Rio Ferdinand recalls a key moment in Cristiano Ronaldo's career: Sir Alex Ferguson making him cry on the pitch.
Ronaldo became one of football's greatest players after joining Manchester United from Sporting CP in 2003 and has often credited Ferguson as one of the most important figures in his career.
Ronaldo scored 145 goals in 346 appearances during two spells at Old Trafford, but his time under Ferguson saw him transform from a talented but erratic winger to the world's best player in 2009, when he left to join Real Madrid in a world record transfer.
The Portuguese star won three consecutive Premier League titles and the 2008 UEFA Champions League during that glittering spell with United, during which he also won the first of five Ballon d'Or in his career.
Ferdinand, who signed for United a year before Ronaldo arrived, recalls one particular incident in which Ferguson made it clear to the young striker that he had to earn the right to be considered a "superstar".
Indeed, the former England captain believes Ferguson's mastery of player management is why Ronaldo was recognized as the best player on the planet when he moved to Spain for £80m.
Rio Ferdinand Reveals How Sir Alex Ferguson Once Made CR7 Cry
Ferdinand spoke to BBC Sport as part of a documentary called "Sir Alex", which the British channel will broadcast on December 26.
"We went to Portugal and played a few games, and Cristiano hadn't played well, because he was young, he had tried a lot," Ferdinand said.
"I remember we played against Benfica and the manager attacked Cristiano. 'Who do you think you are? You come here to try and show everyone who you think you are, you think you are a superstar.'
"I remember Cristiano in tears on the way. And I said, 'This manager doesn't matter, man. He doesn't matter. who he is.
"But look at the player he's become. He needed moments like that. And the manager knew he could be kind and gentle with him, but he also had to be tough to get him where he was: the best player in the world when he left.
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