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Rio Ferdinand reveals John O'Shea was left 'panting' after facing Cristiano Ronaldo in 2003 friendly

Rio Ferdinand has joked that former Manchester United team-mate John O'Shea needed an oxygen tank after after facing Cristiano Ronaldo back in 2003.

Ronaldo put in a sensational performance for Sporting Lisbon in a 3-1 pre-season friendly win against United before moving to Old Trafford just days later.

O'Shea had the misfortune of having to mark the Ronaldo that night and Ferdinand says the Irishman could barely speak at half-time after chasing him around the pitch.

Rio Ferdinand has revealed Cristiano Ronaldo left John O'Shea 'panting' after 2003 friendly
Ronaldo put in a sensational display as Sporting Lisbon beat United 3-1 in August 2003
Ronaldo's performance against United earned him a u00a312.24 million move to club just days later

'We played against Sporting in 2003, we get in at half-time and John O'Shea must've needed an oxygen tank next to him,' he said during a life FIFA 20 match as part of the 'Stay Home.