Cristiano Ronaldo says he 'suffered a lot at that moment' in transfer admission

Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up about the hardship he faced at 12 years old when leaving his family behind to join Sporting CP.

Ronaldo confided in former team-mate Rio Ferdinand about this pivotal period, detailing the emotional toll of leaving his mother, father and siblings behind in his native Madeira.

Despite the early trials, schooling issues and heart surgery, Ronaldo's journey from Sporting's young recruit to Manchester United sensation underscored a gamble - described as 'the main point' and 'the big switch' - that bore fruit immensely.

Nearing his 40s and with a staggering 900 career goals under his belt, the Portuguese superstar's drive appears unquenchable, attributing his childhood move as the catalyst for his unwavering strength.

Discussing the difficult decision on his UR YouTube Channel with Ferdinand, Ronaldo reflected: "For me, it was the main point, the big switch in my life it was to suffer a lot at that moment.

"This is why I'm more willing and capable now to deal with the bad moments - which we all have, bad moments. When I moved at 11/12 years old there, it was really, really hard for me without my family, my mum, my dad, my brothers and sisters. Imagine your kid at 11 years old goes to London, another country.

"It's difficult, but my mum and dad always support me and say, 'Listen, Cristiano. If you want to follow your dream, it will be hard for us and it will be hard for you, but we'll give you the opportunity' - and I left."

Ronaldo's footballing journey accelerated once he linked up with Sporting in 1997. At only 17, he swiftly climbed the ranks in the Portuguese capital, reports the Express.

He made his initial appearance for the first team in a 2002 Champions League qualifier against Inter Milan. That very season, he turned heads across Europe, earning an invite to Arsenal's training ground.

But it was Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson who snapped him up following a friendly match in 2003, paving the way for what would be a stellar career crowned with five Ballon d'Or wins. Ronaldo credits his early move as pivotal to his success.

"It was tough, and I'm blessed," Ronaldo continued. "I'm happy because to pass that moment, that difficult situation, I am now capable of another chapter of my life - to deal with all the pressure that we all have in football, away from football, with family, my wife, everything."