Tom Heaton feels Cristiano Ronaldo’s drive and determination to develop every day has kept him at the top.

Heaton was with Manchester United during both of Ronaldo’s tenures, however he spent much of the first few years on loan before moving permanently in 2010. The 37-year-old re-signed in the summer of 2021, and was joined by the returning Portugal forward in the same window.

Ronaldo’s stints at United followed tremendously successful stints at Real Madrid and Juventus, and the forward remained one of the world’s finest far into his 30s. And Heaton has witnessed the tremendous effort that goes on behind the scenes to make it all possible.

“In my opinion, the GOAT (greatest of all time) is Cristiano,” Heaton told MUTV. “Being here the first time with him and then seeing how he improved, how he got better, and how he made himself the best player in the world.”

“I’d just signed when he returned for his second stint, and seeing the same drive, hunger, being first in the gym, and same desire to work for me keeps him at that level.” What he’s accomplished is tremendous.”

Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United in 2021 was a success on the field, with the striker scoring 24 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions as the club’s talisman once again. However, the introduction of Erik ten Hag caused a schism in the relationship, and after a series of disciplinary difficulties, he was fired from the squad following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.

The striker joined Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia late last year and has continued his superb goalscoring form in the Middle East, scoring 38 goals in 45 matches. He hopes to be a part of Portugal’s squad for the European Championships next summer, when he will be 39 years old.