Man Utd forward Anthony Martial remembers watching Cristiano Ronaldo during the Portuguese's time at Old Trafford.
Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has revealed watching Cristiano Ronaldo growing up had him dreaming about following in the Juventus star's footsteps.
Ronaldo joined United in 2003 when Martial would've been seven years old and left six years later having won the 2008 Ballon d'Or after inspiring the Reds to Champions League glory.
And United's current No.11 has said he was inspired to become a pro after watching Ronaldo shine at Old Trafford.
“It was Cristiano Ronaldo," Martial told manutd.com when asked who his favourite United great is. "He was incredible. He is incredible.
"I only admired players who dribbled the ball and he did just that. He would put on a real show. To tell you the truth, he got me dreaming that one day it could be me.”
Martial also revealed he was inspired by Brazilian World Cup winners Ronaldinho and Ronaldo when he was growing up.
The original Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or in 1997 and 2002, while Ronaldinho won it in 2005 and both are regarded to be among the best players of all time.
“My two big heroes were both Brazilian: Ronaldinho and Ronaldo, because they had magic in their feet," the 22-year-old said. "Just about every player from my age group back then would probably tell you the same thing."
Martial, who is United's top scorer this season with seven goals, was also a big fan of two of France's revered 1998 World Cup winners.
“Then, for my French heroes, I had Thierry Henry, of course, and then Zinedine Zidane, Zizou," Martial added. "They were the best. I admired strikers, number 10s.”
Martial also had some kind words for teammate Juan Mata.
“If I was a kid of 14 today, who would I admire? Current players today? For me, I think it would have to be Juan Mata," the Frenchman said. "He is class personified.”
Skullkrusher
231
Same with mbappe....
Tintin98
15
CR7 is admired by Most of the young players of this generation and he is their idol. He's the best there is. His story is an admiration to all young footballers and also to all players of all age. His hardwork,dedication, mentality is second to none. The hardest part about being a professional player is to adapt to new environment,new club and teammates and to be the best in every club we go but Ronaldo started with Sporting Lisbon then to Man Utd,Madrid and now Juventus. And everywhere he goes he prove that he is the best and took that team to great heights. Even haters or fans of CR7 only talks about him. Forget the fans,the most favourite topic for Barca fans is Cristiano Ronaldo. That's CR7 effect. Every El Clasicoi always hear and see Madrid and Barca fans argue and that too only about CR7,I haven't heard much about Messi. I know most Barca fans won't believe but that's the truth admit it. People say Messi is loyal but 7/8 contract renewal in the past decade?that's interesting. Barca fans say that Messi doesn't need to change his club to prove he is the best but you should know that many good and promising players ruined their career because they go to some other club. They can't handle the pressure and can't adapt themselves and end up being a flop. But CR7 proved everyone wrong and he is now a legend in all of his old clubs. CR7 is the best and will always be. And if you all talk about goals ratio then just know that Ronaldo played as an attacking Midfielder in most of his early days in Utd but he was given a more central role towards the end of his Career. And when he came to Laliga he scores for fun netting 50+ goals every season even though he had a very decent team compares to Barca. Messi is always surrounded by the best players while in case of Ronaldo it's completely different.