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Cristiano Ronaldo says 'maestro' Sir Alex Ferguson made him less selfish
Cristiano Ronaldo believes he has become a less selfish player and has vowed to keep improving at Real Madrid. The former Manchester United winger has faced criticism in the past for going for goal rather than passing to a team-mate, however he credited the "father-like" influence of Sir Alex Ferguson for helping to transform him.
"Ferguson is a maestro," Ronaldo told the Spanish sports newspaper AS. "For me he was my father in football. He was crucial in my career and, outside football, was a great human being with me. Talent isn't everything. You can have it from the cradle, but it is necessary to learn the trade to be the best.
"When I arrived in England I was an 18-year-old kid and had established 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 and I owe them everything that I am today. I made history at United and won many trophies. It was a pleasure to play at Old Trafford but now a new stage in my life is beginning at the Bernabéu with new challenges.
Ronaldo spent six years at United after Ferguson signed him from Sporting Lisbon for £12.24m, winning every major honour that was on offer as well as being crowned the world footballer of the year. The Portuguese believes that the fans at the Bernabéu will see a better player because of his time in Manchester.
"It's obvious that I'm a less egotistical footballer now," he added. "Without a doubt. I know for sure that four years ago I always played to try to end up scoring myself. But experience makes you understand that you achieve better things playing as a team and being united. At Madrid they will see a better Cristiano."
Ronaldo also revealed it was his admiration and respect for Ferguson and United that prevented him from joining Madrid last year. "I'm used to living with speculation," he said. "I could have signed for Madrid in 2008, but there wasn't an agreement between the clubs and I owed myself to United. I wanted to respect that and I did. I took the best decision."
Cristiano Ronaldo believes he has become a less selfish player and has vowed to keep improving at Real Madrid. The former Manchester United winger has faced criticism in the past for going for goal rather than passing to a team-mate, however he credited the "father-like" influence of Sir Alex Ferguson for helping to transform him.
"Ferguson is a maestro," Ronaldo told the Spanish sports newspaper AS. "For me he was my father in football. He was crucial in my career and, outside football, was a great human being with me. Talent isn't everything. You can have it from the cradle, but it is necessary to learn the trade to be the best.
"When I arrived in England I was an 18-year-old kid and had established 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 and I owe them everything that I am today. I made history at United and won many trophies. It was a pleasure to play at Old Trafford but now a new stage in my life is beginning at the Bernabéu with new challenges.
Ronaldo spent six years at United after Ferguson signed him from Sporting Lisbon for £12.24m, winning every major honour that was on offer as well as being crowned the world footballer of the year. The Portuguese believes that the fans at the Bernabéu will see a better player because of his time in Manchester.
"It's obvious that I'm a less egotistical footballer now," he added. "Without a doubt. I know for sure that four years ago I always played to try to end up scoring myself. But experience makes you understand that you achieve better things playing as a team and being united. At Madrid they will see a better Cristiano."
Ronaldo also revealed it was his admiration and respect for Ferguson and United that prevented him from joining Madrid last year. "I'm used to living with speculation," he said. "I could have signed for Madrid in 2008, but there wasn't an agreement between the clubs and I owed myself to United. I wanted to respect that and I did. I took the best decision."
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