage time to seal a 2-1 win.

But after removing his shirt in celebration he was cautioned by Slovenian referee Matej Jug and, having been booked earlier in the campaign, is suspended for Tuesday night’s trip to Azerbaijan.

A statement on the Portuguese Football Federation’s official website said: “Cristiano Ronaldo was excused from the stage of the national team this Thursday.

“The yellow card seen against Ireland, being the second in this stage of qualification, forces him to fulfill an official game of suspension, which will happen against Azerbaijan.”

Ronaldo’s release means he will also miss Saturday’s friendly against World Cup hosts Qatar in Hungary, although there is no indication as yet as to when he will join up with United.