Rio Ferdinand has shared a revealing story about former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson bringing Cristiano Ronaldo to tears in the dressing room.
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Ferguson, who signed Ronaldo in 2003, oversaw the Portuguese forward’s meteoric rise during his six seasons at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo scored over 100 goals, helping United clinch three Premier League titles, three domestic cups, and the Champions League.
After moving to Real Madrid in 2009, Ronaldo cemented his status as one of football’s greatest, amassing 450 goals in just 438 games.
He won four more Champions League titles, five Ballon d’Or awards, and surpassed the 50-goal mark six times during his nine-year tenure in Spain.
Despite their special bond, Ferguson’s tough love shaped Ronaldo’s career. One pivotal moment occurred in 2005 after a Champions League loss to Benfica. Rio Ferdinand recalled in the BBC documentary Sir Alex:
“We were in Portugal, and Cristiano didn’t play well. He was young and trying too hard. In the dressing room, the manager ripped into him, saying, ‘Who do you think you are? You’re trying to prove you’re a superstar.’ Cristiano was in tears.”
Ferdinand added, “Fergie didn’t care who you were. But that tough love turned Cristiano into the world’s best player. He needed that moment.”
This incident didn’t sour Ronaldo’s admiration for Ferguson. In fact, their bond grew stronger, particularly during a personal crisis when Ronaldo’s father was hospitalized in 2005.
Reflecting on the moment, Ronaldo shared, “One day, my father was in hospital. I was emotional and low. Sir Alex told me, ‘Cristiano, go see your father for a few days.’ He knew how important I was to the team but understood my situation. That meant more to me than any trophy.”
Ronaldo returned to Manchester United in 2021, 12 years after leaving. Speaking about Ferguson’s influence, he said, “Since I joined at 18, Sir Alex has been like a father in football to me. He taught me so much and played a massive role in shaping my career. He’s an unbelievable person.”
Ronaldo’s story is a testament to Ferguson’s unique ability to inspire greatness, even through moments of tough love.