Secrets of what Fergie says is Prem's greatest free-kick
Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed the mental and physical regime he follows that has helped the Manchester United winger to become the best free-kick taker in the world.
The Portuguese star's stunning 30-yard set-piece in United's 2-0 triumph over Portsmouth on Wednesday was described by Sir Alex Ferguson as the finest in Premier League history and one of the best he had ever seen.
Ronaldo refused to reveal the secret trick that enables him to hit the ball at such a ferocious pace, while still ensuring it dips enough to hit the target, but he did explain the meticulous routine that leads up to his showstoppers.
The 22-year-old ace, who has now scored 27 goals from 28 matches this season, said: "The secret? I will not reveal it, for I would be giving a trump card to my opponents.
"I can state only the success or failure at the moment of taking the free-kick is directly related to the position of the body, the way one runs towards the ball and the way one positions one's feet. At that moment, I think only about which side of the net I'm going to aim for.
"I look at the ball, I look at the net and I say to myself 'take the kick, Ronaldo', then I shoot. Sometimes it ends well, sometimes not so well.
"At United we have Ryan Giggs - who is very good at taking free-kicks - Wayne Rooney and me. In the Portuguese national team, besides myself, there is Simao, Deco and Petit.
"It all depends on where the foul was committed and the area of the field where that particular player excels in their own direct free-kicks."
Fergie raved: "I've seen a lot of stuff written about how Cristiano's free-kicks are all to do with the way he places the ball or strikes it on the valve, but the bottom line is the boy practises and practises.
"He's always out there at the end of training, banging balls in after the session has ended."
United defender Nemanja Vidic also reckons Ronaldo's dedication is the reason for his spectacular strikes and remarkable goal-haul.
He said: "Ronnie's free-kick was unbelievable, the best goal I've seen in a game I've been playing in. He practises free-kicks all the time in training and stays behind when everyone else has gone.
"Not just free-kicks, he practises dribbling, crossing, shooting, everything. If you work as hard as he does, you get your rewards."
Ronaldo has already beaten his 25-goal haul from last season and has his sights set on beating George Best's total of 32, set 40 years ago, which remains a record for a United winger.
Ferguson was no doubt joking when he said he would hand Ronaldo a pay rise if his star player - who has 19 Premier League goals so far this term - made it to the 30-mark. But with 14 games to go in the title race and Ronaldo scoring at the rate of at least one goal a game, he has every chance of reaching that milestone.
"The goals I have scored are a consequence of the confidence I have," said Ronaldo. "The fact I am able to get into the penalty area more frequently, can be put down to my development."
THE BALL
Nike's Total 90 Aerow II Hi-Vis ball has a six-Wing carbon latex bladder which the manufacturers claim "reverberates energy when struck, propelling it off the foot at a faster rate." It is believed Ronaldo kicks the valve of the ball which sends air rushing through it, altering its movement in the air.
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