A former Manchester United star has given some incredible insight into Cristiano Ronaldo's attitude, explaining how some of the Portuguese's training methods had his teammates laughing at him and respecting him at the same time.
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Ronaldo joined the Red Devils in 2003 and spent six years in England before making his dream move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
His development at United was crucial to the success he has achieved in his glittering career, but it was not only the club and its staff doing all the work.
In a recent interview, Darren Fletcher claimed nothing was ever going to get in Ronaldo's way of becoming one of the world's best players.
"He had a mindset that he was going to be the best player in the world from the day when he came into the club," he told Sky Sports.
"He took training to another level. At first, people loved the desire but he did get stick for it, with people saying: 'It's easier said than done.'
"But people respected it and liked that mentality of wanting to be the best. There were times when he was putting ankle weights on for training and doing fast feet. The lads were laughing at him but he didn't care and it didn't deter him. Ultimately, people respected it.
"The lads saw it as a bit of banter but deep down they respect that work rate, that desire and that sheer determination to be the best player in the world, and he went on to achieve it."
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Ronaldo scored 118 goals in 292 matches for United, with whom he won three Premier League titles and his first UEFA Champions League trophy.
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