Eusebio marvels at Cristiano Ronaldo wonder goal

Portugal legend gushes praise on Manchester United winger

The continuing majestic form of Cristiano Ronaldo and particularly his magnificent individual display on Wednesday has earned the Portuguese winger a shower of plaudits over the last couple of days.

However, few of the words of praise will mean more to the Madeira-born superstar than the comments of the greatest out-and-out striker the world has ever seen – Eusebio.

The Portugal legend, who was renowned for having lethal shooting ability with either foot, confessed that he was thrilled to watch Ronaldo’s virtuoso display and especially his sensational goal from a free-kick.

“I was so excited at seeing the goal that I clapped my hands as I was watching it live on TV at home,” said Eusebio on Portuguese TV channel SIC.

“To hit a free-kick like that takes lots of work. I used to stay behind for half an hour after training every day to practise free-kicks and penalties and I know Ronaldo does the same. When you work like that the ball obeys you.

“When I took free-kicks I knew that if I got the ball over the wall the goalkeeper wouldn’t be able to stop it going in. Sometimes as soon as I saw the ball go over the wall I’d put my hands up in the air and Simoes would run over to me to start celebrating.

“I was reminded of that yesterday when Ronaldo’s shot cleared the wall and all his team-mates came to congratulate him. It was wonderful to see. But with every goal he scores his responsibility increases and he has to work even harder.”

Best player in the world

Eusebio went further and admitted that he was surprised Ronaldo missed out as the FIFA world player of the year, but expects the former Sporting player to pick up the award in 12 months’ time.

“I’m sure he’ll win the FIFA world’s best player next year - he should have won it this year instead of coming third.”

“I don’t think Portugal have to win Euro 2008 for Ronaldo to get voted best player. As long as they have a good run and give Ronaldo the chance to shine I’m sure he’ll be number one.”


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