Manchester United will always be held dear to Cristiano Ronaldo’s heart despite completing a world record £80 million move to Real Madrid.
The current world and European player of the year left Old Trafford after six years in Manchester, and the Portuguese superstar suggests he will miss his teammates but most of all Sir Alex Ferguson.
Ronaldo told Shortlist magazine: “I will miss the boss.”
“Sir Alex has taught me so much on and off the field. I could not have asked for a better mentor.”
“I will always owe him a lot and will never forget him.”
“He made me aware from the start that I would be one of the best players in the world; he gave me that belief.”
“When you are 17, you are just concerned about playing first-team football – you don’t think about being the best, but Sir Alex gave me the No 7 shirt because he believed I could do it justice.”
“I can never repay the confidence he has shown in me over the years, and all the support he has given me in my journey to become the best.”
He continued: “I will also miss all the lads; the squad had a great atmosphere. I had a very special relationship with Wayne (Rooney) on and off the field.”
“I have made some good friends with the players and all the staff, but it is time for me to move on now.”
“I have a sentimental attachment; I have spent a quarter of my life here. I was boy when I arrived at Manchester United and I’m leaving a man.”
“This club and its fans will always have a place in my heart. I have learnt a lot of life lessons here, and I will never forget all the things I have been taught by so many people.”