He is behind the new life of Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia: Ricardo Refugio!
Disappointed with the World Cup, which broke with Manchester United in sensational fashion and ended arch-rival Lionel Messi’s championship, Cristiano Ronaldo managed to turn heads with the transfer of Al Nassr. However, when the Portuguese star touched down in Saudi Arabia, it was a matter of curiosity who Ricardo Regufe was with him.
Ronaldo and Regufe have formed an almost inseparable duo since they met in 2003. Regufe has been involved in every step of the Portuguese footballer’s career, from the young Ronaldo at Sporting Lisbon to the icon Ronaldo who signed a record deal in Saudi Arabia. . Regufe, 43, was responsible for arranging the deal with Al Nassr that would earn Ronaldo £175m a year, and looms large in the soccer star’s life as a friend and personal manager.
Known as ‘Ricky’, Regufe, who was constantly by Ronaldo’s side throughout his career, was always by the star footballer’s side in his most critical moments. The duo’s friendship, which first met in 2003, stretches back 20 years. When Regufe gave up on his dream of becoming a professional soccer player at the age of 21, he embarked on a career in sports marketing.
It was through a deal with Nike that the young PR professional met Ronaldo, then 16, at Sporting Lisbon. Regufe had a huge impact in getting Ronaldo to establish close links with the famous sportswear brand and convinced the young winger to sign a football contract with Nike.
THE LAW THAT CHANGES THE GAME
Regufe acknowledged that the deal was a game changer for Ronaldo, Nike and himself:
“Starting working for Nike at the age of 21 was a dream come true. And little did I know that it would change my life forever. Two years after starting, I signed the best player of all time.
“This was a complete game changer for Nike, CR and me. What an amazing trip. 18 years working with so many talented colleagues, players, coaches, managers, etc. in a big company. I learned a lot from all of them. With such dedication, passion, hard work, stamina and perseverance, they have helped me to give my best”.
CRUDE!
While managing Ronaldo’s business deals was Regufe’s first job, the bond between the two went well beyond the superstar’s business interests. Ronaldo regularly posted photos of Regufe with his family. The closeness between them led to their relationship being nicknamed ‘Cricky’.
REGUFE ILLNESS IN THE NATIONAL SELECTION
According to The Athletic, Manchester United considered Regufe to be Ronaldo’s personal manager. The club management saw Regufe as the first point of contact with Ronaldo. However, Regufe’s role in Ronaldo’s life also made Portugal a source of controversy during the World Cup in Qatar.
According to reports in Portugal, Regufe allegedly had an “overwhelming influence” on the star player and many players could not understand why he was selected. It is rumored that Ronaldo’s personal manager shares spaces reserved for the players, and some have questioned why Regufe is always with the team, even on match days.
THE ONLY AUTHORITY AFTER JORGE MENDES
Regufe’s influence on the soccer star increased further when Ronaldo parted ways with manager Jorge Mendes, who made major transfers throughout his career. Regufe is believed to have objected to the Piers Morgan interview that ended Manchester United’s affair with Ronaldo. However, Regufe, who led the negotiations for Ronaldo’s transfer to Al Nassr, seems to continue to be essential in the new life of the Portuguese footballer in Saudi Arabia.