Former FC Porto midfielder Anderson has spoken of his
friendship with Portuguese international Cristiano Ronaldo, with
whom he is now a team-mate at Manchester United.
The Brazilian midfielder left Porto last summer after less than 18
months at the Dragao, making a high profile move to Old Trafford in
a deal which is thought to be potentially worth up to 25m
euros.
His debut season in England has been a huge success, with the
20-year-old a revelation in Alex Ferguson’s side as United won both
the Premiership title and the European Champions League in a
memorable season at the Theatre of Dreams.
Now back in Brazil, Anderson was cornered by journalists outside
the Olimpico stadium, home to Gremio, where he came through the
ranks, as the midfielder made a visit to former teammates and club
colleagues in Porto Alegre.
“He (Ronaldo) is an amigão (huge friend),” he said when
asked about the Portuguese. “I’m with him almost 24 hours a day.
The only thing we don’t do is sleep together!”
The always good-humoured Anderson found himself the butt of some
jokes by Brazilian journalists because of his accent, much
influenced by his socialising with United’s Portuguese contingent
and his two years in FC Porto. “I speak all mixed up. It’s because
I lived two years in Portugal and always go back there when I
can.”
Anderson was also gushing in his praise of United and English
football. Smiling, he described how the stadium never has less than
75,000 people in it: “It’s a crazy thing”.
Often deployed as a ‘volante’ with defensive responsibilities in
midfield, Anderson made a total of 37 appearances for United during
the 2007/08 season and, while failing to find the net, is already a
firm favourite with the Old Trafford fans.