Man Utd ace Ronaldo reveals how Figo chat set him stardom

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed how words of encouragement from Portuguese legend Luis Figo sent him onto greatness.

He recalled: "When I was growing up, Luis Figo was the biggest player in Portugal. Luis was his own player who had belief in himself and that is what he has taught me.

"When I was 17 and with the national squad, he came up to me after the first training session and said that some of the things I did with a football, he had never seen anybody in the world do before.

"It is that sort of belief in you that gives you the confidence. I decided then only to have my own style of play. I don't want to imitate anybody, individuality is everything to me."

But it's not all instinct. He goes on: "Most things on the pitch come naturally, without even thinking about it. But at times you might be in training and think 'I would like to try this in a match'.

"Nothing comes easy. When you see the best players in the world, they, of course, have natural ability. But you still have to work, work, work."