Cristiano Ronaldo
ALL ABOUT CRISTIANO RONALDO
Full Name: Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro
Date of Birth: 5 February 1985
Place of Birth: Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Position: Midfield
Fan Mail:
Cristiano Ronaldo
c/o Manchester United
Sir Matt Busby Way
Old Trafford
Manchester M16 0RA
UK
Bio:
Cristiano Ronaldo started playing competitive football at 8-year-old for amateur club Andorinha. Ronaldo was then signed by local team CD Nacional at the age of 10 before moving to one of Portugal’s largest football clubs, Sporting Lisbon in 1996.
Cristiano Ronaldo trained in the youth team before playing his first senior game for Sporting in 1999 against Moreirense, and scored a double on his debut.
Cristiano Ronaldo played for Portugal’s youth side in the UEFA U-17 Championships and drew attention internationally. Liverpool under manager Gérard Houllier back then was reported interested in signing Ronaldo, but it was Manchester United that made the move in 2003 to fill the void of departed David Beckham.
Ronaldo’s signature came after Sporting Lisbon beat Manchester United 3–1 in a friendly; and on the way back to England the United players spoke enthusiastically about the young winger and suggested manager Sir Alex Ferguson to secure his signature, which they did.
Cristiano Ronaldo made his memorable debut for Manchester United as a substitute against Bolton. His 30 minutes performances created hype with United fans and the English media with his dazzling dribbles.
His first 2 seasons at United received mixed reviews; despite praised for his skills, Ronaldo was often being criticized for lack of consistency and poor decision making on the field. However his consistency level has been greatly improved in 2006/2007 season, which saw him becoming one of the best player in EPL.
Cristiano Ronaldo made his senior debut for Portugal shortly after being signed by United, in a match against Kazakhstan in August 2003. He has become one of the key players for Portugal since then.
The controversial moment of Ronaldo’s career was in World Cup 2006, where he was alleged to influence referee to send off his Manchester United team mate, England striker Wayne Rooney in their quarter finals clash.
Ronaldo was being used as the scapegoat for England’s defeat in the World Cup and the hatred towards him had prompted his intention to leave England and Manchester United. In the end United managed to keep him; and Ronaldo played his best season so far in the Premiership against all odds.
Ronaldo won both the PFA Player and Young Player of the Year Award in 2007; he was the first player since 1977 to bag the double in the same season. Ronaldo was also voted Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers’ Association the same year.
Ronaldo’s performance was crucial to help Manchester United securing their first Premiership victory in 4 years in 2006/2007 season.
At the age of 22, Cristiano Ronaldo has already been recognized as a world class player. With continuous improvement and experience, there’s no doubt that he is going to become one of world best.
Trivia:
Became the most expensive teenager in Britain in 2003.
His idol is Luis Figo.
Was selected for the Portuguese Olympic football team for 2004.
Wears the number 7 shirt.
Signed by Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon in August 2003 for an initial £12,240,000.
Made his full Manchester United debut against Wolves in August 2003.
Scored 2 goals that helped Manchester United beat Arsenal 4-2 at Highbury.
Has appeared in a Suzuki TV advert.
Voted player of the 2003/04 season.
His father named him after former American President Ronald Reagan.
He was the first ever Portugese Manchester United player.
His parents names are Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro and Jose Diniz Aveiro.
Has been criticized many times for diving in the penalty area.
Has appeared in several Nike adverts.
Before joining Manchester United he played against them for Sporting Lisbon weeks later he was signed by Manchester United.
Sporting Lisbon signed him up for their schoolboy team at the age of 13 for £1,500.
He was born into a poor family on the Portuguese island of Madeira off the Morrocan coast.
Was signed by Manchester United as a long term replacement for David Beckham.
He is a very big idol in his hometown Madeira.
Made his international debut for Portugal against Kazakhstan in August 2003.
Starting playing for his local football side Nacional.
Signed a new five year contract with Manchester United. [2005]
His father passed away while he was on international duty in Russia.
In the first ever FIFPro awards was voted the special young player of the year award.
After playing against Manchester United in a pre-season friendly the Manchester United players urged the manager to sign Cristiano on the the plane back to Manchester.
Bought a £1.5 million pound mansion in Cheshire which was previously owned by 3 former Manchester United players.
Scored Manchester United’s 1,000th league goal against Middlesbrough FC.
Wears the number 17 shirt whenever he plays for Portugal.
Was named in the UEFA Team of the year 2004.
Signed a new two year extension with Manchester United. [2005]
Ended the 2004/05 season making 50 appearances and scoring 9 goals.
His career honors include FA Cup winner (2004) Euro 2004 finalist (2004) UEFA Team of the Year (2004) FA Cup finalist (2005) FIFPro Special Young Player of the Year (2005)
Cristiano was first spotted by former Liverpool F.C manager Gerrard Houllier at the age of 16.
Cristiano drives a red Ferrari 435.
League Cup Winner 2006.
Was named the PFA’s player of the month for March. (April 2006)
Ended the 2005/06 season making 37 appearances 10 as a sub and scoring a season best for Manchester united with 12 goals.
Quotes:
“I am very happy to be signing for the best team in the world and especially proud to be the first Portuguese player to join United.” - Cristiano Ronaldo
“I was saluted by Alex Ferguson when I was subbed and that made me very happy.” - Cristiano Ronaldo
“I would be very proud if, one day, I’m held in the same esteem as George Best or Beckham. It’s what I’m working hard towards.” - Cristiano Ronaldo
“I’m living a dream I never want to wake up from.” - Cristiano Ronaldo
“Lots of young players have triumphed at United, so why can’t it happen to me? I’m not worried I’m young - it’s an incentive to do the best I can.” - Cristiano Ronaldo
“Now we’re in the final we must win, and can’t think the job is over. We’ll give everything and we’re convinced we can do it.” - Cristiano Ronaldo
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