Former Rangers star Bruno Alves has revealed that a phone call from Man United legend Cristiano Ronaldo convinced him not to retire from the game.
Now playing for Greek outfit Apollon Smyrnis, Alves continues to play football as a centre-back even at the ripe-old-age of 39.
But after a failed spell with Portuguese side Famalicão, Alves was considering hanging up his boots for good before Ronaldo intervened.
The two have played with Portugal together for around two decades – with Ronaldo’s 115 international goals for the nation a men’s scoring record – and the attacker convinced Alves to stay in the game.
Ronaldo himself made a move in the summer after re-joining Man United in a £13m deal [Sky Sports].
“He told me: ‘You have to keep playing. Take care of yourself and you’re in good shape. I know how much you love football, so don’t give up,’” said Alves [Record].
“It changed my decision. It was great support from the best in the world. If Cristiano says to continue, then it’s because I can really continue.”
Cristiano Ronaldo convinces ex-Rangers star to keep playing
It shows the power of influence Ronaldo holds over those he has played alongside and the Portugal captain is undoubtedly amongst the best players ever to have played the game.
Alves – who played for Rangers in the 17/18 season and was signed by Pedro Caixinha and has 96 Portugal caps – spent three years at Italian club Parma after leaving Ibrox.
The player left the club in the summer following their relegation to Serie B and after signing for F.C. Famalicão he left within two weeks after following out with the hierarchy at the club.
A marquee signing for Rangers who spent much of his time at Ibrox on the treatment table, Alves made 25 appearances for the Ibrox club, scoring twice.
So far the ex-Porto defender has made six appearances for Apollon Smyrnis and returns to Greece after a spell with AEK Athens earlier in his career.
Meanwhile, criticism has been levelled at a form Ibrox star following a disappointing performance against Aberdeen at Ibrox.
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