Ronaldo Hails Former Manchester United Boss Sir Alex Ferguson’s Influence on His Career

• Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo has looked back on the turning point of his career
• He joined Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon and was immediately seen as a star
• Ronaldo has now praised former boss Sir Alex Ferguson for his influence on his journey

Cristiano Ronaldo was a relatively unknown teenager when he arrived at Manchester United in 2003, even though he showed glimpses of the talent that seemed obvious from the beginning.

Veteran manager, Sir Alex Ferguson put in a lot of effort to transform the boy into a man, and by the time he was leaving Man United six years later, Ronaldo had won everything with United and also had a Ballon d'Or.

The Portuguese veteran spent nine years at Real Madrid where he cemented his status of one of the greatest footballers of all time, but since his departure in 2018, he has had many low moments in his career.

How much is Gary Neville worth? All the details about the former Manchester United player

Football

Ronaldo praises Ferguson's influence

As reported by Sky Sports, Ronaldo signed for Al-Nassr in a deal worth £305-million over two years, despite turning the Saudi Arabians down in the summer to stay at Old Trafford.

In an interview with Livescore, the brand he is an ambassador for, the striker acknowledged and applauded Sir Alex's influence on his career and helping him reach the heights he has.

Ronaldo said, as quoted by Sportskeeda:

“So the boss, he was the leader, was the guy, which is why every player followed him, his ideas, his strategy. For me, as I say many, many times, He taught me many things about where I am today. It's a little bit part of him as well. So I appreciate what he did with me."

The biggest World Cup snubs: A list of footballers left out of their countries’ World Cup squad

Football

The Portuguese star's father died in 2005 from alcohol-related liver failure while still early in Ronaldo's United career, as reported by Sun. He praised Ferguson for stepping into a paternal role.

“He's one of my fathers of football, that when I arrived here in Manchester at 18, he put me in the right spot.”

Ronaldo staying in expensive hotel

The young boy from Madeira is now a man who has ascended to the very top of football, and can afford anything money can buy through salaries and endorsements.

As Sports Brief earlier reported, Ronaldo will occupy an expensive hotel in Riyadh with his family, before they move to a mansion as their permanent home in Saudi Arabia.

The hotel is reportedly worth £250,000 per month, which would not be a problem for a player earning over £3-million per month in wages.