Fergie salutes 'brave' Ronaldo

United boss lavishes praise on winger

Last updated: 28th October 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Fergie salutes 'brave' Ronaldo

Ferguson: Praise for Ronaldo

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Sir Alex Ferguson believes Cristiano Ronaldo's 'courage' helps to set him apart from other players.

The Manchester United winger was named the FIFPro World Footballer of the Year on Monday after a sensational 12 months.

Ronaldo is in contention for more awards over the coming weeks and Ferguson has already stated that he expects the Portuguese player to improve.

It is the goals and assists that Ronaldo has largely been recognised for but Ferguson feels he also has another rare quality.

"The most underrated virtue Ronaldo has, on the pitch, is his bravery." Ferguson told The Times.

"Courage in football, as in life, comes in many forms. But the courage to continue, no matter how many times he is going to be kicked, identifies Ronaldo.

"Very few players have that level of courage. Some people believe the greatest courage in football is the courage to keep the ball.

"The other kind of courage - and it's a moral courage - is the courage to win the ball. That's what Ronaldo has.

"All the great players had it. (George) Best had it, (Sir Bobby) Charlton had it, (Eric) Cantona did. 'I'll take the kick, I'll take the injury, but I will keep the ball. I'll beat the bully'."

Foundation

Meanwhile, Ferguson is confident that United will find the right man to replace him when he eventually stands down.

The Scot is expected to retire in the next couple of years and he admits it is a prospect that terrifies him.

"There will be no problem. The foundation is here. The morale is here," said Ferguson.

"It's a funny thing, the older I get the more frightened I get of retiring, but there will come a time when I clear my desk and someone else will take over.

"I hope and expect they will be a formidable person because this job, believe me, is not easy."

Asked if the new man would be formidable like him, Ferguson replied: "No. this job can't be done the same way twice."