10 Greatest Foreign Premier League Players Of All Time

3. Cristiano Ronaldo

What Cristiano Ronaldo has gone on to achieve in the game since leaving Manchester United in 2009 has made him one of the greatest players in history, but he was also absolutely sensational for a few years during his time at Old Trafford. He arrived in the summer of 2003, having impressed hugely in a pre-season game for Sporting Lisbon against United, and although he was erratic during his first few years at the club- he was still only in his teens and very early 20s at that point- when he returned from the 2006 World Cup his game went up another gear. He was superb in 2006/07, scoring 17 times in the league as United won their first Premier League title since 2002/03. His last-gasp goal against Fulham was a pivotal moment in the season, and it was also a wonderful individual effort. He was even better the following year, scoring 42 in all competitions and inspiring United to both league and Champions League glory. In his final season in Manchester he found the net 18 times in just 33 league matches. His pace, skill, finishing and eye for the spectacular were incredible at times, and for three years he was comfortably the best player in the country. He won the PFA Player of the Year award twice and was voted the 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year. It's amazing to think he's now comfortably even better than he was at United, but he wasn't exactly shabby during his time in England.