Joe Riley explains training ground picture with Cristiano Ronaldo

Joe Riley met Cristiano Ronaldo as a schoolboy at Manchester United's training ground

Posted Friday, May 06, 2016 by Thesportreview.com

Joe Riley posed for a picture with Cristiano Ronaldo as a schoolboy

Joe Riley has explained the story behind his training ground photo with Cristiano Ronaldo during the Portugal captain’s time at Manchester United.

Riley, 19, has made two first team appearances for United this season and has helped the Under-21 side win the title.

As a schoolboy, Riley posed for a picture with superstar Ronaldo at the club’s Carrington training ground.

And the Manchester United teenager has lifted the lid on the picture, which he posted on social media earlier this year.

Riley told United’s website: "I put that on Instagram before I’d played in the first team.

"I’ve got to repost that soon! I put it on without thinking anything about it.

"My nan took that in the Carrington car park and it’s gone viral so she was thinking it’s all a bit crazy! I was probably about 11 or something like that. I remember being in the car park when all the first-teamers were coming out to their cars.

"It was me, my mum and my nan and we were about to leave but I said I just need a quick picture. Who doesn’t want a photo with Ronaldo? He was really nice about it.

"It’s the same now – everyone is great. Even growing up with the senior players, when I trained with them, I was a bit apprehensive at first but they are all top lads. They bring you in and speak to you. They are all really nice guys."

The midfielder made two first team appearances for Louis van Gaal’s side in February after being drafted into the squad by the Dutch manager.

He will be hoping to break into the club’s first team next season and win a regular place in the side.

United are currently preparing for their Premier League clash against Norwich City at Carrow Road on Saturday afternoon as they look to keep their top four hopes alive.