Dubai: Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United and Portuguese International, made a surprise visit to the Manchester United Soccer Schools (MUSS) facility at Al Wasl Sports Club here.
Children aged between 8 and 14 were invited to pose a few questions to Ronaldo, asking him about his life as a professional player for one of the most famous football clubs in the world.
Ebrahim Al Fahim, a pupil on the course said: "It was great to meet such a great player like Ronaldo and it is something which I will never forget."
Football has a great way of bringing together all nationalities and the visit of Ronaldo was concluded to the delight of the children with Ronaldo joining some of the lucky youngsters in a skills demonstration.
During the skills demonstration with some of the Manchester United Soccer Schools participants, Ronaldo was more than happy to offer some invaluable advice on his own to the players, about the importance of enjoying football and how essential it was to practise whenever possible.
"The only way any player can improve is through practice and it is great to see so many kids enjoying football and playing football the Manchester United way. "
Manchester United Soccer Schools is operated in Dubai by Dubai Sports City.
Since the first season last year, more than 1,200 football-crazy youngsters have been able to experience the MUSS coaching philosophy, which is specially adapted from the coaching programme at Manchester United's Youth Academy.
A permanent Manchester United Soccer Schools facility is being built at the Dubai Sports City and it is scheduled to begin operations in 2008.
