Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed that young players in the modern game struggle to listen to advice.
During his much-anticipated interview with Piers Morgan, the 37-year-old said that the current crop are 'not the same as his generation', referring to how he would look to the likes of Ruud van Nistelrooy, Rio Ferdinand, Roy Keane and Ryan Giggs during his first spell at Old Trafford.
"All leagues in the world, the youngest now, they are not the same as my generation. But we cannot blame them because, it's part of life, you know," Ronaldo told Morgan on TalkTV.
"The new generation and the new technologies that distract them for another thing so, but they are not the same. They listen but this is why we have two ears, as you listen from one side and they go away from another side.
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"It doesn't surprise me. But in the same way it's a shame because if they have the best examples in front of your eyes, and if they don't at least copy what you did, for me, it's kind of weird.
"Because I remember when I was 18, 19, 20, I always looked to see the best players in Van Nistelrooy, Ferdinand, Roy Keane, and Giggs - this is why I have the success that I have and longevity.
"Because I take care of my body, my mentality, my head, because I see these guys and I learn from them.
"I'm not the kind of guy who likes to give advice as I prefer to be an example. Because I'm an example. I'm there every morning and do the same stuff. I'm probably the first one to arrive and the last one to go out. I think the details speak for itself... this is why I say, I like to lead by example."
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Ronaldo was also asked about the players that he most admired at Man United for their mental strength, and he reserved special praise for Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro.
"In Manchester United I can mention Dalot, he's young, but very professional but I don't doubt that he's going to have longevity in football because he's young, he's smart, intelligent and he's very professional. Probably Martinez, Casemiro is in his 30s, but I will say Dalot," he added.
Ronaldo's interview, which came to light on Sunday evening, is likely to spell the end of his time with Man United.
The forward has a contract at Old Trafford until the end of the season, but he is expected to depart the club during the January transfer window.
The second part of the much-anticipated interview with Morgan will air on Thursday night.
Matt Law
