Ronaldo reveals what’s more important to him than winning the Premier League and Champions League with Manchester United
Cristiano Ronaldo has recalled an emotional moment between him and the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, during his first stint as a Manchester United player.
Ronaldo, who joined Man United in 2003, has won some of the biggest trophies available in the game with the Red Devils, including three Premier Leagues, one FA Cup, two League Cups and one UEFA Champions League.
However, it wasn’t all rosy for the Portuguese in that time, at all. In a recent episode of Inside View, Ronaldo recalled how his father passed away just two years after he joined Man United, and the amazing response he received from Sir Alex after he informed him of the development.
“I remember one day that my father was in hospital and I was so emotional, so very low and I speak with him [Ferguson],” said Ronaldo.
“And he said: ‘Cristiano, it doesn’t matter, go there.’ Two or three days. And we had difficult games, and I was a key player in that moment. And he said it will be tough but I understand your situation and you can go to see your father.
“For me this is the most important thing apart from winning Champions League, Premier Leagues, cups and stuff, because as I told you in the beginning, what he said to me, he always did. So I have to appreciate that moment.”
Sir Alex also spoke about the incident, revealing that his reaction was from a similar experience he had earlier in his career, when a young player asked for a day off, after his mom passed.
“You’re beat. What can you do? I went: ‘Oh, of course, son,’ said Ferguson.
“From that moment on, if a player came to me and said ‘I want tomorrow off’ I’d say: ‘Yes – can I help you?”
Ferguson continued: “In the case of Cristiano, I knew his father was ill, I knew he was in hospital and it was important for him to be there.
“It didn’t matter, the football. You have to understand, some things are bigger than the football club and family is definitely one of them.
“Without question, you should never ever out the club in front of your family.”