Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has paid tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson and a host of Old Trafford stars who made him the player he is today.
The forward is still among the world’s best as he struts his stuff with Juventus at the age of 34.
Ronaldo spent six years at Manchester United where he won three Premier League titles between 2003 and 2009.
And he has credited the likes of Ryan Giggs as well as legendary Scottish manager Ferguson with helping him reach the pinnacle of world football.
Asked by France Football how he transformed into a lethal goalscorer, Ronaldo said: "By using my brain. If you’ve got a little intelligence, you look and take example from those who are doing things better than you.
“That’s what I did when I was in Manchester with Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Rio Ferdinand … if you don’t learn from guys like that, you’re an imbecile.
“The goal isn’t to imitate but to take aspects from those who are the best and adapt it to your own personality. That’s what I did. I had some talent and I watched them.
“Sir Alex Ferguson also taught me a lot, and I realised I had the potential to score, not only dribble and pass. I started to think of being a complete player without any weakness. I could score with my right foot, my left foot and my head. I’m strong and I’m quick.
“If you have this and a real work ethic and a good lifestyle, you can still do it at 34 and a half.”
