Cristiano Ronaldo and his family will have 24-hour security at their home following his sensational homecoming transfer to Manchester United.
The 36-year-old returned to Manchester last week following his deadline day switch but was warned his home would be "magnet" for criminal gangs, thanks to his superstar status.
Ronaldo has taken steps to protect his family and enlisted the services of a crack-team of locally-based bodyguards tasked with around-the-clock protection of United's No.7 and his family.
The forward could make his second debut at Old Trafford on Saturday in his new team's Premier League match against Newcastle, 12 years after leaving to join Real Madrid for a world record fee.
A source told the Daily Star : "Cristiano has been warned that since he left Manchester in 2009, the region has become an absolute magnet for criminal gangs. Now he will be seen as their number one target.
"These ruthless gangs are becoming more and more violent. They ransack homes and terrorise players’ families. They target properties when they know players won’t be there and often watch a house for weeks before breaking in.
"Cristiano has no intention of taking any risks so a team is already in place to make sure that as soon as he and his family arrive in Manchester they will be protected."
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is not believed to own a property in the north west, having stayed in the region during his first six-year spell at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo sold a £3.25million mansion in Cheshire’s Alderley Edge two years ago.
He and his loved ones are said to be staying in a rental property arranged by the club after the Portugal captain returned to England in an initial £12.86m move from Italian giants Juventus.
The Red Devils legend is still expected to purchase a new house located within the 'Golden Triangle' area of Wilmslow, Alderley Edge and Prestbury.
The area is home to multi-millionaires including footballing stars from United, Liverpool and Manchester City.
A second source followed with: "From the moment he touched back down in Manchester he has had a team of bodyguards alongside him. They are made up of former soldiers, policemen and close protection officers.
"They all drive bulletproof vehicles and are trained in dealing with the most and violent dangerous offenders. Whenever Cristiano goes out they will be close by making sure he is safe.
"And when Cristiano and his family move into their own place it will be monitored 24/7 by security guards at the gates."
"His home will also have dozens of cameras, all linked back to a nerve centre that is monitored around the clock. Those watching from a secret eye in the sky will be on hand able to react and race to Cristiano’s property far quicker than the police.
They added: "His family will also have access to a panic room if burglars target them. It will cost a fortune, but as far as Cristiano is concerned, it’s a price worth paying if his family is kept safe."
Former Real Madrid teammate and Red Devils flop Angel Di Maria and his family were subject to a burglary in 2015.
