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Man Utd star Cristiano Ronaldo names Ronaldinho and Ronaldo as his idols – but jokes ‘I’ve won more titles than both’

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CRISTIANO RONALDO has revealed his namesakes Ronaldo and Ronaldinho were his idols growing up – but he’s aimed a sly dig at the pair.

Like many, the Manchester United legend watched the Brazilian samba stars shine on the global stage as a teenager and had dreams of emulating them.

Ronaldo and Ronaldinho used to be inspirations for many footy stars of todayCredit: AFP
And the pair were idolised by current global icon and their namesake Cristiano RonaldoCredit: GETTY
But the Manchester United legend has bragged about winning more individual trophies than the panCredit: TIMES NEWSPAPERS LTD

Emulate the pair Ronaldo did as his goalscoring exploits for United and Real Madrid saw him become a global superstar.

But the five-time Ballon d’Or winner believes his personal accolades have put him in a higher echelon than Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, telling ESPN Brasil: “I don’t like comparisons.

“I prefer to say that the two [Ronaldo Nazario and Ronaldinho Gaúcho] left their legacy, their history.

“I can say, by facts, that I won more individual titles than they did, but both won World Cups.

“I sympathize a lot with them. I grew up watching them both play. Saying who is the best, who is second, is not the most important thing.

“I prefer to say that they are idols and left a beautiful history in football.”

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Ronaldo, 36, re-joined Manchester United from Juventus last summer for an initial fee of £12.8million.

United have struggled for consistency this season – so much so they’re currently SEVENTH in the Premier League table.

And Ronaldo – who has bagged 14 goals in all competitions this season – has called on his team-mates to buck up their ideas for the second half of the campaign.

He said: “I say we have a long way to improve because, for me, the most important thing is the mentality. To look at yourself and say, ‘I can do better’.

“For you to be professional, help the team, the right mentality, self-taught and positive.

“All these details depend on you, not the coaches, the fans or the press.

“If you are proud of yourself and you have dignity, you have to do it much more.’

He added: “If I give you advice, even if you are younger than me, if you don’t implant that during your daily life, it will be difficult.

“I will be the No 1 to help. But if you don’t want my help, do your job, look for yourself, do your best to help the team.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been left frustrated by the attitudes of his Manchester United team-matesCredit: AFP

“I can speak all day with that person but if it’s not coming from inside of you, it’s impossible.

“When I was 18, 19, 20, some older players spoke with me, but I put that as, ‘Cristiano, you have to improve.'”

Manchester United will be back in action tomorrow evening against Aston Villa, although SunSport understands Ronaldo is a doubt for the trip to Villa Park.

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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk

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