Ronaldo Leads European Reaction To Sir Alex Ferguson Retirement.

Former Manchester United forward and current Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has paid his tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson after the 71-year-old announced his retirement this morning.

The Portuguese international, who started off his high-level football career with Manchester United, was given his start by Ferguson, and spent six successful years at Old Trafford under the wing of the Scot.

Ronaldo posted on his Twitter: "Thanks for everything, Boss."

The 28-year-old won three Premier League titles with United, and was also able to add a Champions League trophy and one FA Cup, under Fergie's management

Other big names in the sport, such as FIFA president Sepp Blatter and UEFA president Michel Platini, gave their praise for the Scot and his career.

"His achievements in the game place him without doubt as one of the 'greats'" Blatter tweeted. "Will his longevity at the top ever be repeated?"

Platini said: "Sir Alex has made a massive contribution to football, not only in Scotland and in England, but across Europe and beyond. His dedication, his attention to detail and his unique eye for talent, as both the manager of Manchester United and Aberdeen, has brought rich rewards over a 30-year period. His CV is almost unique in a results-based profession that normally focuses on short-term solutions rather than long-term vision."

Danish goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, who won five Premier League titles, three FA Cups and one Champions League from 1991-1999, expressed his shock at the announcement. "It has come as a bombshell, I really don't know what to make of it," he told Sky Sports News. "Yesterday I was really happy with what he had done this season, now this, I'm disappointed and very sad. "He's always said the day would come when something in his life wasn't right, is it is hip operation [he will have this summer]? I can't see him retiring over that. Until he explains why, we can guess and guess."

Other players to express their gratitude to Ferguson were Colombian Striker Radamel Falcao, Ghanaian midfielder Essien and Barcelona defender Dani Alves.