Bye CR7. You were Great (But you knew that already, right?)

By: Rob | July 6th, 2009

So finally, Cristiano Ronaldo is going to be unvieled and officially announced a Real Madrid player after he at last underwent a medical at the Spanish club. The former Manchester United midfielder of course becomes the most expensive player in the world following the move, and indeed a big part of the Premier League’s identity for the last few years is now residing in Spain.

Some people will be happy about this. I’m not though really. While there is absolutely no doubt Ronaldo had his flaws – he dived, he whinged, he didn’t outwardly have a fantastic attitude, I think there’s little doubt we’ll miss his ability on the pitch.

For all the preening and tears, here’s a player who really had it all.

He was signed famously because after a pre-season friendly with Sporting Lisbon, the United team went back into the dressing room and told Sir Ferg he had to buy him. Fergie obliged, and to show you how much things change in football, at the time the Sky Sports report was “MAN UNITED SIGN RONALDO! (but not that one)”. The idea that United somehow got a poor mans Ronaldo was soon banished.

When he first arrived at Old Trafford he was certainly a little rough around the edges. He had a box of tricks, but too often he’d not bother to cross (a bit of a crime when a goal poacher like Ruud Van Nistolrooy was waiting in the box) and shoot unconvincingly himself. If he didn’t shoot, he’d try one too many stepovers and the oppurtune moment would have passed.

RvN and Ronaldo supposedly fell out over this, and whatever the real reasons, Van Nisto was promptly sent on his way to Real Madrid. It looked an odd descion at the time. Where would United get the goals from now?

But in stopping relying on an out and out striker, Man United changed the way they played. The front line would mix and change and move naturally in a Total-Football esque way. Ronaldo came of age just at the right time after many hours practising his shooting, suddenly became a revelation.

Not of course before this little event on international duty, whereafter he was practically strung up by the English press. Seen to have at least a hand in Rooney’s sending off, he was expected to be sent packing by Man United.

He wasn’t though, and the two struck up a superb partnership as part of United’s new style. Ronaldo, much like another Man United number 7 who got a bad time from the press after an international tournament, proceeded to stick it back to them.

He of course had that magic season, where he couldn’t stop scoring. 42 goals, Records broken left right and centre, and an inevitable Ballon d’Or victory placed him right at the top of the pile. People can argue all day about his ability Vs Messi’s but it is somewhat futile, both are magnificent footballers.

But Ronaldo, arguably has more to his game than the next Ballon d’Or winner (As Messi will undoubtedly be). An incredible goalscorer, with a wonderful box of tricks, he has learned to cross and pass, and is fantastic in the air. Man United have bought in both Valencia and Owen, and you still kind of think they’re together not a suitable replacement for Ronaldo.

His pining for Madrid, along with his many other flaws meant he was never going to get as close to the fans as other Man United legends, but there is no doubt he’s been a big part of that club’s success for the last few seasons. It’ll be interesting to see how he gets on, now he’s got his dream move, but I think its safe to say the Premier League will be quieter without him.