Manchester United’s newest recruit, Portuguese striker Bebe, has spoken of his desire to emulate fellow countryman Cristiano Ronaldo and become a big success at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo arrived at Old Trafford in 2003 and by the time he left for Real Madrid last year, had scored 118 goals, won back to back Player’s Player of the Year awards in 2006/07 and 2007/08 and also the Ballon d’Or in 2008.
20-year old Bebe has big shoes to fill, but at his official unveiling as a United player on Tuesday, he spoke of his determination to follow the example of Ronaldo and also Nani and Anderson, who both arrived at Old Trafford from Portuguese clubs, and become a top quality player at Old Trafford.
“To come to a team like Manchester United is a dream come true for any player,” said the 20-year-old.
“The Portuguese factor at Old Trafford was a motivation for me.
“You have very big names like Cristiano Ronaldo who has played here and is a very big player now. Nani and Anderson are still at the club.
“I want to become like them and I will work hard to become a top quality player.”
Bebe, who was signed for £7million from Portuguese side Vitoria Guimares, is something of an unknown quantity, having spent only five weeks with Vitoria before United triggered a release clause in his contract.
Prior to that, he played with third division outfit Estrela Amadora and has also played for a team organised by CAIS, who are responsible for Portugal’s homeless World Cup team.
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted that he has taken a big gamble on the striker, as for the first time in his time as manager of the Red Devils, he didn’t get to see Bebe in the flesh or on video and was instead completely reliant on the opinions of his scouting department.
“On this occasion I didn’t watch him,” he said. “It is the first time I have done it.
“Normally I see plenty of video footage but our scouting department is very good and sometimes you have to go on instinct.
“Our scout in Portugal was adamant we must do something quickly.
“You look at the material. You look at their age and whether they’re bringing pace, balance, desire to play.
“You got to trust your staff at times, so I sent David Gill down there to do the deal.”
