RON OF A KIND
I’m the coach who discovered Cristiano Ronaldo – I knew he was destined for greatness after seeing three star qualities
Former Sporting Lisbon coach also reveals why he moved the Portuguese from his original role to winger
CRISTIANO RONALDO'S former Sporting Lisbon Laszlo Boloni boss revealed the Portuguese icon was destined for greatness after spotting three key things.
And his journey to become one of the best players in the world began with his first-team debut in August 2002.
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The Al-Nassr star has gone on to win 33 trophies in his spell-bounding career, including seven league titles, five Champions Leagues, and a European Championship for Portugal.
And at just 17-years-old was when Ronaldo made his first appearance in the 58th minute of Sporting CP's Champions League qualifiers against Inter Milan.
While the game ended 0-0 Sporting coach Boloni knew this was the beginning of something great for the youngster.
The 70-year-old spotted not only his physical and technical ability but Ronaldo's maturity that went beyond his years.
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The Romanian said to : "I went to see the youth team and asked if Cristiano could come along with the first team because he was in good physical condition, was really quick and had great technical ability.
"None of this was a surprise. When I saw him in action, I decided that he wasn't going to go back to playing with the youth team.
"He played and behaved like someone way beyond his years. In the dressing room he was a bit of a joker, but on the pitch he was exceptional.
"To have the level of maturity that he did isn't common for someone of 16 to 17 years of age.
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"I didn't know that he was going to be one of the best ever, but I did know that, if he avoided injuries, he would be a very good player."
Boloni who is currently in the leading role at Ligue 1 side Mertz even said Ronaldo could overtake Portuguese greats Luis Figo and Eusebio.
He continued: "At that time I was asked about him in an interview and I said that he would surpass Luis Figo and even Eusebio.
"Comparing a young player to those two, who are considered Gods in Portugal, caused me some problems. Ronaldo, though, has proven that I was right all along."
During the strikers youth playing days, Boloni also revealed how Ronaldo even played in the wing
He added: "He was young and only weighed 60kg, so it was going to be difficult for him to hold up the ball when up against 100kg center-backs.
";On the flank, with the speed and dribbling ability he had, he would be far more effective."
Alongside the Real Madrid icon during his early days in Lisbon was Fabio Paim - who is the only player Ronaldo has said will surpass him - but his career quickly took a turn for the worse.
The wonderkid at Sporting who was meant to be better than Ronaldo
Fabio Paim was supposed to become the best footballer in the world
Paim is the only player Cristiano Ronaldo has publicly stated is better than him.
The winger was snapped up by Sporting Lisbon's academy at eight, leaving home to live in Lisbon and the hype quickly gained momentum.
Paim’s talent seemed destined to propel him to greatness - and exceed fellow Sporting Academy prodigy Ronaldo who is three years older.
But he failed to make a single senior debut at Sporting and went on loan to Chelsea in 2008.
Paim became "overwhelmed" by money and fame and splashed his cash on cars, women, alcohol and partying.
Then at 22 he "mentally" retired and continued a journeyman career in China, Angola, Lithuania, Qatar, Malta and Brazil, simply to fund his lavish lifestyle.
And in 2019, Paim’s life took its worst turn when he was arrested for carrying 5g of cocaine.
He then ended up in the infamous Caxias prison for 12 months which is next to where the Portugal national team trained and where Paim would be forced to watch Ronaldo from his cell window.
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