Cristiano was obsessed with greatness even as a kid

SINGAPORE — He has had a glittering footballing career littered with silverware, goals and personal accolades. Revered by aspiring footballers all around the world, Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is widely recognised as one of the greatest footballers of his generation.

His success was not just down to his talent or luck, said his youth academy team-mate Paulo Sergio, but his phenomenal work ethic.

Even as an unknown 16-year-old youth footballer at Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon 15 years ago, Ronaldo was already destined for success.

“When we were teens, Cristiano always told me that one day he is going to be the best player in the world,” said Sergio, who plays for S.League side Brunei DPMM, to TODAY.

“It is something I’ll never forget. Looking back now, it’s amazing as he actually achieved it.”

The Portuguese winger was Ronaldo’s team-mate at Sporting for almost three years, and they rose through the ranks together from the academy to the first team.

Even at the time, the teenage Ronaldo stood out from his peers.

“From day one, it was obvious Cristiano was a true professional who dedicated his life to football,” said Sergio, 32.

“I can still clearly remember when we were living together in the academy, everyone would hang around for a bit or go straight to bed after dinner. But Cristiano would head towards the gym for more workouts.”

The former Portugal Under-23 international added with a laugh: “It didn’t matter to him if we had training early the next morning. He was focused and worked his socks off while the rest of us slept!

“In fact, he was the first to arrive at training and the last one to leave every day. He is famous for being a workhorse now, but he was just like that all those years ago, too.”

Sergio revealed that the Real Madrid forward also impressed his team-mates and coaches on the pitch.

“We were all around the age of 17 or 18 at the time but some of the stuff Cristiano did was beyond our level,” said Sergio, who signed for DPMM last year after plying his trade in Portugal and Spain. “He had the skills, he was good at crossing, shooting … like the complete package. And he was just 17!”

Sergio last bumped into Ronaldo, whom he describes as a good friend, back in Portugal some three years ago. He debunked suggestions from critics that the three-time World Player of the Year is arrogant.

“When I met Cristiano he was in good spirits. And all we talked about was football,” said Sergio. “The media and some football fans only witness what he does on the pitch but, if you are close to him, you will know he is a wonderful human being. He is really helpful and is always willing to help people who are genuinely in need, despite being a big personality.”

And tonight, Ronaldo will carry the burden of an entire nation on his shoulders when he leads Portugal out for their Euro 2016 Group F opener against Iceland. Sergio is confident his countrymen will run out winners.

“Not just Cristiano, but there are some other players in the team who play for big European teams and they know what is required to get a good result,” said Sergio, who is close friends with the likes of Portugal stars — winger Ricardo Quaresma, midfielder Joao Moutinho and defender Jose Fonte.

“Portugal are in one of the easier groups in the competition and I believe, with the experience the team have, they will win this first match with ease.”

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