Moreira: Hazard ‘an inspiration’, Cristiano Ronaldo ‘my favourite player’
Milan winger Diego Moreira says his compatriot Eden Hazard is ‘an inspiration,’ but Cristiano Ronaldo remains his ‘favourite player’ and the ‘greatest’ footballer ever.
Moreira spoke to DAZN on the eve of Saturday’s derby della Madonnina.
The interviewer showed him some pictures of his relatives and some of his footballing idols, including ex-Chelsea and Real Madrid star Hazard.
Moreira: Ronaldo the greatest player of all time
Moreira, who joined Milan in a €50m deal last summer, described his compatriot as a “Crack.”
“What can I say that you don’t already know? A big, talented player, one of the best. Growing up watching players like this only drives you to be better every day, and you know why you do it. It’s an inspiration,” he added.
“When you see him play, you try to do the same thing. I want to thank him for what he did for football. He was a crazy player.”
The following picture was of Cristiano Ronaldo. When Moreira was asked if the Portuguese is his favourite player, he replied: “Yes, by far.”
“Why? Because he’s just the greatest, an inspiration in football and everything. It’s just him. I wanted to be like him, even have the same hairstyle, but it wasn’t possible because I’ve got too much hair.
“I wanted to follow his path because he’s an inspiration and a role model for me; he’s football. My favourite player. I just want to say thanks for what you did for football; it was incredible. Thank you for making me believe in myself. He’s 42 or 43 years old, and he keeps scoring and playing; he keeps his body in shape. I’m happy I was born in his prime.”
Moreira picked No. 7 when he arrived at Milan, the same number as Rossoneri legend Kaká.
“Honestly, I wanted the No. 7 when I arrived, but when I saw it was available, I could change again, and I like the No. 22,” Moreira said.
“I think it looks nice on my back. It’s an honour. Now it’s up to me to show I’ll try to follow his path again.”
Moreira returned to Milan training earlier this week and is in contention to start in tomorrow’s derby against Inter.
“It’s one of Europe’s biggest derbies. Of course we are excited. I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
Moreira also spoke highly of his teammate Adrien Rabiot, another Rossoneri star who has recovered from an injury and will be available against Inter.
“From day one, he’s been the one who welcomed me with open arms,” Moreira said.
“He’s been very nice to me. He speaks French. Me and I are always the last ones in the locker room, so we end up eating together and talking a lot about life and football. We also have a good relationship on the pitch. He’s a player I really like.”
Moreira, 22, has scored three goals and provided one assist in seven appearances across all competitions this season.
