Al Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has become the “most influential person” for one Manchester United star both on the pitch and off it.
Cristiano Ronaldo has settled into life in the Saudi Pro League after he inked a lucrative deal with Al Nassr in 2023.
The 39-year-old Manchester United legend left Old Trafford for the second time in 2022 after his falling out with manager Erik ten Hag.
Ronaldo fell down the pecking order at United after Erik ten Hag’s arrival from Ajax in 2022, with the Portugal captain left frustrated with his lack of playing time.
The Portuguese forward dropped a bombshell interview with TV broadcaster Piers Morgan before his contract with United was terminated by mutual agreement.
Before his falling out with Ten Hag, Ronaldo had impressed on his return to Old Trafford in 2021 after he was signed from Serie A side Juventus.
The Madrid and United legend scored an impressive 24 times in 38 appearances across all competitions for the Red Devils in the 2021-22 season.
Ronaldo’s influence on Man Utd star
Cristiano Ronaldo’s second spell at Manchester United saw him link up with Portugal teammates Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes.
Diogo Dalot has had a career resurgence at Old Trafford and the Portugal international has impressed under Erik ten Hag in the current season at the club.
The 25-year-old United full-back has admitted that Ronaldo has become the “most influential person” in his life and considers him a friend.
Dalot raved about the impact that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has had on him and how he can tap into Ronaldo’s “experience, talent and wisdom.”
Speaking to FourFourTwo magazine, he said: “I’ve never actually said this before, but Cristiano is the most influential person I’ve ever had in football. On and off the pitch.
“I consider him a friend, yet it sounds surreal because he was my idol, my reference, for years. I first met him properly at Euro 2020 and any time I spend with him makes me feel richer in terms of knowledge.
“I can draw from his vast experience, talent and wisdom.”
Dalot talks his Man Utd season
Dalot has been a regular starter under Ten Hag this season and the United star has impressed with his consistent performances for the Red Devils.
The United and Portugal defender has also shown his versatility at Old Trafford, having played at both right-back and left-back amid the injuries the club have faced.
Dalot admitted that United have underwhelmed this season, but the Red Devils full-back believes that he has shown his worth on an individual front.
“Obviously, it doesn’t taste the same when collectively you don’t get the results that we wanted since day one,” he told Manchester United’s official website.
“But individually, I think I’ve made a pretty good season so far. I’ve made a step forward, relating to previous seasons, which makes me happy, makes me feel that the work that I’ve been putting in is paying off.”