Ferguson's kind gesture for emotional Ronaldo when his dad fell ill

Cristiano Ronaldo has recalled the kind gesture that legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson made to him during their time at Manchester United after his father fell ill.

The Portuguese superstar played under Ferguson for six years at Old Trafford after being signed for a fee in the region of £12million which made him the most expensive teenager in English football.

He went on to live up to that reputation in style, developing into one of the greatest players of all time, winning seven league titles and five Champions Leagues across his career.

Ronaldo is now back at the Red Devils after returning to Manchester in a £12m deal from Serie A giants Juventus on deadline day of the summer transfer window.

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That return to Old Trafford has seen him link back up with his former boss Ferguson, who retains a major influence on the Premier League giants.

Many were delighted to see the 36-year-old back in a United shirt, with Ferguson thought to be one of the main influencers on the deal.

And the duo have now looked back with fond memories on their time together between Ronaldo's arrival in 2003 and his departure in 2009.

In a feature for Manchester United's club website, Ferguson revealed his strategy for ensuring Ronaldo settled in England.

"For communication in my particular job as manager it's vital in terms of giving value to all your staff," Ferguson said.

"It doesn't matter if it's one of my players or staff, or the groundsmen. I think leadership and communication are entwined together, without question.

"In the case of Cristiano, he was only a young boy when he came to us so it was important to make him feel comfortable."

Part of making Ronaldo "comfortable" was being understanding when a family emergency came up for Ronaldo.

The Portuguese attacker recalled how the Scottish boss allowed his to take several days off when his father was hospitalised.

That gesture came despite United being in the middle of a tough run of games and with Ronaldo being one of the Red Devils' star players.

"Probably he doesn't remember, but I will say it because it's a beautiful story. One day, my father was in hospital, and I was so emotional, very low," Ronaldo said.

"And I spoke with him and he said: 'Cristiano, go there for two or three days.' We had difficult games and I was a key player in that moment.

"He said: 'It will be tough because we have difficult games, but I understand your situation and I'll leave you [out] and you can go and see your father.'

"For me, these are the most important things - apart from winning Champions Leagues, to win the Premier League, to win cups and stuff.

"So, I have to appreciate him, because what he said to me, he always did. I have to appreciate that."

Ronaldo has scored 13 goals since returning to Old Trafford and has thrived despite what has been a challenging campaign for United.