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Rio Ferdinand: How Cristiano Ronaldo became a Manchester United legend
CRISTIANO RONALDO became a Manchester United legend by cutting down on showmanship, claims Rio Ferdinand.
Cristiano Ronaldo: I want my son to be a football player
Ronaldo was a huge hit during his time at Manchester United.
The Portugal international was often criticised for his fancy tricks after signing from Sporting Lisbon as David Beckham’s replacement in 2003.
However, he then responded by firing United to three consecutive Premier League titles between 2007 and 2009.
He also won the Champions League with the club in 2008, scoring as United beat Chelsea via a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in Moscow.
Cristiano Ronaldo won three Premier League titles during his time at Manchester United
Cristiano Ronaldo scored as Manchester United conquered Europe in 2008
Ronaldo departed for Real Madrid in 2009 for a then world-record fee of £80million.
And Ferdinand, who played alongside the 31-year-old during his time at Old Trafford, believes changing his ways was the secret to his success.
"He liked taking liberties when he first came, taking people on, making people look silly and doing skills before coming back to beat them again,” he told Four Four Two’s documentary “Relentless”.
Rio Ferdinand spent six years playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United
"His whole thing when he first signed was about showmanship, he'd listen to the fans when he'd do that bit of skill, when he'd do that step-over.
"Whereas then there was that turning point around that time when it was about goals, assists. Then he became the game-changer, rather than the showman.
"That's that maturity and the penny dropping."
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