Former striker reveals how Manchester United training ground ploy helped shape Cristiano Ronaldo
manchestereveningnews.co.ukFormer Manchester United player Alan Smith has revealed how the 'close attention' paid to Cristiano Ronaldo during training sessions after he first joined the club helped shape the player who would go on to win five Ballon d'Or awards.
Ronaldo's first stint at Old Trafford began in 2003 when he joined from Sporting Lisbon. During his first six years at the club under Sir Alex Ferguson, the Portuguese icon won the Ballon d'Or, UEFA's Best Player in Europe, United's Footballer of the Year three times, the Champions League, three Premier Leagues, the FA Cup, two League Cups and the Club World Cup.
These astonishing achievements at United led to him earning a move to Real Madrid where he would add further honours and form a rivalry with Barcelona legend Lionel Messi.
Asked to reflect on his ex-teammate's career, Smith claimed United's training sessions helped shape the Portugal star. Want to join our MUFC Pro club for a totally ad-free version of the MEN’s Man United app packed with premium features? Click here ALSO READ: United assistant's unsung role in Ronaldo development He told the Gambling Zone: "Cristiano Ronaldo was used to players going in hard on him, it probably helped him.
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