Rare footage emerges of Cristiano Ronaldo revealing who his true football idol was growing up and it's a surprise choice
Rare footage of Cristiano Ronaldo revealing who his true football idol was growing up has emerged and his pick may surprise some.
Ronaldo has carved out a legendary playing career after coming through the ranks in Portugal with Sporting CP.
A stunning performance against Manchester United in a friendly game alerted Sir Alex Ferguson, who wasted no time securing his services.
The Portuguese went onto join Real Madrid, where he enjoyed a trophy-laden and ultra-prolific spell.
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He is now in Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr, having also plied his trade in Italy with Juventus.
Ronaldo has a huge fanbase and many aspiring footballers look up to the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
But who did he idolise when he was growing up?
Well, rare footage of Ronaldo speaking at a ceremony whilst at Man United about his football idol has surfaced.
He named Argentina icon Diego Maradona after joking he liked to watch himself.
When asked who he likes to watch play, Ronaldo replied: "I like to watch myself... I like to (watch) Maradona. I remember when I'm kid I look every time for him and this is my idol."
Maradona, who inspired Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986, isn't the only player Ronaldo looked up to when he was growing up.
He also name-dropped his namesake Ronaldo as well as Ronaldinho when speaking to ESPN Brasil.
"I don’t like comparisons," he said.
"I prefer to say that the two [Ronaldo Nazario and Ronaldinho Gaucho] left their legacy, their history."
The Man United and Real legend added: "I can say, by facts, that I won more individual titles than they did, but both won World Cups.
“I sympathise a lot with them. I grew up watching them both play. Saying who is the best, who is second, is not the most important thing."
Ronaldo is clearly a big fan of South American players. He plays with the flair of a player from that continent and is still going strong at 40.
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Diego Maradona, Football
Nasir Jabbar