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Portugal legend has revealed that Ronaldo would have never played at Old Trafford
Portuguese football icon Paulo Futre, during a visit to Carrington last season, revealed the important role he played in opening doors for his compatriots to play abroad, a legacy that notably includes Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Manchester United.
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Who is Futre
The 59-year-old famously helped Atletico Madrid eliminate Manchester United from the European Cup-Winners' Cup in 1992, scoring twice in the home leg.
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Futre, an exceptionally gifted winger career also saw him represent Portugal's "big three" Sporting, Porto, and Benfica and even a brief but memorable stint with West Ham United in the Premier League in 1996/97.
However, it was his groundbreaking transfer to Atletico Madrid in 1987 that he emphasised as the critical turning point for Portuguese players.
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After shining for Porto, including a stellar performance in their European Cup final win over Bayern Munich, Futre sought a new challenge abroad.
What Futre said
Futre explained that there is a new rule, which paved the way for a generation of Portuguese talent to move abroad.
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17:56 - 27.03.2025
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He said, "They had to invent a new law, In 1987, I was the only player abroad and refused the obligatory national service. So the government had to create a new rule.
"Luis Figo and Rui Costa came after me and played abroad, because of me. Now there are over 300 Portuguese players playing abroad, and there are players in teams like Real Madrid and Juventus, thanks to me."
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06:15 - 04.07.2025
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He then playfully added a direct message to Manchester United fans.
“Manchester United fans can be very grateful to me! If this law hadn't changed, Ronaldo would never have played here! United fans are among the best in the world and they should thank me!,” he added.
Indeed, Cristiano Ronaldo was Manchester United's first Portuguese player, and his immense success opened the floodgates for others. Nani, Bebe, and Joel Pereira followed, and more recently, current stars Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes have continued the Portuguese presence at Old Trafford.
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