Euro 2016

James Chester: 'I took inspiration from Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United'

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter | 02 July 2016

Wales defender James Chester says that he took inspiration from Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo when the two were both on the books at Manchester United.

Wales defender James Chester has claimed that he took inspiration from Cristiano Ronaldo when the two were on the books at Manchester United.

The West Bromwich Albion man came through the Red Devils academy as the Portuguese forward was developing from a hot prospect into one of the best footballers in the world.

Discussing Ronaldo's formative days, Chester told BBC Sport: "He was at United when I was a young lad.

"I think what I took from him was the same as everyone else who was there playing at the top of the game, what good professionals they were and how they looked after themselves away from the pitch is something I have took through my career and has taken me as far as I have got today.

"Just watching him, I am well aware of how fortunate I was coming through at United, at such a big club and just to watch them how they behaved and played has helped me through my career."

Chris Coleman's charges defeated Belgium 3-1 in Friday night's Euro 2016 quarter-final in Lille to book a date with Ronaldo's Portugal in the semi-finals of the competition.