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'I told young Ronaldo he would win the Ballon d'Or one day' - Silvestre recalls former Man Utd star's rapid rise

The ex-Red Devils defender has claimed a man currently plying his trade at Juventus "sometimes overdid it" in his early years at Old Trafford

Mikel Silvestre has claimed he told a young Cristiano Ronaldo he would win the Ballon d'Or one day while recalling the former Manchester United star's rapid rise to prominence.

United signed Ronaldo as an 18-year-old from Sporting CP for just £12 million in 2003, and he went on to establish himself as one of the greatest players in the club's recent history.

The Portuguese broke all kinds of records while inspiring the Red Devils to success on both domestic and European fronts, with Silvestre among those to notice his immense potential right from the very start.