Nemanja Vidic has recalled the early days of Cristiano Ronaldo's relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.
Ronaldo arrived at United in 2003 at the tender age of 18 from Sporting CP. He spent six seasons at the club and enjoyed a father-son bond with Ferguson.
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Under his esteemed tutelage, Ronaldo developed into one of the best players in world football though their relationship wasn't always golden.
Former United captain Vidic has sound off on Ronaldo's connection with the fiery Scot from an early stage.
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"I think Ronaldo wasn't happy when he [Sir Alex] shouted at him," he said.
"In the beginning it was one time he said something to Ronaldo, but he accepted it very emotionally.
"He took it personally, but he was very young - he was 20 years old."
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However, Sir Alex approached Ronaldo differently following that incident.
"Of course you realise, even me, that next time you will not tell him [if he does something wrong].
"It's better to not tell him because otherwise he will be too emotional and he won't help you be better."
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Ronaldo has opened up on his relationship with Ferguson in the years following his United departure and he still holds great respect for the legendary coach.
"He's a fantastic person. A human person. He taught me many things," Ronaldo once told CNN.
"Like I've said before, he's like a father in football, because he taught me many things. I really miss him because I have a great relationship with him."
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The five-time Ballon d'Or winner admitted Ferguson was a rock during times of need, with one key moment coming when his father was ill in hospital.
"When my dad was sick in London and was in hospital-very bad, in a coma-I had a conversation with [Ferguson]," Ronaldo said. "I said, 'Boss, I don't feel good.'
"We are in a key moment in the league and the Champions League, but I say, 'Boss, I don't feel good. I want to see my dad.'
"[He said] 'Cristiano, you want to go one day, two days, one week, you can go. I'm going to miss you here because you know you are important, but your dad [comes] first."
"When he told me that, I thought, 'This guy's unbelievable. He was a football father for me."
Featured Image Credit: PA ImagesTopics: Football News, Football, Manchester United, Nemanja Vidic, Sir Alex Ferguson, Man U, Man utd