Cristiano Ronaldo and Kelly Cates crossed paths when the striker played for Man Utd (Image: GETTY)
Cristiano Ronaldo came face to face with new Match of the Day host Kelly Cates when he was interviewed by the broadcaster during his first stint as a Manchester United player. And the hit star appeared offended by one particular question as he swore in disbelief.
The 39-year-old initially spent six years at Old Trafford after joining the club from Sporting in 2003. He then played for Real Madrid and Juventus before joining United for the second time in 2021.
The Portugal international then had his contract in the northwest terminated in November 2022 and signed for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League shortly after.
Ronaldo had a difficult start to life in Manchester as a youth, but quickly became a household name and played for the team on a weekly basis.
His first spell at Old Trafford coincided with a successful period in United's history, with the team winning numerous trophies under the management of Sir Alex Ferguson.
The player helped the Red Devils win three Premier Leagues, the Champions League and the Club World Cup as well as two League Cups and the FA Cup. He even won the first of his five Ballon d'Ors during this period.
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Cristiano Ronaldo had two spells at Manchester United before joining Saudi Arabia. (Image: GETTY)
And in a Premier League clash with Aston Villa in March 2008, he opened the scoring with a cheeky backheel, before scoring three more goals in a 4-0 victory.
But the ace was not happy when Cates asked him if the strike was deliberate during a post-match interview with Setanta Sports.
“One of the most memorable [goals I’ve witnessed] that was years ago,” Cates told FourFourTwo while detailing his interaction with Ronaldo. “I think it was against Aston Villa and it was pouring rain.
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“Cristiano Ronaldo kind of backtracked, he did something strange. In the commentary they said, 'I'm not sure if it was deliberate,' or something like that.
“The reason it sticks in my mind is because I did the post-match interview and asked, 'Did you mean that?' He said, “Sorry?”
“I didn't think he heard it, but he heard it and he said to me, 'Are you kidding me?' Yeah, I thought so. It's more the shame of it all that remains with me.
Sky Sports presenter Cates has been tapped to replace Gary Lineker on Match of the Day, with the BBC set to rotate three presenters to host the show. Cates will share the role with Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan, with Lineker stepping down at the end of the season.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1994843/Cristiano-Ronaldo-Kelly-Cates-Match-of-the-Day-Man-Utd