Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has called Sir Alex Ferguson 'family' and expressed his gratitude to the former Manchester United manager for shaping his career.
Ronaldo was speaking at the premiere of his documentary movie 'Ronaldo' in London.
"With Manchester United, I have a great passion," said the Portugal forward. "I say that every time."
"It was like a dream. What [agent] Jorges Mendes did for me when I was 18 was to put me in one of the best clubs in the world with the words of Sir Alex Ferguson - it was a dream to play at Sporting and move to Manchester.
"It was great because Jorges gave me his words and Sir Alex Ferguson gave me his words. I respect the people who tell me something and it happens. This guy will be my friend, my family, with me for the rest of my life.
"It's people that I trust, that I like and people I love. When Sir Alex Ferguson said 'Cristiano - I want you to come to Manchester United, you will play 50 per cent of the games', is unbelievable - the last word was the key to signing for Manchester United."
