Ferguson: Cristiano Ronaldo To Be As Good As Pele & Maradona

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CC: Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United v Middlesbrough (PA)

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has tipped Cristiano Ronaldo to go on and become a true footballing legend.

Ronaldo who helped United claim a Premier League and Champions League double last season, has recently added to this by claiming the Ballon d’Or.

His manager has now paid tribute to his player and, according to setanta.com, has even suggested that Ronaldo has all the attributes required to become a legend.

“Cristiano is superb,” explained the Scot, “He has timing getting into the box, ability with two feet - and you would never associate a Portuguese winger with such magnificent ability in the air. He is like an old fashioned centre forward.

“There are a lot of things in his favour to go on and become a legend. The answers will come in the next few years.”

Yet Ferguson also warned that Ronaldo would have to maintain his already high standards if he is to compete with the likes of Diego Maradona and Pele.

“When you have a star like this, a young player with such huge potential, they normally make an impact very early - which is what Cristiano has done,” said the United boss, “Pele scored in a World Cup semi-final as a 17-year-old. Maradona played for his country at 17. Cristiano was 18. All the signs are the same.”

At just 23 years of age, Ronaldo would appear to have the majority of his career ahead of him and Ferguson admitted his future exploits would determine his standing in the game.

“What you don't know about him, but can say about Maradona and Pele, is that their careers lasted for a number of years,” said Ferguson.

“Pele played in two World Cup finals, as did Maradona. Maybe Portugal do not have the profile to get to World Cup finals, the same as Brazil and Argentina - so you have to judge him a different way.”

Gill Clark, Goal.com