“After each training, he remained the last” - Ex-Manchester United winger lifts lid on training with Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo was an example to youngsters at Manchester United, and the same has been revealed by winger Zoran Tosic. Tosic, who announced his retirement earlier in October, shared the dressing room with the Portuguese star at United.
Notably, Tosic joined Manchester United from Partizan in the January window of 2009. He spent a very short time training with Cristiano Ronaldo. Recalling the younger days of his career and experience with Ronaldo, Tosic told RB Sport (via Tribal Football):
"I remember how I trained with Ronaldo at Man Utd. Cristiano was an example in everything and for all players. After each training, he remained the last. We, all the young footballers, followed him, watched what he was doing and tried to repeat. Shooting, penalties, crosses and everything else."
Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United that very year to shift base to Spain as he signed for Real Madrid. Zoran Tosic meanwhile, didn't get much game-time at United and was loaned out to 1.FC Koln in January 2010. Finally in the summer window of that year, Tosic permanently left the club to sign for CSKA Moscow.
Tosic only appeared five times for Manchester United's senior team. His most successful stint came at CSKA Moscow. During his tenure for the Russian outfit, the Serbian winger found the back of the net 47 times in 241 appearances. Moreover, he assisted his teammates a total of 41 times.
Cristiano Ronaldo's tenure at Manchester United
Cristiano Ronaldo, on the other hand, won the Ballon d'Or in 2008 while plying his trade for Manchester United. He appeared 346 times for the Red Devils and went on to score 145 goals for them, assisting on 64 occasions.
He won the UEFA Champions League in 2008 for the Old Trafford-based outfit. In the final against Chelsea, he scored United's solitary goal of the match. However, he missed his penalty in the shootout. He was seen in tears when the final whistle was blown.
Adding to the continental success, was Ronaldo's domestic brilliance. From 2006-07 to the 2008-09, the Portuguese star won the Premier League on consecutive occasions with Manchester United. In 2007-08, he was also the top scorer in the league with 31 goals to his name.
Joining the Red Devils in 2003, Cristiano Ronaldo spent six memorable seasons under Sir Alex Ferguson's tutelage. After conquering England, he made his way to Real Madrid and went on to win the Champions League and Ballon d'Or on several more occasions.