MANCHESTER UNITED legend Andy Cole has revealed the advice he received from Roy Keane after being left starstruck by an opponent.
The 51-year-old enjoyed a glittering six-year spell at Old Trafford after joining from Newcastle in 1995.
News Group Newspapers LtdCole has admitted that he was starstruck when he came up against Ronaldo[/caption]
News Group Newspapers LtdHe also spoke about the advice he received from Keane[/caption]
He won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, two Community Shields and a Champions League title with the Red Devils, making him one of the club’s most successful players.
But despite his long list of accolades, Cole still found himself starstruck when he came up against one particular player.
Speaking on the Filthy Fellas podcast, the former striker revealed that he was in awe of Ronaldo when he faced the Brazilian in the 1999.
He said: “I remember when I played against the original Brazilian Ronaldo.
“We played them at the San Siro in the Champions League quarter-finals.
“I remember standing in the tunnel looking at him and saying aloud: ‘Bruv, this is Ronaldo!’
“Yeah, I did (get starstruck).
“Everyone’s looking at me saying: ‘Coley, what?’.
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“I’m saying: ‘Nah that’s Ronaldo!’
“I remember Roy (Keane) used to say to me: ‘Just remember you are as good as these man’.
“And I keep saying: ‘But this is Ronaldo bruv!’
“I’m looking at him like he isn’t even real!”
The match at the San Siro ended 1-1, with Paul Scholes and Nicola Ventola both on the scoresheet.
United progressed to the next round thanks to a 3-1 win on aggregate before making it to the final and winning the competition.