When he was just 18 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo put in such a dominant performance against Alex Ferguson's Manchester United, that the Red Devils forgot all about not being able to sign Ronaldinho and quickly snapped up the Portuguese winger instead. Ferguson pulled the trigger for 17.5 million euros in the summer of 2003 and remembered having to find a way to defend a young Ronaldo quite well."He [Ronaldo] is extremely talented, uses both of his feet well, can play in any attacking position, and is one of the most exciting young players I've ever seen," Ferguson said at the time. That day, Ronaldo terrorised the United defense, John O'Shea in particular, and when Rio Ferdinand came on in the second half of the friendly, he knew what he was getting into. "I told Alex [Ferguson] this is the guy we should sign," Ferdinand said. "We had just missed signing Ronaldinho and everyone was disappointed but here was a player we thought could be even better."
Sir Alex Ferguson is still a legend and when asked recently who he thought would be this year's Ballon d'Or winner, he didn't hesitate in naming his former Manchester United player Cristiano Ronaldo. The Scotsman helped with the footballing evolution of the Portuguese who, when just 17, moved to the demanding Premier League from Portugal. Hence, Ferguson understands better then anyone the way in which Ronaldo works and what it has taken to reach the pinnacle of world football. "I can't think of anyone better to lift the Ballon d'Or than Cristiano," Ferguson told MARCA. "His achievements are unsurpassed and he's had a wonderful year, winning both the Champions League with Real Madrid and captaining Portugal in Euro 2016, where despite missing the final through injury he was on the sideline cheering on his teammates.
"Such was his desire to lift the trophy and it was wonderful to see."His former coach was proud to have played a part in Ronaldo's rise to the top and isn't surprised the Real Madrid player continues to set the bar ever higher. "One of the moments when I feel most proud is the thought that Manchester United played a part in his career," Ferguson continued. "He was under my orders from 17 years of age and it allowed me to see his progression, but also understand what made him a star of that magnitude. "There are players who are born to be great because of their natural talent but another essential ingredient, work ethic, is needed to become a complete player. "Cristiano had this determination and desire to be the best to obsessive levels, topped off with an amazing discipline in training. "This constant desire drove him in his daily work, and even as a young man at United, he was an example for everyone. "We wish him well."
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