Cristiano Ronaldo has thanked Sir Alex Ferguson for the "beautiful" gesture when the Manchester United forward was dealing with his father's illness.
Ronaldo was jetting out to see his father, José Dinis Aveiro, before his death in September 2005 and in an emotional conversation with Ferguson he remembered the way the Scot delicately handled the situation.
The duo sat down together to reflect on some of their shared history at United and while Ronaldo will always remember the trophies won, he also appreciated the more poignant touches from Ferguson.
"There were so many beautiful moments that we had together. Not us winning things, which is the most difficult. In my heart, I keep the most difficult things," said Ronaldo.
"He probably doesn't remember and I'm not supposed to say, but I will say it because it's a beautiful history. I remember one day that my father was in hospital and I was so emotional, so very low. I spoke with him and he said; 'Cristiano, doesn't matter, go there for two or three days' and we had difficult games and I was a key player in that moment.
"He said; 'It will be tough because we have these difficult games, but I understand your situation and I'll leave you to go and see your father'. For me, these are the most important things, apart from winning the Champions League, Premier League, cups and stuff. I have to appreciate him, because what he said to me, he always did. I have to appreciate that."
In a sit down for InsideView, Ferguson said giving players time off for family issues was something he learnt in his early years as a manager.
"I got that as an experience as a young manager. I was 33-years-old and a young boy came to my office. It was a Tuesday and he said; 'Boss, can I have Friday off? I said; Why do you want Friday off?' He said; 'My mother's died'. You're beat. What can you do?
"I went; 'Oh, of course, son'. From that moment on, if a player came to me and said; 'I want tomorrow off?' then I'd say; 'Yes, can I help you?'
"In the case of Cristiano, I knew his father was ill, I knew he was in hospital. It was important for him to be there. The football club didn't matter.
"You've got to understand, some things are bigger than the football club and family is definitely one of them. Without question. You should never, ever put the club in front of your family.”
