Departing Ronaldo pays tribute to 'father' figure Fergie

Sir Alex Ferguson and Cristiano Ronaldo

Thanks for the memories: Cristiano Ronaldo has paid tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson

Cristiano Ronaldo admits he will always hold a special place in his heart for his former manager at Manchester United Sir Alex Ferguson.

Speaking ahead of his official presentation as a Real Madrid player on Monday following his world-record £80million move from United, Ronaldo was keen to hail the impact Ferguson has had on his career.

Ferguson splashed out £12.24million to bring the teenage Ronaldo to United from Sporting Lisbon in 2003 and in six years under the Scot's tutelage, the Portugal international has developed into one of the best players on the planet.

Ronaldo severed his ties with United this summer to complete his move to Madrid, but the 24-year-old admits he will never forget what Ferguson did for him.

'He's been my father in sport, one of the most important factors and most influential in my career,' Ronaldo told Spanish daily Marca. 'I have to thank him for all that he taught me. He's been fundamental. I'll always have great affection for him and he will occupy a special place in my heart.

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'I'll also keep a very special memory of (United chief executive) David Gill and all the directors at United.'

Ronaldo, who revealed he would be travelling to Manchester in the coming days to say his farewells to Ferguson in person, also had a message of thanks for his former fans at United.

'It was my home. I played there six seasons and I was always well liked by the United fans,' he added.

'We won many things together. They always sang my song in the stands and I have to thank them for the affection they showed me during all the time that I played at Old Trafford.

'The fans of Manchester (United) are special.'

ViNnO

5 Jul 09, 00:12

Have fun at RM ronaldo.

Chris88110

5 Jul 09, 00:23

Better than Tevez this one

ViNnO

5 Jul 09, 00:27

Originally posted by Chris88110:

Better than Tevez this one

Lol yeah rather than calling SAF a liar lol.

marcteng

5 Jul 09, 03:20

Ronaldo father died early, so he must have treated fergie like a surrogate father.

he should have stayed at man utd until fergie retire in a few years time and then move to RM out of respect for fergie.

iceFatboy

5 Jul 09, 06:55

kudos for what he has done..

well, in the new team, perhaps he may not get the "fatherly" protection or the "full" support from the fans.. but he will sleep tight with the high wages, and probably Paris.

In the end, does he score the goal? make the assist to kaka? or cross to open Benezema? or worse, just pass it to Raul?? decision, decision, decision...

:P