The Portugal great has explained how he watched those at Old Trafford to become a superstar and how he has stayed at the top of the game for 15 years.
Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed the secret to the longevity of his career, stating that a willingness to learn and adapt has been just as important as talent in his exploits.
At 34 years old, the Portugal international forward shows little sign of letting up his standards in what has been an extraordinary career, in which he has won five Ballons d’Or, scored 700 top-level goals and has netted an incredible raft of trophies, including five Champions League crowns.
Ronaldo’s journey began at Sporting CP, but it was at Manchester United where he really made his name – and he says that he would have been “an imbecile” if he failed to improve with the type of star around Old Trafford when he moved there.
Asked by France Football how he became such a prolific scorer while under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson, he replied: “By using my brain. If you’ve got a little intelligence, you look and take example from those who are doing things better than you.
“That’s what I did when I was in Manchester with Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Rio Ferdinand… if you don’t learn from guys like that, you’re an imbecile.
“The goal isn’t to imitate but to take aspects from those who are the best and adapt it to your own personality. That’s what I did. I had some talent and I watched them.
“Sir Alex Ferguson also taught me a lot, and I realised I had the potential to score, not only dribble and pass. I started to think of being a complete player without any weakness. I could score with my right foot, my left foot and my head. I’m strong and I’m quick.