Anderson: “The only thing I don’t do with Ronaldo is sleep with him!”

Brazilian tells of strong friendship with Portuguese star

Former FC Porto midfielder Anderson has spoken of his friendship with Portuguese international Cristiano Ronaldo, with whom he is now a team-mate at Manchester United.

The Brazilian midfielder left Porto last summer after less than 18 months at the Dragao, making a high profile move to Old Trafford in a deal which is thought to be potentially worth up to 25m euros.

His debut season in England has been a huge success, with the 20-year-old a revelation in Alex Ferguson’s side as United won both the Premiership title and the European Champions League in a memorable season at the Theatre of Dreams.

Now back in Brazil, Anderson was cornered by journalists outside the Olimpico stadium, home to Gremio, where he came through the ranks, as the midfielder made a visit to former teammates and club colleagues in Porto Alegre.

“He (Ronaldo) is an amigão (huge friend),” he said when asked about the Portuguese. “I’m with him almost 24 hours a day. The only thing we don’t do is sleep together!”

The always good-humoured Anderson found himself the butt of some jokes by Brazilian journalists because of his accent, much influenced by his socialising with United’s Portuguese contingent and his two years in FC Porto. “I speak all mixed up. It’s because I lived two years in Portugal and always go back there when I can.”

Anderson was also gushing in his praise of United and English football. Smiling, he described how the stadium never has less than 75,000 people in it: “It’s a crazy thing”.

Often deployed as a ‘volante’ with defensive responsibilities in midfield, Anderson made a total of 37 appearances for United during the 2007/08 season and, while failing to find the net, is already a firm favourite with the Old Trafford fans.


Related: Anderson PortuGOAL profile