EPL, Premiership, English Premier League

Cristiano Ronaldo
Manchester United

Age: 22

Birthday: February 5th, 1985

Birthplace: Funchal, Madeira (Portugal)

Position: Right Wing

2007/08 Goals: EPL- 27; total- 35

Biography: Ronaldo began playing for the amateur team Andorinha at age 8. At age 10 Ronaldo signed with Nacional (though he almost signed with CS Maritimo) and won a title. When he was young, his favorite team was SL Benfica, despite this he later joined with Sporting where he continued to set records and began to play in the UEFA Under 17 Championships. By age 16 he was drawing serious attention from big teams including Liverpool. His performance in the UEFA Under 17 got the attention of many international club teams. Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier decided not to sign him because he was still too young and needed time to develop.

In 2003, Sporting played against Manchester United and won 3-1. Ronaldo drew the attention of Sir. Alex Ferguson; his ability to play left or right footed and his smooth foot-work encouraged the Manchester United players to impress upon Sir Alex Ferguson a potential transfer bid. With the departure of David Beckham (right midfield) Ronaldo was the perfect acquisition. He was signed for €12.24 million in 2003 from Sporting; he was Manchester United’s first Portuguese player. When he first started playing, many believed that his unusual style of playing would not work and eventually he would conform to the typical English style. However, Ronaldo continued to use his speed, step overs, and dribbling to attack. Though at first it wasn’t practical, eventually it became incredibly effective.

Ronaldo initially wanted the #28 jersey, “After I joined, the manager asked me what number I’d like. I said 28. But Ferguson said ‘no, you’re going to have No. 7′ and the famous shirt was an extra source of motivation. I was forced to live up to such an honour”. The #7 jersey has been held by Eric Cantona, George Best, David Beckham, Bryan Robson.

In 2005 and 2006, Ronaldo received the FIFAPro Special Young Player of the Year. In 2006 however, tensions flared between Ruud van Nistelroy and Ronaldo, each concerned about whose future would be assured. Unfortunately for Nistleroy Ronaldo was given a contract until 2010. “United have stood by me and been there for me and I want to repay that”.

During the 2006/2007 season Ronaldo placed 3rd for highest goal scorers. In April 2007 Ronaldo signed a 5 year, €120,000 a week deal. During the 2006/2007 season Ronaldo was given the PFA Young Player of the Year , PFA Player of the Year Awards (only one other player has managed this, in 1977 Andy Gray); member of the PFA Premier League Team of the Year, the PFA Fans Player of the Year, Portuguese Player of the Year.