Manchester United star Nani admits he leaned heavily on Real Madrid ace Cristiano Ronaldo when first arriving at Old Trafford. Nani has arguably been United's best player this season. He is happier off the pitch as well in the Cheshire home he shares with partner Daniela and their two dogs (a Labrador and a Chow Chow).

It's in contrast to his traumatic introduction to Manchester, even though Ronaldo was already there to help his friend adapt to the new surroundings.

"The toughest part was to live alone, not speaking the language," Nani told the Daily Mail. 'There was a phase when I was living at Cristiano's house and it was very good. There were always cheerful people and we had everything - swimming pool, jacuzzi, tennis, ping-pong. I never missed my family.

"But later I had to leave Cristiano's to make my own life. It was hard because it was a big house and by night it seemed like a witch's house.

"I was even afraid of being home alone. Sometimes I didn't even leave the room. I went to bed early without eating properly because I didn't want to have dinner alone."