Fabio Paim responds to Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘WTF, who is this guy?’ comment after pal asked for one of his Ballons d’Or
FABIO PAIM insists Cristiano Ronaldo’s Instagram dig is a POSITIVE as he looks forward to being reunited with his old team-mate.
Ronaldo famously admitted Paim is the only player better than him when he joined Manchester United after the pair came through the Sporting academy together.
But they took very different paths as Ronaldo won five Ballons d’Or, five Champions Leagues and led Portugal to Euro 2016 glory.
Paim, though, earned £6,500 per week at 13 but saw his career fizzle out thanks to the money, fame and partying lifestyle.
And it hit rock bottom when Paim was put behind bars for a year on drug trafficking charges - and watched his old pal training with Portugal from his prison window.
Paim, 35, joked in his exclusive interview with SunSport that his old McDonald’s loving pal should give him one of his Ballons d’Or after failing to hit the world-class heights many expected because he didn’t have the same mentality as the Manchester United and Real Madrid legend.
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But Ronaldo, 38, cheekily commented on Instagram: “Wtf. 👀👀👀 who is this guy?”
However, Paim believes the veteran forward is simply messing around - and the playful quip has helped bring the former footballer back into the public limelight again.
He told SunSport: “I don't want to make this longer but I don't think what Cristiano said was serious, it was a joke.
“But it has had a good impact - people are talking about our relationship.
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“Ronaldo is helping me as people talk about me.
“We played together, we were friends, we have nothing against each other.
“I am such a big fan of Ronaldo. It is all good. Ronaldo is trying to help me.”
Asked if he wants to see Ronaldo again, 20 years after their time as team-mates, Paim added: “Yes and I think it is going to happen soon. Due to all this attention, we will probably meet up.”
Wrapped up in leggings, a big club winter coat and gloves on an icy winter afternoon, Paim seems a long way from his Algarve home.
He made his first visit back to Blighty since his difficult loan spell at Chelsea in 2008-09, invited by Barking FC to speak to the club’s Under-18s about his own career, mistakes and the lessons he wants others to learn from him.
And despite the freezing temperatures, the flamboyant Portuguese received a warm welcome.
Speaking at Barking’s Lawtech Stadium, Paim said: “This is a chance for me to be involved in a project with the younger generation of footballers, teaching them lessons for life. It's important. I want to help other people not to fail.
I’ve had more fun in 24 hours here than in my whole time at Chelsea
Fabio Paim
“When I was at Sporting's academy, I did not have the support to tell me what is right and wrong. I am happy to be the example to help the kids.
“I’ve had more fun in 24 hours here than in my whole time at Chelsea. It’s not about the money, it’s about being with friends and family.
“In 2008, I was in one of the top teams in England but the reception was not as welcoming.
“This time I feel a lot better and confident because it's a family environment with my auntie and uncle now living in Dagenham.”
As well as talking to the club’s academy stars, Paim helped Under-18s manager Armenio Anjos - who had Jose Mourinho has his school PE teacher - take a training session after being presented with a personalised Barking shirt and signed ball by chairman Rob O’Brien.
The Blues’ men’s senior team compete in Step 5’s Essex Senior Football League and they now have 26 teams across men’s, women’s and youth football - plus run a scholarship programme.
O’Brien joined the club 15 years ago as a short-term stop-gap to coach the reserves and is still at Mayesbrook Park now.
The former non-league player and design engineer added: “I'm like the butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker, we're quite a small unit and helped by lots of great volunteers.
“I'm proud of this association with Fabio. I wasn’t his style. Fabio had massive talent and didn't work. I was the one he’s talking about now: I didn't have much talent but I worked hard and played until 45.
“I played in a youth team with players who were at professional clubs but I wasn't. I played every day and developed to the point where I surpassed them. As Fabio is saying, talent can be small but effort must be really big.
“He is a great guy - very open, very humbled. I like that. A lot of footballers get discredited as cocky but he is a really nice, laidback guy and I really appreciate him coming here especially as some of the scholars have Portuguese origin. It's been a pleasure.”
Barking has produced a plethora of English talents through the decades - Jack Leslie and World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore both played for the club while John Terry was part of the Barking and Dagenham schools team.
The men’s first team regularly have a few hundred fans watching their games - helped when they coincide with nearby West Ham being away.
And while O’Brien recognises their league status and current clubhouse may not attract much attention, he is well aware of the positive impact Barking FC continues to have after 143 years.
He added: “I’m proudest about what we stand for, we serve the community.
“Barking FC: working for the better future for all in our community. That's our slogan.
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“The biggest change is financing the astroturf pitch, creating a great hub in the area. We didn't get much support - about ten per cent - but spent more than £500,000.
“We like to develop good young citizens so they enjoy it here but know how to behave in society as well as football. Respect is on and off the football pitch.”
