“I taught Cristiano Ronaldo how and when to hit the ball” - When ex-Brazil striker made big claim on helping Portugal superstar

Back in 2019, Cristiano Ronaldo's former teammate at Sporting SP Mario Jardel claimed to have influenced the legendary forward's game. The former Brazilian poacher played alongside the legendary forward for two seasons in Portugal.

Jardel played 796 minutes across 17 games with the Portuguese superstar and the pair combined for a solitary goal. The Brazilian and Ronaldo also shared an extra connection off the pitch, with the future five-time Ballon d'Or winner dating his sister, Jordana, at some point.

Speaking about his time with Ronaldo, Jardel said (via The Daily Mail):

"After Galatasaray, I returned to Sporting. Ronaldo and I played two seasons together there. I taught Ronaldo how and when to hit the ball. If you ask Ronaldo, he'll confirm it to you. If he doesn't, he'll be lying."

If Jardel had played a part in Cristiano Ronaldo becoming the superstar he has become, he would be proud of his contribution to the sport. The 39-year-old is the most prolific player in the sport's history, scoring 911 professional goals.

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"F***, what a goal!" - When Maurizio Sarri reacted to Cristiano Ronaldo's fantastic header.

Cristiano Ronaldo's manager at Juventus Maurizio Sarri, could only use colorful language to describe a fabulous header that the forward scored in 2019.

The Portuguese superstar scored the deciding goal in a match against Sampdoria at the stroke of half-time, towering over an opposition defender to power in Alex Sandro's cross.

Ronaldo is the most lethal goal-scorer in football history, with 911 strikes to his name. He has made a habit of scoring different types of goals over the course of his career, but the 2.56-meter high jump that saw him hang in the air for 1.5 seconds was one of his finest.

Speaking to the press after the match, Maurizio Sarri was in awe of the header and the athleticism that led to it, saying (via the Daily Mail):

"What did I think when I saw Ronaldo's goal? I thought, 'F***, what a goal! I say, 'F***' because if I said, 'Damn' it wouldn't be fair towards the goal."

Funny enough, Ronaldo was surprised by the impressive nature of the goal, telling the press after the game (via The Daily Mail):

"The goal was very nice, I'm happy to help the team with the three points. What I want is to help Juventus win new trophies. I didn't know I was up [in the air] for so long."

Cristiano Ronaldo is in the twilight of his illustrious career at 39. He plays for Saudi pro-League outfit Al-Nassr and has bagged an impressive return of 11 goals and three assists in 16 games this season.