Fergie a 'second father' to Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed he would love to have Sir Alex Ferguson at his side throughout his career. While the dream is unlikely to become reality given the twin effect of Ferguson's age and Ronaldo's continued desire to play for Real Madrid, it is clear the 66-year-old Manchester United boss was the key factor in the Portugal superstar remaining at Old Trafford for at least another season. It was Ferguson who offered Ronaldo the chance to play for United at just 18, Ferguson who stuck by Ronaldo after his trauma at the 2006 World Cup, Ferguson who flew to Portugal for a heart-to-heart with the winger in July, and Ferguson who persuaded him he did have other mountains to climb with the Red Devils after all. "It makes me proud to know how much he thinks of me. And he knows I feel exactly the same way about him," said... [read full story]