They experienced fabulous success together at Manchester United, so it was only appropriate that Sir Alex Ferguson was there to congratulate Cristiano Ronaldo on perhaps his moment of greatest triumph.
Ronaldo, who played for Ferguson at Old Trafford between 2003 and 2009 before a then world-record transfer to Real Madrid, came off injured in the 25th minute of the UEFA Euro 2016 final against France in Paris.
Try Newsweek: Subscription offersBut after exhorting his team following the conclusion of normal time, Ronaldo watched as former Swansea City striker Eder struck a superb individual goal to hand Portugal its first ever major tournament victory.
And when Ronaldo descended down to pitch level again at Stade de France having received his winner’s medal and lifted the trophy, there was Ferguson waiting with a beam and the warmest of embraces.
Seven years after Ronaldo left Old Trafford for even greater achievements, here was proof that football’s emotional ties linger, long after the separation.
