Why Ronaldo wears number '7'

A shirt number favoured by many great footballers, the pressure that accompanies it can be crushing. Ronaldo has borne the legendary number '7' for Manchester United, Real Madrid and Portugal.

In an event to promote his new Nike CR7 Chapter 4 boots, the Portuguese captain revealed he came close to wearing number 28, but for Ferguson's interference.

The United boss told a young 18-year-old Ronaldo: 'Look, I want you to wear number seven', the striker remembers, 'I was surprised because I knew what players had worn the shirt before me'. After that, Ronaldo took over the legacy of players such as George Best, Eric Cantona or David Beckham.

'It was the beginning of my successful period in football', he explained. 'Not only did I improve my footballing abilities, but also my physicality', the Portuguese player remarked.