Ex Premier League Defender Labels Cristiano Ronaldo As ‘Genius’ in Recent Interview

• Cristiano Ronaldo first burst onto the footballing scene with Manchester United
• The Portuguese star was known for his insane dribbling skills
• A former Manchester City defender has highlighted the abilities possessed by Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to dominate the headlines 20 years after bursting onto the scene with Manchester United, coached by Alex Ferguson.

The Portugal captain, who had an impressive six-year stint at Old Trafford, was not just seen as incredible by his home fans, but was also a nightmare to opposing defenders.

One of the defenders who had to face off with the Portuguese star during his spell at Man United was Manchester City’s Micah Richards. The former City star has now called the current Al-Nassr star a ‘genius’.

Richards on Ronaldo

The 35-year-old former defender, now a pundit, recently revealed what it felt like playing against Ronaldo when the pair faced off during his spell at Man City.

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In the recent episode of The Rest is Football Podcast, Richards said:

“… when I played against Ronaldo when he was at Man Utd - wow! I mean, I couldn’t switch off for a second. And this was in a derby.”

“He would come to me and just do five step-overs in two seconds. I just couldn't believe what I was seeing. He was such a genius.”

“He’d dribble past me. He used to love a Cruyff chop, go past me, go inside and just wink at me. I was swearing at myself, but wow, what a player. And to see him go from that to Real Madrid. Phenomenal.”

Richards, who would go on to play for Italian side Fiorentina, faced off against Ronaldo four times, with the final meeting being in 2008, where Ronaldo fired in a freekick to guide Man United to a 2-0 win, as reported by Goal.

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Ronaldo hailed as Saudi youth role model

Sports Brief previously reported on the newly appointed Director of Football for the Saudi Pro League, Michael Emenalo, praising Cristiano Ronaldo as being ‘more than just a footballer’.

While the veteran's on-field performances continue to capture attention, his work ethic and lifestyle have also established him as a role model for the Saudi youth, as noted by Emenalo.