Sir Alex Ferguson has sent a special congratulatory message to Cristiano Ronaldo after his former player's latest award.
The Juventus forward was crowned Portuguese player of the year for a record 10th time at an awards do in Lisbon on Monday.
Ronaldo beat off competition from the likes of Man City's Bernardo Silva and Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix to claim the crown.
And Ferguson was full of praise for the man he signed for Man Utd from Sporting 16 years ago.
"Congratulations on a great achievement and a wonderful night you're going to have in Portugal," Ferguson said in a video that was played at the ceremony.
"I'm really sorry I can't be with you, but I look back and see you as a young lad at 17 years of age who came to Manchester United , how you have progressed as a human being and a fantastic sportsman.
"I want to say to you, and your mother, and all your family, and all of your kids; well done.
"You have been an absolute pleasure for me to have known, to have worked with, and to have seen you progress into the footballer you were.
"So, good luck, have a great night, and well done."
Ronaldo addressed the audience at the awards bash in the Carlos Lopes Pavilion following his win - which moves him four trophies ahead of legend Luis Figo in the all-time list.
After starting his career with Sporting, the 34-year-old has had a remarkable rise to stardom, but he still had word for his former employers.
"This world is so fast, with the social media, the press, it's been wild," Ronaldo said.
"It's been an extremely complicated year on a personal level. Don't let anyone pull you down.
"I can't help but mention that Sporting deserves a little prize. Next time."
Sporting's Bruno Fernandes and Wolves ' Ruben Neves were also on the shortlist of nominees, but Ronaldo continued his dominance over the award, which he has won every year bar two since 2007.
Only 2010 and 2014 have alluded him, which were won by Simao and Pepe respectively.
