Cristiano Ronaldo: Alex Ferguson is like a father in football to me

In first interview since rejoining Manchester United, Portuguese attacker pays tribute to his old manager

Cristiano Ronaldo and his Manchester United teammates celebrate with the Champions League trophy after defeating Chelsea in the final in 2008 in Moscow. They won in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. Ronaldo made his way back to Old Trafford after leaving Juventus. Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo is crowned the European Footballer of the Year in 2008, flanked by previous winners and former Manchester United players Denis Law (L) and Bobby Charlton. Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo lifts the FIFA Club World Cup in 2008 after Manchester United defeated Liga De Quito of Ecuador 1-0. Getty Images

Ronaldo savours the sweet taste of victory after Manchester United's 2008 Champions League win. Getty Images

Ronaldo soared above the Chelsea defence to net before Frank Lampard equalised shortly before half-time. Getty Images

Ronaldo celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the 2008 UEFA Champions League Final. Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo lifts the Premier League trophy with his Manchester United teammates in 2008. Getty Images

Ex-Man United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and Cristiano Ronaldo compare skills during a training session in 2008. But will the Portuguese return to Old Trafford? Getty Images

Ronaldo holds off the challenge of Lionel Messi during the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona in 2008. Getty Images

(L-R) Louis Saha, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo pose with the League Cup trophy after defeating Wigan Athletic in 2006. Getty Images

Rio Ferdinand congratulates goal scorer Cristiano Ronaldo during a Premier League match in 2005. Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo makes his debut for Manchester United in August 2003. Getty Images

A Manchester United fan wears the shirt of new signing Cristiano Ronaldo outside Old Trafford in 2003. Getty Images

Sir Alex Ferguson poses with new signings Kleberson and Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford in 2003. Getty Images

In his first interview since rejoining Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo has paid tribute to his old manager Alex Ferguson and described him as “a father in football to me".

The 36-year-old attacker has just completed his €15 million ($17.7m) move back to United from Italian side Juventus to begin his second stint at Old Trafford.

In his first spell for the Red Devils, between 2003 and 2009, Ronaldo won three Premier League titles, one FA Cup, and the 2008 Champions League — the same year he won the first of his five Ballon d'Ors.

Ronaldo scored 118 goals in 292 appearances in his first spell at United before joining Real Madrid for a then world record €94m in 2009.

Speaking to United's official website on Wednesday, Ronaldo described his joy about being back at the club, why the move felt right and how much influence Ferguson had on his decision.

“As everybody knows, since I signed for Manchester [United] at 18, Sir Alex Ferguson was the key. I remember when we played against Manchester when I was at Sporting Lisbon,” he said.

“For me, Sir Alex Ferguson is like a father in football for me. He helped me a lot, he taught me many things, and in my opinion of course he had a big role because the relationship that we had, we keep in touch all the time, and he’s an unbelievable person.

“I really like him a lot and he was the main key for me to be in the position that I am, that I signed for Manchester United.”

When asked how he feels about being back at Old Trafford, he said: “As you know, I have a fantastic history with this amazing club. I was there at 18-years-old and of course I’m so happy to be back home after 12 years. So I’m really glad and looking forward to start my first game.

“I think it’s the best decision that I have made it. It’s right on point in my opinion. I moved from Juve now to Manchester, it’s a new chapter, I’m so happy and glad, and I want to carry on again, to make history, to try to help Manchester achieve great results, to win trophies and number one of them, to win great things.”

Ronaldo, who is set to make his second United debut against Newcastle on September 11, also spoke about his delight at having fans back in stadiums following the relaxation of Covid-19 protocols and his “special” relationship with the Old Trafford faithful.

“Well, the fans is the key of football. Now, with all the stadiums full of supporters, it’s not the same that we had one year ago, those empty stadiums. The fans, they are the key, and I’m so glad,” said Ronaldo, who is currently away on international duty with Portugal.

“The Manchester United fans, they are special, I know, I remember very well. I know they still sing my music which has made me feel even more happy and my commitment is to give everything on the pitch, like I did before, like I do it all the time, and try to do my best, help the team score goals, make assists, win games, and I hope to see them very, very soon.”