Khabib Nurmagomedov claims Cristiano Ronaldo told him about his move to Manchester United, a month before rejoining the club.
In the past, former UFC lightweight champion Nurmagomedov, who retired from MMA last year following his win against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254, has opened up on his friendship with Ronaldo.
"We talk many times - almost every day - but when we met we had a conversation about where we got our motivation from," said the Russian earlier this year.
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"He told me that he wants his son to be his successor. When Cristiano was a kid, he could only dream of having a simple pair of boots. But his son has everything. He fears that his son will not feel the same hunger, the same will.
"People are guided by that will; feel the desire to achieve things. When you have everything, it's hard to find the right motivation.
"When he told me that, I'm not going to say I was surprised, but I enjoyed listening to him. I realized that he's a person who is not content with one, two or three titles."
Ronaldo and Nurmagomedov clearly have a close relationship. In fact, 'The Eagle' has recently claimed that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner told him that his future belonged to former club Manchester United, a month before he joined.
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The 36-year-old's return to Old Trafford came as a big shock to many after he was heavily linked with a move to Manchester City but Khabib knew what was coming. And he is a fan of the transfer.
"A month ago, he told me that he was moving to Manchester United," Nurmagomedov told reporters in Moscow via RT News.
"I expected this deal to take place. I think that Manchester United is more suitable for him than Juventus. For me, the transition was not a surprise."
There are plenty of examples showing their friendship. Ahead of his bout against Gaethje at UFC 254, a supportive Ronaldo was asked on Instagram if his friend can overcome the American.
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He replied: "Of course, of course, Khabib is going to win!"
The undefeated Russian was then asked about Cristiano Ronaldo's message by a reporter. "Yes, I saw his video, I always talk with him," he said. "He always gives me advice. I also speak to Karim Benzema and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
"I love football and I have followed these guys from a young age and for me, they give me great energy."
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Back in June this year, Khabib - a self-confessed hardcore football fan - channelled his inner Ronaldo Nazario when playing football and later received the seal of approval from the man himself.
The Russian captioned the clip, "Who remembers the Ronaldo of 2008, put on a bit of weight but still with firepower."
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Having been tagged, 'O Fenomeno' himself commented on the post with a slew of clapping emojis.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Khabib Nurmagomedov, Football, Manchester United, Transfers, Premier League, UFC, MMA, Cristiano Ronaldo
