On this day in 2003, a highly rated winger going by the name of Cristiano Ronaldo signed on the dotted line for Manchester United in a ยฃ12.2 million deal from Sporting Lisbon. The rest is history.
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15 years on from his debut against Bolton Wanderers, when 67,647 people rose to their feet to celebrate a memorable 30 minute cameo from the young talent, Ronaldo's meteoric rise has been extraordinary.
Five Balon d'Ors among so many other trophies, including Champions League and European Championship winners medals. He has to regarded as one of the greatest players ever and one man in particular was a massive influence in his career.
Sir Alex Ferguson was a father-figure to Cristiano, he helped him settle in England and as a result, he flourished under his guidance.
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In those seven years he spent at Old Trafford, Ronaldo recorded the highest number of goals scored to win the Premier League Golden Boot for a 38-game season: 31 goals (shared with Alan Shearer and Luis Suarez).
13 years after his Premier League debut, the 33-year-old led his team to European Championship glory.
He even showed the footballing world a glimpse of his managerial style by frantically prowling on the side, just like Sir Alex did once upon a time at Old Trafford.
While Portugal manager Fernando Santos was delivering orders, Ronaldo was closely behind him issuing his own instructions to the players on the pitch, as Ferguson watched from the stands.
Minutes later, the former Manchester United player lifted the trophy with his teammates, creating history in the process.
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It was a proud moment for everyone involved and as Ronaldo walked down the stairs toward the Stade de France pitch, an excited Ferguson congratulated the five-time Balon d'Or winner.
What a moment. The respect is real.
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Topics:ย Football News, Football, Sir Alex Ferguson, Portugal, Euros, Cristiano Ronaldo
