“He just tries to do what he thinks is best” - Alejandro Garnacho delivers verdict on Puskas Award-winning goal by Cristiano Ronaldo

Alejandro Garnacho has opened up on Cristiano Ronaldo's Puskas Award-winning goal against Porto in 2009. The Argentinian forward won the coveted prize this year for his stunning overhead kick for Manchester United against Everton last season in the Premier League.

The Portuguese, meanwhile, is the first recipient of the Puskas Award, which he won during his time with the Red Devils. The goal was scored during the Champions League quarterfinal second-leg tie at Estadio Do Dragao in the 2008/09 season.

Taking the ball from Anderson in midfield, CR7 unleashed a venomous strike from close to 40 yards that rippled the net. Manchester United won the game 1-0 and the tie 3-2 to progress to the semifinal.

Speaking to FIFA about the goal, Garnacho also labelled Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the best players.

“I didn’t see this goal in real life because I was very young, but I have seen it so many times on YouTube. The first thing is for him to say, ‘When am I going to shoot from here?’ He just tries to do what he thinks is best. He shoots and then… Oh my God! The power is incredible, incredible. That’s why he is one of the best players,” said Garnacho.

Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United at the end of that season to join Real Madrid.

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How many goals has Cristiano Ronaldo scored for Manchester United?

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo arrived at Manchester United in the summer of 2003 from Sporting. He was handed the No.7 shirt, which was available following the departure of David Beckham to Real Madrid.

CR7 would go on to add further glory to the coveted shirt, transforming into one of the best players in the world at Old Trafford. He won multiple trophies at the club, including three Premier Leagues and his first Champions League trophy.

The Portuguese eventually left the English giants following six fruitful seasons, completing his dream move to the Santiago Bernabeu. Following nine seasons with Los Blancos and three more with Juventus, Ronaldo completed a blockbuster return to Manchester United.

However, he struggled to live up to expectations and had a fallout with former manager Erik ten Hag. Following an explosive interview with journalist Piers Morgan where he criticized the Dutchman, the Portuguese's contract was mutually terminated.

Ronaldo left the club for the second time in December 2022 to join Al-Nassr. By then he had scored 145 goals and set up 64 more from 346 games across competitions.