“Ronaldo is a very good player for England because he is
quick and strong and has great technique. For a winger, you
have to be skilful and he has the technical ability. You can
give him the ball and he will make something happen.
“I’ve known Ronaldo since I was 12 years old, we played in
the same team at Sporting. He is my closest friend and we
used to do everything together. We trained and played in the
same teams and dreamed we would play for Sporting and for
Portugal.
“Ronaldo was always a special talent and very confident he
would achieve his goals — even when he was 12 and I am happy
for him that he has joined Manchester United.
“We need to have a very good game against Manchester United
because last time it was 6-2 and the fans want us to put it
right. We know we need to be at our best."
Our Brazilian coach Filho joins in the fun:
“Cristiano Ronaldo is a fantastic player and United captured
him at the right time. Ronaldo is an exceptional case
because he is only 18. Usually, players have to wait until
they are 24 or 25 before they are good enough to play for a
club like United.
“Usually, the best foreign players play for around three
years at a Premiership club if they are good enough and then
go back but Ronaldo has the chance to be here a long time.”