WATCH: Cristiano Ronaldo reveals all to Piers Morgan + Top 5 quotes

Here we pick out the top 5 quotes from the first part of Cristiano Ronaldo’s blockbuster interview with Piers Morgan ranging from Manchester United, personal life, criticism, and more.

Cristiano Ronaldo spoke to Piers Morgan on Talk TV in the first part of his 90-minute interview on Wednesday.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner opened up about the personal and sporting challenges he has faced in the past year since his return to Manchester United, and gave his honest verdict on the current running and decisions at the club.

Read some of the best quotes from Ronaldo’s interview here.

‘Keane was my best captain ever’

“Roy Keane was my best captain ever. Rio Ferdinand was a big help for me, he was my neighbor.

“They’re really good guys, not just because they speak good about me but [because] they are football players, they know how players are thinking and the way we behave.”

‘Sir Alex was key to rejecting City move’

“Well, honestly, it [moving to City] was close. They spoke a lot and Guardiola said two weeks ago that they tried hard to have me.

“But, as you know, my history is in Manchester United. Your heart, you’re feeling the way you did before, and it made the difference. And of course, as well, Sir Alex Ferguson. It was a conscious decision because the heart speaks loud in that moment.

“I think it [speaking with Ferguson] was the key. I wouldn’t say that Manchester City wasn’t close. But I think, I did [make] a conscious decision. I don’t regret at some point. And as you mentioned before, Sir Alex Ferguson was the key. I spoke with him… He said to me that ‘It’s impossible for you to come to Manchester City’. And I said ‘OK, Boss'”.

The three Man Utd players Ronaldo admires

“In Manchester United, I can mention [Diogo] Dalot. He’s young, but very professional but I don’t doubt that he’s going to have longevity in football because he’s young, he’s smart, intelligent and he’s very professional. Probably [Lisandro] Martinez, Casemiro is in his 30s, but I will say Dalot.”

Was Rangnick a good appointment?

“They [Rangnick and his coaching team] knew the club very well. But they [did not] know the main dimension of the club inside, the history of the club. Which, for me, surprised me even more. When you sack Ole Solskjaer, you should bring in a top manager, not a sporting director.

“Of course [it was ridiculous], you have to be honest. If you are not even a coach, how are you going to be the boss of Manchester United? They have not followed the right way to follow the likes of Liverpool or Manchester City.

“They are a few steps behind. They should improve and change that staff or the directors, the presidents. I don’t know who is the problem there.”

‘Solskjaer did a good job for sure’

“I love Solskjaer. I think he was a top person because what I keep inside my heart, it’s the heart of the person. And Ole for me is a top person.

“It’s hard. It’s hard to assume [the role] after Sir Alex Ferguson, but I think he did a good job for sure.

“You need much more time. But I never doubt that [he is] going to be a good coach in the future. But it was a good experience. I was so pleased to work with him even for a short period.”