Former Manchester United coach Mike Phelan, who had worked with Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford, has finally revealed the reason why the former Real Madrid star takes the free-kick in his own iconic style.
The former right-hand man of Sir Alex Ferguson revealed the secret in an interview with Daily Mail.
“People used to put the ball down, walk away, run up and hit it. He brought in a more dynamic showmanship”, Phelan said, before adding, “He places the ball down, the concentration level is high, he takes his certain amount of steps back so that his standing foot is in the perfect place to hit the ball in the sweet spot.”
On this day, in 2003, 18 years old @cristiano Ronaldo scored his first goal for Manchester United from a stunning free-kick.
And the rest is history #CristianoRonaldo #MUFC pic.twitter.com/naQPieu1PH— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cris7Juve) November 1, 2018
Phelan further said, “He is the ultimate showman. He has that slight arrogance. When he pulls those shorts up and shows his thighs, he is saying ‘All eyes on me’ and this is going in.”
“He understands the marketing side of it. The way he struts up and places it; the world is watching him,” he added.
While if we cast our minds back a little further, #onthisday in 2003 @Cristiano saw this free-kick hit the back of the net to score his very first for @ManUtd ❤️pic.twitter.com/d70pg2Bj1r
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) November 1, 2018
Earlier on Friday, speaking to Goalhanger, Cristiano Ronaldo hinted that he can reunite with his Manchester United teammate and old friend Wayne Rooney.
Imagine scoring a free kick from 40 yards in a Champions League Semi Final. Could only be Cristiano Ronaldo pic.twitter.com/hodTzXouGo
— ⁷ (@CristianoRole) October 14, 2018
“He’s a fantastic lad, as you say in England. I always call him between me and my mates the pit bull. I remember when he lost the ball, he was so powerful. Strong guy, his shooting was unbelievable and he scored many goals,” Cristiano Ronaldo said, before adding, “I miss him. The future, nobody knows, maybe we’ll play one day together again.”