Riyan Parag Shares His Love for Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo

Riyan Parag's Premier League Affection

Riyan Parag, the captain of Rajasthan Royals and a prominent Indian cricketer, has expressed his fondness for Manchester United, attributing it to his childhood admiration for the club and its star player, Cristiano Ronaldo. In an interview with JioStar, Parag mentioned that he grew up watching Manchester United, captivated by the players and the iconic red jersey. He stated, "For me, Manchester United is the ultimate football team. My admiration for their players and the red jersey, especially Cristiano Ronaldo during his tenure, explains my loyalty to the club."

'Cristiano Ronaldo: My Ultimate Inspiration'

Parag elaborated on his deep admiration for Ronaldo, labeling him as the footballer he respects the most. He remarked, "Cristiano Ronaldo has always been my top choice. His journey from Sporting CP to becoming a Premier League legend is remarkable, and no other player can compare to his impact."

Ronaldo's Reflections on His Legacy

Ronaldo made his move to Manchester United from Sporting CP in 2003, quickly rising to prominence as one of the best footballers globally during his initial stint with the club. Recently, the Portuguese icon hinted that he might be approaching the final chapter of his football career, expressing a desire to leave a lasting legacy. He shared insights about his future plans, stating, "This could be my last year playing football, and I aim to create a remarkable legacy. I have numerous projects lined up for life after football."

Ronaldo acknowledged that transitioning away from football could create a significant void in his life. To counter this, he intends to remain active through travel, playing padel, and enjoying the fruits of his 25-year career filled with hard work. He added, "Football could leave a big gap, so I plan to fill my time with various activities, including travel and playing padel, which I enjoy. It's essential to have fun and appreciate what I've achieved after all these years of dedication."

Recent Appearances

The last time Ronaldo took to the field for Portugal was during the FIFA World Cup 2026, where his team faced elimination in the round of 16 in July.