Premier League - Ronaldo hails Fergie impact

Eurosport - Sat, 04 Jul 16:31:00 2009

Cristiano Ronaldo admits he will always hold a special place in his heart for his former manager at Manchester United Sir Alex Ferguson.

FOOTBALL Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson and Cristiano Ronaldo - 0

Speaking ahead of his official presentation as a Real Madrid player on Monday following his world-record £80 million move from United, Ronaldo was keen to hail the impact Ferguson has had on his career.

"He's been my father in sport, one of the most important factors and most influential in my career," Ronaldo said in an interview with Spanish newspaper Marca on Saturday.

Ferguson splashed out £12.24million to bring the teenage Ronaldo to United from Sporting Lisbon in 2003 and in six years under the Scot's tutelage, the Portugal international has developed into one of the best players on the planet.

Ronaldo severed his ties with United this summer to complete his move to Madrid, but the 24-year-old admits he will never forget what Ferguson did for him.

He added: "I have to thank him for all that he taught me. He's been fundamental. I'll always have great affection for him and he will occupy a special place in my heart.

"I'll also keep a very special memory of (United chief executive) David Gill and all the directors at United."

Ronaldo, who revealed he would be travelling to Manchester in the coming days to say his farewells to Ferguson in person, also had a message of thanks for his former fans at United.

"It was my home. I played there six seasons and I was always well liked by the United fans," he added.

"We won many things together. They always sang my song in the stands and I have to thank them for the affection they showed me during all the time that I played at Old Trafford. The fans of Manchester (United) are special."

PA Sport

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  1. awww cristiano your being nice

    Cristiano ronaldo will­ ALWAYS be a part of man utd!!!

    I wish him look for­ future!!! x x x

    From Abbiee, on Sat 4 Jul 5:22PM
  2. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    silent assassin were you been... crying in ya ale, p.s­ owen to wear 999!!!!!

    From TEVEZ, on Sat 4 Jul 5:19PM
  3. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    YEE WARNAY WELL LEEKED BAY THA SAPPARTERS MISTAR­ RANALDAY. QUEET THA OPOSAT INFECT, ME OWLED DACKHEED.

    From Donney, on Sat 4 Jul 5:18PM

  4. owen to wear...999 on his back!

    From TEVEZ, on Sat 4 Jul 5:18PM

  5. United must sign Lineker and Baggio!

    From James D, on Sat 4 Jul 5:14PM

  6. I'm sad Ronnie's gone, but I'm glad he left­ now now earlier :(

    From lucasferguson, on Sat 4 Jul 5:07PM
  7. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    the money is more important than you, you prostitute!!

    From R, on Sat 4 Jul 5:03PM
  8. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    the money is more important the you, you prostitute!!

    From R, on Sat 4 Jul 5:02PM

  9. good luck in spain

    From susan.stephenson34, on Sat 4 Jul 4:56PM
  10. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    shut up ronnie..hahaha

    SAR go buy robben..n­ huntellar..

    From poey, on Sat 4 Jul 4:49PM

  11. FIRST !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    We would have wished him well if­ he'd gone about the transfer the right way, instead­ of messing about for over a year.

    From the silent assassin, on Sat 4 Jul 4:36PM
  12. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    yaya ya !

    From abramai, on Sat 4 Jul 4:35PM
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