Leonel Pontes has recalled recruiting Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo for Sporting CP.

Ronaldo celebrates turning 35 today and it was Pontes who set him on his way when signing him for Sporting as an 11 year-old.

He told TMW: "I am proud to see him as a footballer and as a man. He has managed to become the most important footballer in the world with a great influence on the boys, showing that in life talent is not enough if you don't cultivate it by working hard.

"And that's what he did and what he got is the sum of his sacrifices, of a boy who left his family at 11 to pursue his dream.

"He was 11 years old and I had already received information from Madeira Island. They spoke to me of a very, very strong boy. I took the opportunity of a tournament that was held right there and I took a Sporting team with the goal to see him live. Unfortunately he didn't play in that tournament.

"So I decided to go to him and try him with our team, to see how he was doing. He showed considerable confidence with the ball, unique individual qualities. He was truly one not to miss. And then talking to the youth coaches at Madeira they told me they had never seen one like him. I informed Sporting to take him immediately."

Pontes adds: "I don't think he will stop. And then in Italy it is possible to play up to 40 years..."