Former Manchester United midfielder Anderson has claimed Cristiano Ronaldo "surprised him at every moment" during their time together at Old Trafford.
Anderson, 34, retired from football in 2020, five years on from his Old Trafford exit. The midfielder made over 180 appearances for United, 61 of which came alongside Ronaldo, winning four Premier League titles, the Champions League and two League Cups.
The former Brazil international even assisted Ronaldo's winner against Porto in the second leg of their quarter-final en route to the 2008/09 Champions League final. Anderson still speaks highly of his former teammate, even in the aftermath of his infamous interview and subsequent departure from United.
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In an interview with Sport, Anderson said: "With Ronaldo, you are surprised at every moment. He thinks 100 per cent about football. The game ends, and he goes straight home to recover. A great professional and a great friend.
"A lot of people don't know it, but he helps a lot of people. He has a very good heart. He took us to training, he cared. In England, he was very important to me."
Anderson continued, going on to laud the player's mentality. "If I had five per cent of the mentality of Cristiano Ronaldo, I could have been among the best in the world," he added. "I know it now. He had talent and quality. Also, with focus.
"I had a nice career because I won many things, but I could have gone much further. You have to be honest. With five per cent of Cristiano... I would still play at the top level now, easily.
“I regret having been unprofessional, of not having listened to the people who recommended me and spoke to me."
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