Sir Alex Ferguson has provided insight into the hard work that led to Cristiano Ronaldo blossoming at Manchester United and becoming one of the greatest players of all time.
After arriving from Sporting CP as a young winger in 2003, Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United as the best player in the world six years later.
Ronaldo had been a marvellous player for United, winning three Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2008.
A transfer to Real Madrid led to 12 seasons away from Old Trafford, but he returned in August 2021 to stun the football world.
Although Ronaldo was the top scorer with 24 goals in his first season back, the experienced Portuguese star left the club under a grey cloud after falling out with Erik ten Hag and members of the board.
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Cristiano Ronaldo 2021/22 graphic
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Still, there is no denying that Ronaldo was one of the greatest players to play for United, especially during his first spell at the club under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Sir Alex Ferguson speaking to Cristiano Ronaldo at Carrington
Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images
Sir Alex Ferguson hails Cristiano Ronaldo’s work ethic
United decided to pursue Ronaldo as a teenager following a pre-season friendly in 2003.
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Ronaldo gave John O’Shea a horrid time on the wing, and he had every United player talking in the dressing room at half-time.
It was that performance that convinced Ferguson to sign Ronaldo.
In an interview with Press Box PR, Ferguson explains that Ronaldo impressed him every day in training and that he knew from a young age that the Portuguese star had something special.
“It was fantastic,” Ferguson said about his relationship with Ronaldo.
“You get exceptional players in your lifetime. At 17 years of age, you knew there was something about him – not just his ability, but it was his desire to be the best. Every training session he played, he would practice after taking free kicks. He was phenomenal.”
Cristiano Ronaldo scored THIS goal at 40 years old!
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That explains how Ronaldo has remained a winner throughout his career, even if he is playing his football in Saudi Arabia nowadays.
Sir Alex Ferguson makes 2026 World Cup prediction
Now, at the age of 40, Ronaldo is looking forward to competing in his last World Cup next summer.
Bruno Fernandes recently defended Ronaldo’s role in the Portugal team, amid claims they perform better without the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
When asked if he thinks Portugal will go all the way at the World Cup, Ferguson acknowledged that they have good players but revealed that he always thinks of Brazil becoming world champions.
Ferguson also provided insight into Brazilian duo Fabio Da Silva and Rafael Da Silva, crediting the twins for their toughness and work ethic.
“Portugal have got good players,” Ferguson added. “I always think of Brazil at the World Cup.
“The Brazilian players—I had the two young lads, twins, Rafael and Fabio. They were first rate in training every day, never wore [tracksuit] bottoms. They have a toughness about them, Brazilians. You see them on the beach for hours and hours every night playing.
“I think whoever beats Brazil will win the World Cup.”
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