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.
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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.'