Indian cricketer and Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag has opened up about his long-standing admiration for Manchester United and Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, revealing that his childhood connection with the Premier League club played a major role in shaping his football preference.
Parag said Manchester United has always been his favourite Premier League club, recalling how he grew up watching the team and admiring its players. The iconic red jersey and Ronaldo's performances during his first spell at Old Trafford were among the biggest reasons behind his attachment to the club.
“When it comes to football, Manchester United is the team for me. I grew up watching them and admiring their players. I loved the red jersey, and I really admired Cristiano Ronaldo during his time there. So, that explains my choice,” Parag said.
The Rajasthan Royals captain also spoke at length about Ronaldo, identifying the Portuguese legend as the footballer he has admired more than any other player. Parag said he was particularly impressed by Ronaldo's journey from Sporting CP as a young player to becoming one of the biggest stars in world football.
“I've always admired one player above all others, Cristiano Ronaldo. The way he came from Sporting CP as a young kid, and then what he did in the Premier League and how he elevated it. I don't think any other player comes close,” he said.
Ronaldo joined Manchester United from Sporting CP in 2003 and quickly developed into one of the most exciting young players in European football. During his first spell at the English club, he evolved from a talented winger into a prolific goalscorer and established himself among the world's elite.
His performances for Manchester United also cemented his global popularity, making him one of the most influential sporting figures of his generation. His success at the club clearly left a lasting impression on Parag, who grew up watching the Portuguese star's rise.
Parag's comments come at a significant stage of Ronaldo's illustrious career. The Portugal captain has indicated that he could be approaching the final year of his professional football career and has spoken about his desire to leave behind a spectacular legacy after more than two decades at the highest level.
Ronaldo has also revealed that he has already begun thinking about life after football and has several projects and interests that could keep him occupied once he eventually retires.
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“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy. I have my future all mapped out. I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard,” Ronaldo said.
The Portuguese star acknowledged that stepping away from football could leave a major void after spending more than 25 years competing at the highest level. He said he intends to remain active by travelling, watching and playing padel, and enjoying the rewards of a career built on immense sacrifice.
“Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one. And also have more fun, travel more; watch and play padel, which I really like; and continue to enjoy what I've earned -- what we've earned. Because after all it's been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice,” Ronaldo said.
Ronaldo was last seen representing Portugal at the FIFA World Cup 2026, where his side's campaign ended in the round of 16 in July. For Parag, meanwhile, Ronaldo remains an enduring sporting inspiration, with the football icon's journey from a young Sporting CP prospect to a global superstar continuing to resonate with the Indian cricketer.
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