I owe it all to Ferguson, says Cristiano Ronaldo

Updated on: 09 July,2009 08:15 AM IST |
PA Sport |

Ronaldo says whatever he is today is because of the six years he spent under man united's Alex Ferguson

Ronaldo says whatever he is today is because of the six years he spent under man united's Alex Ferguson

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo yesterday paid tribute to his coach at Manchester United, Alex Ferguson.

The Portugal forward, who completed his world-record switch from Manchester United on Monday said he owed all his success to Ferguson and United.

Ferguson splashed out u00a312.24million to bring the teenage Ronaldo to United from Sporting Lisbon in 2003 and in six years he's developed into one of the best players on the planet. "Ferguson is a maestro. For me he was my father in football" said Ronaldo.

"He was crucial in my career and, outside football, was a great human being. Talent isn't everything. You can have it from the cradle, but it's necessary to learn the trade to be the best.

"When I arrived in England I was an 18-year-old kid and had huge stars by my side. Ferguson taught me to clean up my faults, to know to give the pass at the last moment, to take the right decision in the area. I spent six years at United. I owe them everything I am today."

Ronaldo revealed it was his respect for Ferguson and United that prevented him from joining Madrid last year.

"I could have signed for Madrid in 2008, but I owed myself to United. I wanted to respect that and I did. I took the best decision."

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