Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed a promise by Sir Alex Ferguson that he would play in at least 50% of Manchester United’s games in his first season convinced him to join the Ola Trafford side.
The forward joined the Red Devils from Sporting Lisbon in 2003 as an 18-year-old prodigy.
In his six years in the Premier League, as well as earning a host of medals, Ronaldo became a superstar and one of the most feared footballers on the planet.
At the premiere of his eponymous film, Ronaldo revealed a promise by Ferguson swayed his decision in whether to join United or not.
“As I’ve said many times, with Manchester United I have a great passion. I say that every time. What Jorge [Mendes] did for me, at 18 years old, to put me into one of the best clubs of the world with the word of Sir Alex Ferguson, it was kind of a dream. To play at Sporting and to move to Manchester was like: ‘wow’,” he said.
And he added: “It was great because Jorge gave me his word and Sir Alex gave me his word, and I respect the people who tell me something and it happens. These guys will be family with for the rest of my life because they are people who I trust, like and love.
“Of course, when Sir Alex Ferguson told me I’m going to play 50 per cent of the games, it made me feel comfortable. I thought: ‘wow, at 18 years old to play 50 per cent of the games is unbelievable’. The last word of Sir Alex Ferguson was the key in signing for Manchester United.”
