Ronaldo's going to be a star as big as Jordan

CRISTIANO RONALDO has been hailed as football's answer to basketball megastar Michael Jordan.

The tribute came from Manchester United No2 Carlos Queiroz, who has witnessed at close quarters Ronaldo's development from Portuguese whizzkid to world star.

By linking him with Jordan, acclaimed as one of the greatest sportsmen of the 20th century, Queiroz has elevated the United winger to a new level.

Skill

And Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant justified his claim by highlighting Ronaldo's creative mind, his skill levels, competitive edge and work ethic.

Queiroz (right) said: "My belief is he will not only be the biggest attraction in England. In my opinion, Cristiano can be the same throughout Europe and world.

"He can be a world star in football like Michael Jordan was in basketball because of the skill level they share in their sports.

"It is a big thing to say because Michael Jordan was such a big name but I really believe that. In my life I have worked with players like Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo from Brazil, Raul, Luis Figo, Rui Costa and Roberto Carlos — and I never saw such a creation as Cristiano."

Ronaldo will have to go some to emulate the achievements of Jordan, whose basketball career with Chicago Bulls made him one of the world's richest and most recognised sportsmen.

Some polls even put him ahead of Muhammad Ali as THE outstanding sports star of the 20th century.

Jordan is reckoned to be a dollar billionaire. At his peak he was paid £200,000 a game, with endorsements worth £20million a year including the famous Nike shoe and clothing range based on his nickname Air Jordan.

On the court Jordan's list of honours was as remarkable as his earning power.

Record

He was five times a winner of the NBA's Most Valuable Player award and appeared 10 times for the All-NBA select team.

His records include a highest career scoring average of 30.12 points per game.
Jordan was a double Olympic champion, having struck gold in the Los Angeles Games as a college star in 1984 and led the American "Dream Team" to glory in Barcelona in 1992.

Ronaldo has some catching up to do — but his fame is already being recognised globally.

In a survey by two Spanish universities the United star is on top of the world, based on a study of media attention received this year.

His United team-mate Wayne Rooney was second, followed by Ronaldinho and David Beckham.

But it is as a footballer that Queiroz judges him — and he is better qualified than most to rate him.

The coach monitored Ronaldo's progress as a junior at Sporting Lisbon and helped his graduation into an international star at Old Trafford.

Queiroz can offer a unique view of the winger's skills and marvels at his desire to keep re-inventing the techniques that have made him a unique talent.

Queiroz has watched Ronaldo put in up to 90 minutes' extra work on the training ground after his team-mates have showered and packed up for the day.

The United No2 said: "Cristiano has all the natural skill and ability but he also has a creative mind which makes him always try new things.

"The fantasy is not the problem for him — it's how to use it on the pitch to get results for the team.

"He creates things in his mind and has the confidence and bravery to make it happen.

"He brings something to every game. It is hard work as well as ability.

Control

"Sometimes the training session at Manchester United ends at 11.30 and Cristiano will stay until 12.30 or 1 o'clock, alone, practising those skills with the ball."

Queiroz reckons Ronaldo has added the final ingredient to his game — control of his temperament and refusal to be provoked by opponents.

And he has stopped treating the rest of the world as an enemy as he matures into the complete footballer.

Queiroz said: "There is no doubt he has grown up, particularly in his attitude to competition. He is now ready to understand criticism and everything around him. It's not often you see him in an emotional situation now.

"He doesn't try to take on the world.

"He is much more mature now because he thinks about the game and plays for the team.

"He has learned to pass or to shoot at the right time. He doesn't need to make a point to everybody with every single thing he does in a game.

"If it was my decision, Cristiano, not AC Milan's Kaka, would be the World Player of the Year.

"Kaka had something that Cristiano didn't have, winning the Champions League — and that has helped him win the awards. But Cristiano's been more consistent than Kaka."