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Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed his former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson’s compassionate side to his stern and tough personality, according to ESPN. The Portuguese excelled under the guidance of the Scot during his time at Old Trafford.
The 30-year-old forward was signed by Ferguson from Sporting Lisbon during the summer of 2003 for a reported fee of €17.5 million which was then the highest ever fee paid for a teenager. The former United gaffer saw the potential in the boy from Madeira, who has gone on to become one of the best football players in history. Ronaldo spent seven glorious years with the Red Devils, where he won three league titles and one Champions league trophy among other major trophies including some major individual honours.
Ferguson moulded the Portuguese forward for years and it was no surprise when Spanish giants Real Madrid came calling to attain the stars services at the Santiago Bernabeu. Ronaldo made a record-breaking move to the Los Blancos in 2009 for a staggering fee of €120 million.
Ferguson showed great understanding before my father’s death: Ronaldo
Despite all that he has achieved throughout his footballing career, Ronaldo has regularly praised the Scot’s management and he took time to speak in an upcoming BBC documentary, entitled “Sir Alex Ferguson: Secret of Success.” The Portuguese captain has revealed that Ferguson had shown great understanding before his father’s death in 2005.
"When my dad was sick in London and was in the hospital -- very bad, in a coma -- I had a conversation with [Ferguson]," Ronaldo said.
"I said, 'Boss, I don't feel good.'”
"We are in a key moment in the league and the Champions League, but I say, 'Boss, I don't feel good. I want to see my dad.'”
"[He said] 'Cristiano, you want to go one day, two days, one week, you can go.”
“I'm going to miss you here because you know you are important, but your dad [comes] first.'”
"When he told me that, I thought, 'This guy's unbelievable.'"
It was family with him: Ronaldo
The Los Blancos’ ace has also spoken about the sort of family atmosphere the 73-year-old had created that helped United reach great heights in and off the field.
"He invites everyone to come for lunch, come for tea... an English cup of tea!" he said.
"It was a family with him. He was a football father for me."
Ronaldo has broken many records over the years with the Galacticos. The 30-year-old recently became Madrid’s all-time leading goalscorer with a mouth watering tally of 324 goals in just 308 appearances. He also holds the record for the most number of goals in the Champions league with 82 strikes.
