Hull City defender Ruben Vinagre believes that Cristiano Ronaldo’s success in the Premier League has paved the way for more Portuguese players to come to England.
Vinagre, who is 24 years old, grew up watching Ronaldo play for Manchester United and was inspired to play in England himself. He says that Ronaldo has “opened up English football for Portuguese players,” and that there are now many more Portuguese players in the Premier League and Championship than there were before.
Ronaldo spent six years at Manchester United, where he scored 118 goals in 292 appearances and won nine major trophies. He also won the FIFA World Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or awards in 2008.
Vinagre is one of many Portuguese players who have benefited from Ronaldo’s success in England. Other notable examples include Bernardo Silva, Diogo Jota, and Bruno Fernandes.
Ronaldo’s impact on English football has been undeniable. He is one of the greatest players to ever play in the Premier League, and his success has inspired many other Portuguese players to follow in his footsteps.