Ronaldo joined Manchester United from Sporting CP in the summer of 2003 following his eye-catching performance against the Englishmen in a pre-season game.
Upon his arrival in England, the Portugal international was handed the iconic no.7 shirt vacated by club legend David Beckham.
Despite his innate talent and skill, it took time before Ronaldo adapted to life in the Premier League. The Madeira-born star had to add industry to his guile as he always dedicated his time in training.
Fletcher, who played alongside Ronaldo at Old Trafford for six years before the Portuguese made his then world record move to Spanish giants Real Madrid, has admitted the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was destined for greatness due to his hard work and determination.
The Scot told The Lockdown Tactics: “He learned English so quick. He was 18, he did extra training every day, he was the first player to go and get a personal chef.”
“He brought in ankle weights to train in so in a game he felt sharper when he took the ankle weights off.”
“What a guy. He was determined to be the best player in the world. When you see his ability… yeah, he was frustrating in the beginning, he was a young, skinny lad.”
“[But] the dedication and effort he put in, that single-mindedness [allowed him] to go and become the best player in the world.”
