The ultimate praise from the ultimate professional.
Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that former Manchester United teammate Gary Neville is the best professional he’s worked with. In a wide-ranging interview with the London Times, the Real Madrid superstar spoke with great fondness about his time at Old Trafford, and how the dedication, and professionalism of his teammates, spurred him on to greatness.
“Manchester United was a huge education for me,” Ronaldo said. “(Being at United) taught me to train hard all the time. To eat properly, sleep good, recovery sessions, everything. You have to dedicate yourself 100 per cent.”
“There were guys who always arrived for training one hour early. Paul Scholes and Gary Neville were incredible example. Neville was the most professional player I saw.”
“This is why these guys played in the top level for 10 years,” Ronaldo continued. “People like Giggsy (Ryan Giggs). I learnt from them. I would go to training early, too. I would do exercise, strength, abdominals, many things. That example from the older players, I took it.”
The 30 year old spent six years at Old Trafford and won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, two League Cups, an FA Cup and the World Player of the Year award, before joining Real Madrid for £80 million in 2009. Unsurprisingly Ronaldo looks back with fondness on his time with United, and maintains a high level of respect for his former manager.
The Portuguese forward says he remains grateful for Alex Ferguson’s support while his late father was ill.
“When my daddy was dying, he was in a hospital in London, and it was not good. I said to Ferguson, ‘Coach I want to go’. It was a crucial moment of the season. But Ferguson said, ‘Football doesn’t mean anything compared with your dad. If you want to go, go’. I’ll always appreciate that.”
“I still have contact with him. He is a great guy, great coach, great human being.”
Ronaldo also revealed the one piece of advice Ferguson always gave him.
“I learnt a lot from Ferguson too. One of the terms that I still remember today is ‘decision making’. ‘You are great, but you don’t have decision-making. Pass the f***ing ball’. He always told me that. ‘Cristiano: Pass the f***ing ball.'”
