Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Cristiano Ronaldo to win this b year’s Ballon d’Or.
Ronaldo mustered 51 goals for Real Madrid last season helping them winning the Champions League. He also captained Portugal to their first EURO Cup triumph earlier this year.
Ferguson brought in Ronaldo from Sporting Lisbon in 2003 when he was just 17 years of age while he was in charge of Manchester United. Ronaldo later won the Champions League with The Red Devils and three Premier League titles before making a record move to Real Madrid in 2009.
Ronaldo is nominated alongside Antoine Griezmann and Lionel Messi but Sir Alex thinks Ronaldo’s performance should see him winning the coveted trophy, “I cannot think of anyone better to take the Ballon d’Or trophy. One of my proudest moments are those when I recall the part Manchester United played in his career. We wish him the best.”
Should the Portuguese win the trophy this will be his fourth Ballon d’Or. The Real Madrid talisman has not had a good start to this season but recently fired a hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Alaves.
Ferguson further added, “[Ronaldo] emerging as one of the best players in the world was not a surprise for me. Having him since he was 17 years old allowed me to follow his progress, and to understand what made him into such a star.
“There are players born to be greats with their natural talent, and another essential factor — the work ethic necessary to make yourself into a complete player. Cristiano had this determination, this desire to be the best to the level of obsession, along with an amazing discipline at training. This constant desire drove him along in his day-to-day work. Even as a young player at United he was an example for everyone.”
