Ron: I've Spent A Quarter Of My Life There So They'll Always Be In My Heart

Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken of great fondness for the club, staff, players and fans, after completing his big money move to Real Madrid.

He talks of the great influence Sir Alex Ferguson has had on his life, who he apparently met for a farewell dinner in Alderley Edge, how he will miss Wayne Rooney and what he thinks of the fans.

“I will miss the boss,” Ronaldo told Shortlist magazine. “Sir Alex has taught me so much on and off the field. I could not have asked for a better mentor. I will always owe him a lot and will never forget him. He made me aware from the start that I would be one of the best players in the world; he gave me that belief. When you are 17, you are just concerned about playing first-team football – you don’t think about being the best, but Sir Alex gave me the No 7 shirt because he believed I could do it justice. I can never repay the confidence he has shown in me over the years, and all the support he has given me in my journey to become the best.”

It’s not just the manager who he will miss, but all the people who have had something to do with his life over the past six years.

“I will also miss all the lads; the squad had a great atmosphere,” he continued. “I had a very special relationship with Wayne on and off the field. I have made some good friends with the players and all the staff, but it is time for me to move on now. I have a sentimental attachment; I have spent a quarter of my life here. I was boy when I arrived at Manchester United and I’m leaving a man. This club and its fans will always have a place in my heart. I have learnt a lot of life lessons here, and I will never forget all the things I have been taught by so many people.”

Aww, even I’m starting to kind of like him again! Er, almost. This is the kind of behaviour we should expect from players who move on. Take note Argie midget!