Cristiano Ronaldo Pays Tribute to 'Father Figure' Sir Alex Ferguson

Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has paid tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson's compassionate personality as part of an upcoming BBC documentary on the former Manchester United boss.

Ronaldo played for Ferguson at Old Trafford between 2003 and 2009, and he specifically recalls the Scot's support when Ronaldo's father was seriously ill in 2005.

"When my dad was sick in London and was in hospital—very bad, in a coma—I had a conversation with [Ferguson]," Ronaldo said. "I said, 'Boss, I don't feel good.'

 "We are in a key moment in the league and the Champions League, but I say, 'Boss, I don't feel good. I want to see my dad.'

"[He said] 'Cristiano, you want to go one day, two days, one week, you can go. I'm going to miss you here because you know you are important, but your dad [comes] first."

"When he told me that, I thought, 'This guy's unbelievable."

"He was a football father for me," Ronaldo added, referring to the support provided by Ferguson at Old Trafford.

[h/t espn.co.uk]