Sir Alex Ferguson insists “I can’t think of anyone better to lift the Ballon d’Or than Cristiano Ronaldo” as “his achievements are unsurpassable”.
Ronaldo won the Champions League with Real Madrid last season and captained Portugal to Euro 2016 glory over the summer, prompting Ferguson – who managed the attacker at Manchester United in his formative years – to back his protege for a fourth Ballon d’Or in January.
“I can’t think of anyone better to lift the Ballon d’Or [than Ronaldo],” the Scot told Marca.
“One of my proudest thoughts is the one that Manchester United played a role in his career. We wish him well.
“His achievements are unsurpassable, he’s had a wonderful year, winning both the Champions League with Real Madrid and captaining Portugal at Euro 2016, where despite missing the final through injury, he was on the sidelines, cheering his teammates on.
“Such was his desire to lift the trophy. It was wonderful.
“CR7 becoming one of the best players wasn’t a surprise to me. Having had him from the age of 17 allowed me to watch his progression and understand what made him the star that he is.
“There are firstly players who are born to be great for their natural talent, but for others, there’s another crucial factor: work ethic is also needed to become a complete player.
“Cristiano had this determination, this desire to be the best, at obsessive levels, topped with an amazing discipline in training.
“This constant desire drove him in his daily work, and even as a young player at United, he was an example for everyone.”
