Cristiano Ronaldo is, unquestionably, one of the greatest names of his generation. The rivalry with Messi in the 21st century shook and continues to shake football to this day. But do you remember the Portuguese player’s early career?
Cris broke into Sporting’s first team in the 2002/03 season, the only one he spent with the Lions before moving to Manchester. Wearing United’s shirt, the legendary number 7 accumulated trophies and achievements across six seasons, including the 2007/08 UEFA Champions League, in which he played a major part and which greatly helped secure his first Ballon d’Or.
After finishing top of Group F ahead of Roma, Sporting and Dynamo Kyiv, the Red Devils got past Lyon, Roma and Barcelona before meeting Chelsea in the final in Moscow. In Russia, CR7 put United ahead in the first half and Lampard equalised a few minutes later, taking the tie to penalties, where the Manchester club prevailed.
A few months later, Cristiano Ronaldo would be crowned the world’s best player for the first of five times. That season the number 7 scored 42 goals and provided six assists in 49 appearances. Aside from the Champions League, the Portuguese’s United also won the Premier League under Alex Ferguson.
The Champions final from that season marks its 18th anniversary this Thursday (21). And A Hint of Nostalgia invites you to recall that legendary red shirt worn by the Red Devils in their third — and, at the time, last — Champions triumph.
