Former Portugal and Barcelona star Deco has revealed the unique skill set possessed by Cristiano Ronaldo that left him stunned.

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• All-time great started out as a tricky winger
• Morphed into a record-breaking frontman
• Has risen to the very top of the world game

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Deco, who is now sporting director at Camp Nou, took in 57 international appearances alongside CR7 during his playing days. They only suffered 10 defeats when lining up together, with both men making their senior debuts for the Selecao in 2003.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ronaldo has gone on to become a five-time Ballon d’Or winner and all-time great, but that potential was always clear to see. He used to leave team-mates amazed in training and on match days, with Deco spotting one particular trait that he had never seen in anybody else.

• WHAT DECO SAID ABOUT RONALDO

  Deco has told of what makes Ronaldo so special: “Simply being around someone who was obviously different, on and off the pitch. I was struck by his ability, his speed and the way he played. His game had a lot of intensity. He tired out the opposition – he didn’t let the opposing full-back breathe. That was something I hadn’t seen in any player up to that point. He always had great technical ability, too. It was amazing to watch him.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?

  Ronaldo started out as a tricky winger, as he danced around opposition full-backs with quick feet, but quickly morphed into a fearsome frontman and is now the proud owner of countless goalscoring records. He is still going strong at 39 years of age, with there no sign of the evergreen icon slowing down at Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr or with the Portuguese national team as they ready themselves for Euro 2024.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News