ManUtd.com spoke first with new £12.24m signing Cristiano Ronaldo, United’s 18-year-old capture from Sporting Lisbon. Far from being overawed by being compared to Brazil’s Ronaldo and wanting to make an immediate impact, United could have their hands on a star in the making…
How does it feel to have signed for Manchester United?
"I am very happy to have signed for Manchester United, and very proud to be part of what I think is the best team in the world."
You have been dubbed “The Portuguese Ronaldo” referring to Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward. How do you feel about such an accolade?
"It’s normal, it’s no problem for me. But I don’t want to be compared to anyone – I’d like to impose my own style of play and do the best for myself and for the club here."
Would you be able to describe you style of play for fans who have perhaps not seen you play?
"I prefer other people to make judgements about the way I play and to characterise me, rather me describe myself."
What are your first impressions of the club, the stadium and training facilities?
"I am feeling delighted, it’s a big stadium. The facilities here is excellent and I have been received well by everyone here. I hope to play and help the team achieve everything it wants."
Rising Star
How big a decision was it to move to England at such a young age?
"It was always going to be a strange decision but when a club of the stature of Manchester United come in for you and want to sign you, you don’t think twice."
Have you spoken to the manager and if so what has he said to you? "Yes, I spoke with Sir Alex Ferguson and he told me all about the club and said to me to just be calm, be tranquil and then things will happen naturally."
Did you think when you played against United last Wednesday that in under a week you would become a United player?
"No, no. It never crossed my mind!"
At 18 do you consider yourself a player for the future here at United, or do you hope to make an immediate impact? "From now I would like to make an impact and make sure the people that have put faith in me are proved right."
