Sir Alex is like my mum

He may be regarded as the best player in the world, but Cristiano Ronaldo admits Sir Alex Ferguson makes sure he does not step out of line.

In fact, Fergie rules Manchester United with such an iron fist, it reminds the winger of his early days at home in Portugal.

"He's like my mother or my father, he gives me limits and targets," said the 22-year-old. "But he's fair. The work I've done with Sir Alex has been very helpful. I speak almost every day with him. He knows how to create a good atmosphere."

Ronaldo gave a rare insight into his relationship with the Old Trafford manager, acknowledging the debt of gratitude he owes for Fergie helping to turn him into such a formidable player.

He scooped all the Player of the Year awards last season for his inspired role in helping United to a ninth Premiership title, but confessed he can still incur Fergie's wrath when the veteran boss is on the warpath.

"Sometimes he shakes me, he shouts at me, it's normal," said Ronaldo. "At half-time during games, he has shouted at me a few times, but always to improve me. People say he's mellowed, but he can still get angry - believe me!

"Before every game the manager tells me 'Cristiano, enjoy yourself, use your skills'. I listen to that. I like dribbling, it's my style. But I've never taken the mickey out of my opponents. I respect them.

"At the highest level, if you don't respect your opponents, you won't get a touch. Every dribble asks for a lot of concentration, it's very demanding, against anyone."

Despite all his individual awards last term, it is clear the Premiership title - United's first in four seasons - meant the most.

By the same token, United's agonising defeats to AC Milan in the semi-final of the Champions League and Chelsea in the FA Cup Final are the enduring memories that will drive on Ronaldo in pursuit of more honours this season.

"Last season I was voted Player of the Year by the players, the journalists and the supporters," said Ronaldo in Zoo magazine.

"You don't get that kind of unanimity without having a great season. It was a reward for all my hard work and means I reached my targets.

"But an individual trophy will never be as strong as one you share with your team-mates, even though it remains a great joy. I am proud of what I did."

Despite the heroics which turned Ronaldo from Public Enemy No.1 following his World Cup spat with Wayne Rooney, into the Premiership's star attraction, there are still those who remain unconvinced by the Portugal international.

He polarises opinion like no other player. There are those who continue to brand him a diver, those who feel he goes to ground too easily and those who claim he only turns on the style against lesser opponents and has not proved himself a big-game player.

They are charges Ronaldo rejects. "Last season, I had great games against Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool in the league," he said. "I was good against Roma in the Champions League. There was a lot at stake in those games. I think I've shown I can be good in important games. The only ones who really matter to me are the United fans. If the opposition supporters respect me, that's all good. But if they hate me? Fair enough, I accept it.

"I know that during certain games I do too much. But I can't deny myself. This is my way of playing football, I take risks, I dribble, I shoot.

"With the replays, people can make their own opinion. But I don't cheat. I don't do that. Some people don't like me and have a bad opinion of me, but what can I do?

"During last season's derby against Manchester City, a player stamped on me. The supporters booed me and said I had simulated. I don't care. I do my work. People have their own opinion of me, I can't do anything about it."

Despite his elevation to A-list celebrity status, confirmation of which came when he was mobbed by adoring fans everywhere he went on United's pre-season tour of the Far East, Ronaldo insists nothing will be allowed to affect his love of the game.

"Football is my life," he said. "When I was a kid, I only dreamt about it, to play in big stadiums, to be a professional and to win titles. This is the life I have always dreamt about, so how can I be sad?

"Sometimes you get upset by missed chances and defeats. I can be angry on the pitch, but never sad. I enjoy myself with a ball. I don't ever recall a game when I didn't have fun. It's never happened to me."

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