Mourinho surprised by Ronaldo’s work ethic

(GSM) – Real Madrid boss José Mourinho admits he’s amazed by the work ethic in training of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The pair locked horns in England when Mourinho was in charge of Chelsea and Ronaldo was playing for Manchester United.

Now that they’re together, Mourinho admits: “(Agent) Jorge Mendes works with me and with him and we always talk a lot about Cristiano.

“In addition, there are few coaches that I am friends with and Sir Alex Ferguson is one of them. And I talked to him, too.

“He said that the ‘lad’ as he called him, had an amazing way of working. After seeing it up close, I think it is impressive for a player with the status he has that no one works harder than him.

“I had very experienced players at Inter, much older, they were examples. Zanetti, Cordoba and Materazzi showed how it was done. Here I have a Cristiano and, by the way he works, it is easy to demand from others what I want in regard to the dedication to work.”

Mourinho admits he wants Ronaldo to become more of a team player this season.

He explained: “Ronaldo can only improve if the team improves. It is the objective way of addressing the issue. Last season it was he who carried the team on his back on many occasions.

“That’s bad for a player, however good it is. The team needs you, but you cannot depend on him, and he works for the team, not alone.”