Manchester United (9/2 to win 2010-11 Premier League) winger Nani has hailed former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo as a key factor behind the player’s good run of form this season.
Nani has been in the headlines after scoring a dubious goal in the 2-0 win over Tottenham in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Portuguese international touched the ball with his hand before tapping the ball past Heurelho Gomes who believed a free-kick had been given.
Nani has been a key player for United this season already scoring four goals in 10 appearances for the Red Devils.
The 23-year-old has revealed that his good form has been down in part to the encouragement he has received from Ronaldo.
United (9/1 to win the Champions League) sold Ronaldo for £80m last summer as he desired to leave the club for Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Nani has praised his former team-mate for his advice since his departure for the Santiago Bernabeu.
He said: “Cristiano is always there for me. We are big friends and he helps me with my game – even though he is in Madrid we speak all the time. It is great to have a friend like that, someone who can hear me out and give me encouragement.”
“Things are going well this season and now people are seeing the real Nani. My performance in the team has been very good, but I want to do more and I have to keep learning and improving,” he explained.
Nani has been tasked with filling the void left by Ronaldo and the talented winger has been putting in some good performances so far this season.
United have struggled for goals in the forward positions this season with Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen sidelined through injury, while Dimitar Berbatov failing to find the back of the net in his last six outings.
Nani has contributed to the goals this season and has praised Sir Alex Ferguson for his support this season.
The Portugal international said: “The manager has already played a big part in my form. He has a meeting with all the young players because now we are getting more opportunity.
“He is always impressing on the young players how it is important to get better. United is a big club and we need to win, so every player on the pitch needs to think he can be the best in the world.
“The manager tells us we are here because we are the best.”
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