Queiroz: “I’ve never seen anyone train like Cristiano Ronaldo”

Portuguese coach reveals compatriot’s incredible work ethic

Manchester United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz has revealed his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo’s work ethic, saying the 23-year-old is the most dedicated player he has worked with in his coaching career.

Queiroz has been on the Old Trafford coaching staff for four of Ronaldo’s five years in Manchester. But during a career which has spanned thirty years and taken him to several different continents – including a stint in charge of the Real Madrid’s “Galacticos” team – Alex Ferguson’s number two says the 23-year-old has a unique desire he had previously not encountered.

“I’ve worked with great players, but not all of them manage to be champions,” Queiroz said.

“I can tell you what separates a great champion from being just a great player. Every day he trains like I’ve never seen anyone train up until today, with all the respect I have for the players I’ve worked with throughout my career.

“I’ve trained great players who never put in extra hours, but he trains before, during and after the sessions. Sometimes I have to order him off the pitch.

“Pele once said that practice is everything. I don’t know if Cristiano read Pele’s words, but he knows them off by heart, for sure.”

The Mozambique-born coach also gave a recent interview to English newspaper the Daily Telegraph, in which Queiroz stated that Ronaldo will only improve over the coming years as he reaches his peak.

“The best of it is the chance he has in front of him in the coming years. He is too young to rest or relax - this is just the beginning. Thousands of children all over the world see Cristiano and they dream about him, they want to touch him.

“But Cristiano’s game is also about smart work, discipline, commitment. It might be a fantasy to many children except for in computer games, but behind the fantasy there is a lot of reality.


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