Exploring Ronaldo’s Journey as an Amateur Player: From Humble Beginnings to Global Stardom

Paintsil retired in 2016 but fans remember him fondly for his time playing at Craven Cottage. He made 91 appearances for the Cottagers and had a short spell with West Ham United. Currently, Paintsil is an assistant coach of the Ghana team.

When asked about facing Cristiano Ronaldo during his time in the Premier League, former defender Paintsil shared how he restrained the five Ballon d’Or winner via Sports World Ghana: “As a defender, I have studied and know how Ronaldo can do. I have watched him for several years. So when one-on-one with Ronaldo, I know he wants to cut inside with his right foot.

Ronaldo is right-footed and wants to operate from the left wing. So the best way is to let him keep the ball on his weaker foot. Because I carefully learned Ronaldo’s habits, I easily restrained him. Ronaldo actually looked like an amateur player when facing me.” Paintsil has faced Ronaldo four times in his career, winning two and losing two of those matches.

ronaldo-nhu-mot-cau-thu-nghiep-du (1).jpg — Paintsil “takes selfies” when he knows how to restrain Ronaldo. Photo: GETTY.

The Portugal captain has scored three goals, most notably a brace in Manchester United’s 4-1 win over West Ham in 2008. Cristiano Ronaldo, now 39 years old and playing football in Saudi Arabia Arabia but is still considered one of the best strikers to ever play in the Premier League.

Ronaldo has scored 103 goals and had 39 assists in 236 matches, winning three championships in two periods of competition at Old Trafford. Cristiano Ronaldo’s meteoric rise to becoming one of, if not the greatest player in history, began at Man United. The club and country’s top goalscorer joined the Red Devils under Sir Alex Ferguson from Liga Portugal side Sporting CP for a fee of £12.4 million in 2003.

The five-time UEFA Champions League winning striker has had great success at Manchester United, thanks to his work ethic and desire to become one of the best players in the world. Rene Meulensteen, Ferguson’s former assistant coach, is not surprised by Ronaldo’s rise.

ronaldo-nhu-mot-cau-thu-nghiep-du (2).jpg — Superstar Ronaldo had great success at Old Trafford when he moved from Portugal to England to play football. Photo: GETTY.

The Dutch coach told The Daily Mail about the Real Madrid legend’s development to become the greatest goalscorer in history: “Ronaldo has full potential to become the best player in the world. He is very determined and focused, always staying on the field to practice more. Ronaldo accepts everything that he knows will help him achieve his desired goal.”

Ronaldo left Old Trafford in 2009 when he joined La Liga giants Real Madrid, in a then world record deal of £80m. He broke many records at the Santiago Bernabeu and created the world’s biggest rivalry with great rival Lionel Messi.