CRISTIANO RONALDO considered quitting football before his big break at Manchester United due to constant bullying, loneliness and homesickness.
Though now one of the greatest players in history, Ronaldo had to overcome considerable adversity during his days at Sporting Lisbon’s academy.
A new book claims the Red Devils star – who went on to win five Champions League titles and five Ballon d’Ors – almost packed it up as he struggled to fit in with fellow kids.
Ronaldo was born in February 1985 on the island of Madeira – 535 miles from the Portuguese capital Lisbon.
He was recruited by Sporting at the age of 12 but his first few years were so tough that a new book published this week claims Ronaldo: