Antony explains Ronaldo's most impressive trait

The Portuguese icon made the headlines on Sunday when he scored a 700th goal in club football with an unerring finish in our 2-1 Premier League win over Everton. 

Ronaldo ignored his usual ‘Siu!’ celebration at Goodison Park in favour of an inside joke with new team-mate Antony, who both stood in an upright sleeping position in a playful nod to CR7’s regular naps. 

As fans may have seen, the celebration has already been copied by several players across football this week and we might see it again tonight (Thursday) when United host Omonia Nicosia at Old Trafford in the Europa League. 

Antony has always referenced Ronaldo as one of his idols and, after his transfer from Ajax in the summer, the Brazilian is living his dream to call him a team-mate. 

In an interview that fans can read more of this weekend, our no.21 speaks glowingly about his blossoming relationship with Cristiano and how he is learning from him every day. 

“Since I arrived here, Cristiano Ronaldo has really helped me feel at ease; he speaks to me a lot, on matchdays as well,” Antony told us at Carrington.

“He always tells me to be calm and confident, he’s achieved so much in football and I learn from him every day. I’m really grateful to have such an experienced person teaching us young players every day.”
 
Asked how Ronaldo has impressed him the most so far, Antony continues: “His mentality, it’s so strong. He’s very intelligent. This mentality of his, looking to the next day, everything still to play for, it’s what I’m trying to take on board and keep for the rest of my life.”

As you may have seen on Monday, the squad prepared a special celebration of Ronaldo’s 700 club goals inside the Carrington dressing room and such an event is representative of his standing in the group. 

When we caught up with Victor Lindelof this week, the defender highlighted the importance of occasions like that and he struggled to comprehend the magnitude of Cristiano’s scoring milestone. 

“It’s important to celebrate together as a team,” said Lindelof, who notably made his 200th United appearance at the weekend.

“That is an unbelievable achievement to score 700 club goals. I mean, some people don't even reach 700 games, let alone 700 goals. So that is amazing. We wanted to show some appreciation to him and give him something nice.”