Manchester United made me the player I am now - Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo has hailed the
role of Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville in
his development.

Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted his time at Manchester
United played a huge role in his development.

The Portugal international joined United from Sporting CP in
2003 and matured into one of the best players in the world at
Old Trafford.

Ronaldo, who eventually left United for Real Madrid in 2009, has
now revealed that the guidance of players such as Paul Scholes,
Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs helped him become the player he is
now.

"Manchester was a huge education for me," Ronaldo told The
Times. "There were guys who always arrived for training one
hour early. Scholes and Neville were incredible examples.

Neville was the most professional player I saw. This is why
these guys played in the top level for 10 years.

"People like Giggsy, too. I learnt from them. I would go to
training early, too. I would do exercise, strength, abdominals,
core: many things. That example from the older players, I took
it.

"Sometimes, you try something different and you say, 'Ooh, if I
do that, then the ball is going to do this'. Everything was a
lesson for me at that age. [Being at United] taught me to train
hard all the time. To eat properly, sleep good, recovery
sessions, everything. You have to dedicate yourself 100 per
cent."

Ronaldo worked with Alex Ferguson during his time at United
and he has nothing but fond memories of his former manager.

"I learnt a lot from Sir Alex, too. One of the terms that I still
remember today is 'decision-making'.

"'You are great, but you don't have decision-making. Pass the
f***ing ball.' He always told me that. 'Cristiano: pass the f***ing
ball.' I still have contact with him. He is a great guy, great
coach, great human being."