Joshua praises "brave" Man Utd star Ronaldo for "going against grain"

Anthony Joshua has praised Cristiano Ronaldo's "brave" decision to return to Manchester United ahead of his second debut.

The Portugal international rejoined the Red Devils, 12 years after his departure to Real Madrid, in a whirlwind 48 hour period towards the end of the transfer window.

At one point, it looked likely that the 36-year-old would sign for Manchester City.

But calls from the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Rio Ferdinand saw Ronaldo change his mind while Ed Woodward put forward a case to the Glazers over why his signing was pivotal.

It saw a major reversal, not least from a number of United fans who were initially horrified by the prospect of their club legend turning out in the blue of Manchester.

Cristiano Ronaldo is back at United ( Image:

Manchester United via Getty Imag)

There has been plenty of talk ahead of this weekend with supporters made to wait over his second coming at Old Trafford due to the international break.

And one voice added to the mix is that of British boxer Joshua, who believes the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has made a brave decision.

Speaking to Ferdinand for William Hill, AJ said: "Joining United is a tough ask, it's a lot of pressure that he's going to be under. I've got to give him credit for that."

Ferdinand replied: "He (Ronaldo) doesn't feel pressure, he expects it. He's gone to United to win trophies and if they don't win trophies he'll see that as a disappointment."

Joshua said back: "This is fascinating. What it tells me is when you face that adversity, you've given yourself every advantage whether that's a chef or a masseuse to pull yourself out at the last minute.

"He knew how tough it was to reach his level. Being great is about going that extra mile time and time again."

Anthony Joshua has praised Cristiano Ronaldo's decision to return to United ( Image:

INSTAGRAM)

Rio said: "Ronaldo was a visionary. When at United, he built a team around himself. I went round to his house one day and there were six or seven people in his living room.

"I asked who they were and it was his personal masseuse, nutritionist, physio, Dr, chef. No one else was doing that then. People were laughing at him at the time for doing extras but when he won the Ballon d'or (2008), everyone started copying him."

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Replying, AJ said: "That's what I find interesting about him, that goes back to him being brave because when you have that vision, it doesn't always sit right with everyone.

"You know what people say, why's he got that extra physio, why doesn't he eat at the club like everyone else. Does it go against the grain? Sometimes you have to go against the grain."

Anthony Joshua and Rio Ferdinand are William Hill ambassadors. WilliamHill.com. 18+ BeGambleAware