Cristiano Ronaldo: The Boy That Had A Dream

WITHOUT DOUBT, IT TAKES A VERY SPECIAL PLAYER to wear the number seven shirt for Manchester United and to follow in the foot-steps of previous club icons who have worn this shirt — players like the late and great George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona and, of course, David Beckham. Cristiano Ronaldo Dos Santos Aveiro is that very special player — and one who rose from humble beginnings in Portugal to his current position as one of the highest paid footballers anywhere.

Arguably one of the world's greatest footballers and deserving of a worthy tribute, this star footballer is the subject of a remarkable DVD — a revealing documentary that is a must for football fans, Manchester United supporters or those who admire the man himself. Cristiano Ronaldo: The Boy That Had A Dream gives the all-new, exclusive inside story of the footballer and takes a look behind the scenes at his life and career to date.

Cristiano Ronaldo was born in a small village in Madeira in 1985. Taking the name Ronaldo from his mother's admiration for Ronald Reagan, he was a child prodigy with a ball constantly at his feet. His exceptional ability soon attracted the bigger clubs in mainland Portugal and so
keen were Sporting Lisbon to secure his services before anyone else pounced that the Board of Management wrote off a debt of 22,000 Euros owed by his local club to clinch the deal — an unheard of amount for Portuguese football clubs to pay out for a twelve-year-old who had yet to prove himself!

Such was his ability that Ronaldo has never disappointed, establishing himself in the first team by the age of 18. Following a friendly against Manchester United in 2003, he became a prize target for Sir Alex Ferguson and when he transferred to United his wages rose from 2,000 Euros a month to 20,000 Euros a week.

For many 18-year-olds living away from home and not speaking English, this could have had disastrous consequences. But Ronaldo, with the support of his family and friends, has adjusted to super-stardom — both on and off the pitch — with an ease, maturity and dedication to succeed that belies his age.

Packed with entertaining and fascinating insights Cristiano Ronaldo: The Boy That Had A Dream features in-depth interviews with the star, his family and friends as well as some of the game's greatest names including Sir Alex Ferguson, Luis Figo, Wayne Rooney and Luiz Felipe Scolari.

You will see the Manchester United midfielder at his brilliant best on the football pitch and can watch the star in action playing for Portugal, at the World Cup and the European Championships, destroying defences and scoring breath-taking goals for Manchester United. And you will go behind closed doors to reveal everything that any football fan would want to know about one of the biggest names in football.

Ronaldo's rise to the top was confirmed during the 2006/7 season
when he led Manchester United to the English Premiership title and was awarded the accolades The Players' Player and Young Player of the Year. In addition, he was awarded the 2007 Portuguese Footballer of the Year, and the Football Writers' Association Award.

He also received two awards from his own club: the Player of the Year award, and the Fans' Player of the Year award. Ronaldo scored his 50th goal for Manchester United in the game against arch-rivals Man-chester City — and it turned out to be the decisive goal which helped Manchester United claim the Premiership for the first time in four years.

Ronaldo's sensational skills have earned him fans around the world. His pace, power and wizard technique leaves his opponents watching in bewilderment, disbelief and respect — this revered player has lit up the world of football and he is rightfully acknowledged as one of the great-est players on the planet.

• An essential profile of a gifted young footballer whose feet just keep conjuring up the magic — and a terrific Christmas present for any soc-cer fan — Cristiano Ronaldo: The Boy That Had A Dream, was released on 5 November (2007). — Peter Brownlow

Product Information: Released by ITV DVD | Price: £17.99 RRP | Running Time: 80 mins approx | Audio: English, stereo | Aspect
Ratio: 16:9.

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