CRISTIANO RONALDO labelled Ole Gunnar Solskjaer an ‘outstanding human being’ in an emotional tribute to the sacked Manchester United manager.
The Norwegian was axed on Sunday morning following the Red Devils’ 4-1 defeat at Watford.
And 24 hours later, superstar forward Ronaldo took to social media with a classy message for his former team-mate and boss.
He shared two pictures – one recent from this season and another throwback to their time together in Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad.
Ronaldo wrote: “He’s been my striker when I first came to Old Trafford and he’s been my coach since I came back to Manchester United.
“But most of all, Ole is an outstanding human being.
“I wish him the best in whatever his life has reserved for him.
“Good luck, my friend! You deserve it!”
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Ronaldo and his United team-mates failed to produce the performances on the pitch this season – ultimately leading to his dismissal.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner returned with much fanfare from Juventus in the summer – coming back to Old Trafford after 12 years away.
But despite a dream start and some late Champions League goals to get Solskjaer out of trouble, he has underperformed in the Premier League of late.
And those disappearing acts, alongside compatriot and talisman Bruno Fernandes, certainly contributed to the poor results and performances for United and therefore Solskjaer’s sacking.
Tensions also ran high when Solskjaer decided to substitute Ronaldo off – and then start him on the bench against Everton.
But it is clear there is still plenty of respect from the ex-Real Madrid man towards the club legend.
They shared a dressing room between Ronaldo’s arrival at Old Trafford in 2003 until Solskjaer retired in 2007.
The 1999 Champions League hero featured significantly less after the Portuguese talent joined but appears to have had a big impact off the pitch.
‘CLUB LEGEND’
Ronaldo followed a number of his team-mates in thanking Solskjaer for his efforts and wishing him the best for the future.
David De Gea tweeted: “You always gave everything and everyone knows you are a legend at [Man Utd].”
Marcus Rashford also expressed his respect for the 48-year-old gaffer as he shared a picture of them together and described him as a “club legend”.
Captain Harry Maguire, who was sent off at Watford, thanked him for helping him join the “best club in the world”.
Maguire said: “You signed me for the best club in the world and gave me the biggest honour in football. Huge respect and forever grateful. Thank you for everything boss. Legend.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk