This summer is certainly Alex Ferguson’s toughest moment in his career. In his entire 21 years as the manager of Manchester United, the best thing – arguably – that has ever happened to him was the arrival of two Portuguese: Carlos Queiros and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Since the death of his father in 2005, Ronaldo adopted the former Portuguese boss as his new daddy. And whether it is a coincidence or not, it was only then that Man United’s number 7 rose, transforming his youth talent into a professional footballer performance – scoring in the process 23 goals in the 2006/07 season and 42 last season.

If Carlos Queiros indeed played a major role in inspiring and guiding the winger to these prowesses, it is quite understandable that Ronaldo might see no reason why he should stay at Old Trafford to honour his contract since Queiros himself is no more in England.

Ronaldo’s present amazing style of play found it’s roots in his childhood. As a boy, Cristiano had always been mentally strong with the dream of being a notable footballer. Physically, Ronaldo was devoted and smart; at the age of 12, he joined Alcochete, the soccer kindergarten of Sporting Club in Lisbon where the head coach was none other than the illustrious Carlos Queiros.

Coincidently, these two – Ronaldo and Queiros – met again in England, where their presence powered Manchester United to both domestic and European glory.

Now, Queiros has quit his post as the assistant coach of the Scottish man Alex Ferguson to manage the senior national team of Portugal. Ronaldo’s dream of playing in Spain and for Real Madrid especially had been burning in the winger’s heart for years. And if it was only Carlos Queiros who could prevent him from leaving the Theatre of Dreams sooner, now that this man has left, why not Ronaldo?

All by himself, well-grown Ronnie will have to defend his worth and name in club football.

In the Portuguese national team, he could be enjoying an amazing team success, as he will be pairing one more time with his ‘daddy’.

Written by: Angela Asante