Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo insists he knew he was a “special player” over a decade ago, when starting his career at Sporting.
The 31-year-old was promoted from the Leões youth team at the age of 16 in 2002 and his growing reputation saw him linked with moves to Premier League side Arsenal and Liga giants Barcelona.
However, after a season in Portugal’s top-flight, Ronaldo moved to Manchester United for £12.24 million, becoming England’s most expensive teenage signing in the process.
Following six highly successful seasons at the Old Trafford club, during which he helped the side claim the Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup, Ronaldo moved to Real Madrid, where he has since made 234 La Liga appearances, scoring 256 goals.
Ahead of his potential return from injury in Madrid’s Champions League semi- final second leg against Manchester City, Ronaldo admits he was surprised at the speed of his development in Portugal, but knew of his own potential.
“I always felt that I was a special player, ever since I was starting out at Sporting,” he said, as reported by the Daily Mirror.
“I felt that sooner or later I would be a top-level professional. I never thought it would come so fast, but I was preparing myself because, like I said, the talent was there.”
“I’ve always worked hard, believed in my potential – in the academy at Sporting, at Manchester United and at Real Madrid as well – and I’ve developed more and more as a player, as a person, as a human being. I’ve enjoyed my work.”
Meanwhile, Los Blancos are currently in third position in La Liga, trailing leaders Barcelona by a point.
Ronaldo has struck 31 goals in their bid to win the title, behind only Barcelona’s Luis Suarez (35) in the scoring charts.
He is the top scorer in the Champions League though, having netted 16 goals in 2015/16 – including as many hat-tricks (three) as the rest of the competition’s players combined.
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