Sá Pinto, 51 years old, crossed paths with Ronaldo at Sporting, when he was taking his first steps into the main team, and immediately recognised the talent that existed, not only in 'CR7', but also in Ricardo Quaresma, who was in the working group.

“I believed in Ronaldo, as I also believed a lot in Quaresma. They were two kids who at that time started with us and with a lot of quality. At the time, Quaresma was a little more mature in terms of decision-making and playing, but I really believed in both of them, they were kids with a lot of quality and a lot of talent”, he said in an interview with Lusa agency.

For Sá Pinto, Ronaldo ended up standing out for being an exemplary athlete and a great professional, as well as being “an extraordinary player”.

“He is one of the best ever in the history of football. In terms of talent, in terms of everything, he really is an exemplary professional, because if he didn't take care of himself if he wasn't ambitious all the time, he wouldn't be a winner all the time, it would be difficult, at 39 years old, to continue playing and to do what he is doing and return to a European championship”, he highlighted.

Ricardo Sá Pinto, who trained at FC Porto and Salgueiros, but who stood out with Sporting, stressed that it is difficult to maintain ambition and always want more when you have already won as many collective and individual titles as Ronaldo did.

“That’s what clearly sets him apart from others. He makes a difference not only through his professionalism and quality but through his character and strength. He has the unique ambition of a true winner,” he said.

Ronaldo is preparing to participate for the sixth time in the final phase of a European Championship and Sá Pinto believes that the captain will continue to be decisive, highlighting the season he had with Al Nassr, with 50 goals scored and the title of best championship scorer.

“I hope he continues to be decisive in this European Championship because he really continues to score goals and continues to do well”, he concluded.

Euro2024 will take place in Germany, between June 14th and July 14th, with Portugal being part of Group F, together with the Czech Republic, Turkey, and Georgia.