How Cristiano Ronaldo was tricked into becoming a striker at Real Madrid after initially refusing Carlo Ancelotti’s wishes to move off the wing

Carlo Ancelotti’s former assistant coach at Real Madrid has revealed how the fabled manager tricked Cristiano Ronaldo into moving off the wing to become a striker.

Managing Ronaldo is one of the most demanding jobs in football with the Portuguese superstar carrying an aura that very few players ever have, and he initially refused to swap positions at Madrid.

The 39-year-old starred in the formative years of his career at Manchester United and Madrid as one of football’s most destructive left-wingers before later readjusting as a striker.

However, convincing Ronaldo to move from his favoured position was no easy task that was made harder after he told Ancelotti he ‘preferred’ playing off the left rather than through the middle.

His reluctance led the Madrid boss to come up with a genius tactical adjustment that ensured Ronaldo was kept happy while agreeing to become a central attacking figure.

Ronaldo starred at Madrid as a winger during his formative years before moving into a central role

The Portuguese superstar won four Champions League titles during his time at Madrid

Ancelotti’s former assistant and ex-Swansea manager Paul Clement has given a fascinating insight into dealing with Madrid’s ‘Galacticos’ and revealed how Ronaldo was finally convinced.   

Speaking to the Sun, he said: ‘At Real Madrid, Carlo had an idea of Ronaldo as a striker so he didn’t have to track back. 

Ancelotti’s former assistant Paul Clement (left) revealed how Ancelotti convinced Ronaldo to change positions

‘He had a discussion with Cristiano who said he preferred playing off the left.

‘Carlo knew he had to make him comfortable, so brought in two systems for when we were attacking, 4-3-3 with Ronaldo on the left, and then 4-4-2 when defending, with Ronaldo up front,’ he added.

The tactical change worked wonders as Ronaldo and Ancelotti went on to win the Champions League together in 2014 along with other major collective and individual honours.

Ancelotti is attempting to win Europe’s biggest club prize for a record fifth time this season ahead of upcoming quarter-final games against reigning champions Manchester City.