Rio Ferdinand reveals how Ronaldo 'changed' during first Man Utd spell

Rio Ferdinand has revealed how Cristiano Ronaldo has changed since first signing for Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson nearly 20 years ago.

After completing a sensational return transfer from Juventus last summer, Ronaldo silenced the doubters and also proved there is plenty left in his tank with 24 goals in all competitions. Despite turning 37 midway through a dismal collective season at Old Trafford, the Portugal captain was a rare shining light.

During a memorable first stint with United — between 2003 and 2009, when Ferdinand was his teammate — Ronaldo netted 118 goals and added 69 assists in 292 matches. He also won three Premier League titles, the 2008 Champions League and the first of his five Ballon d'Or awards.

Ronaldo took his already dazzling career to even greater heights in nine years at Real Madrid and returned to Old Trafford from Juventus last summer. But how did the United superstar develop his vast potential to become one of the best if not the greatest player in history?

Speaking about Ronaldo on the 433 Podcast, Ferdinand said: "He was a young puppy and he was like a young guy who wanted to entertain all the fans in his stadium. His first thought when he first came here; entertain, showboat, make people enjoy the game.

"By the time he left, he built himself to be a guy about end product, goals, assists and being the guy that wins the game. That's how his career went, winning the game, being the guy with the responsibility to take the team to win the big trophies and I think that's why he's been the best player in the world for many years.

"He's very different now, he's not the entertainer no more, he doesn't get involved in the game as much but he has moments where other people can't get to."