“At the time, he was a much more virtuous player” – Cristiano Ronaldo’s ex-Portugal youth teammate Costinha

Cristiano Ronaldo’s former youth teammate Costinha has shed light on the former’s game at the youth level. Costinha recalled an Under-15 match against South Africa, which Portugal won by 2-1.

Both Ronaldo and Costinha were part of that game. While Ronaldo went on to become one of the best players in the world, Costinha decided to retire at the early age of 25 years. Costinha went on to make his career in the aviation industry.

Former Ronaldo’s teammate said CR7 level at that time was higher than the other players in the team but it was difficult to predict how far he would go.

In an interview with Maisfutebol, Costinha said as quoted by talkSPORT, “I think that the most emblematic moment of his career was really the first game for the national team, in the under-15s. Even today, I get goosebumps when I hear the anthem.”

“Of course, it becomes even more emblematic because Cristiano Ronaldo also made his debut that day, although we were far from knowing how far he would go. At the time, he was a much more virtuous player and was already on a much higher level than the others.”

Meanwhile, Ronaldo is still going strongly at the top level despite turning 39. But, the veteran didn’t have a great run in the recently concluded Euro 2024 as he could only provide a solitary assist and failed to find the back of the net in five matches of the continental tournament in Germany.

On the other hand, Ronaldo scored 35 goals and provided 11 assists in 31 matches in the previous season of the Saudi Pro League 2023-24 for Al-Nassr.