'Cristiano Ronaldo could have been my brother-in-law!' - Al-Nassr star's former team-mate reflects on crossing paths and teaching Portugal icon how to header ahead of Man Utd transfer

Former Brazil international striker Jardel has revealed he once came close to becoming the brother-in-law of Ronaldo. In a wide-ranging interview with Brazilian outlet Globo, Jardel explained that during their time as teammates at Sporting CP in the early 2000s, his sister, Jordana, was in a brief relationship with the then-teenage winger and claims he helped him improve his aerial ability.

Asked about his time with Ronaldo, Jardel said: "I'd get the ball and call to him: 'Come on, kid, cross it to me and learn how to head the ball'."

The former striker joked: "My little sister could have married Cristiano Ronaldo, but she didn't. He could have been my brother-in-law, but that's life... I don't talk about that [with CR7], the guy is married, that's in the past, and the past is a museum."

Jardel was the established superstar and a two-time European Golden Boot at the time, while Ronaldo was a gifted academy graduate just breaking into the first team before his career-defining move to Manchester United in 2003. 

Jardel is the only Brazilian player in history to have finished as the top scorer in both South America's CONMEBOL Libertadores (with Gremio in 1995) and the Champions League (with Porto in 1999-00).

Now retired and living in his hometown of Fortaleza, Jardel is focused on his personal health and has embarked on a new career as a motivational speaker, where he shares stories and lessons from his decorated career and his off-field battles. Meanwhile, Ronaldo continues to shine for Portugal and Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.