Ronaldo: I Owe Everything To United

Cristiano Ronaldo looks determined to ensure that United fans remember only the best of him: he heaped praise on the club and especially on Sir Alex Ferguson in an interview published in Madrid daily AS.

'Ferguson is a maestro,' he said.

'For me he was my father in football. He was crucial in my career and, outside football, was a great human being with me.

'Talent isn't everything. You can have it from the cradle, but it is necessary to learn the trade to be the best.

'When I arrived in England I was an 18-year-old kid and had established stars by my side. Ferguson taught me to clean up my faults, to know to give the pass at the last moment, to take the right decision in the area.

'I spent six years at United and I owe them everything that I am today. I made history at United and won many trophies.

'It was a pleasure to play at Old Trafford, but now a new stage in my life is beginning at the Bernabeu with new challenges.'

It's nice to see him acknowledging how important United was in his development. He wouldn't have turned into the world's best player at any club and he seems to know this very well.

For the very latest Premier League odds

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.