Eric Djemba Djemba joined Manchester United at the same time as Cristiano Ronaldo for a £3.5 million fee and Identified as a potential long-term successor to the excellent Roy Keane, expectation levels among the club’s supporters were understandably high.
However, it soon became patently clear that the Cameroon international was a million miles away from Keane. Just 18 months after signing for United, Djemba Djemba was sold to Aston Villa at a £2 million loss.
Djemba Djemba was closer to Ronaldo than most people must expect and he has told a heartwarming story about the Portuguese.
“My mum died in 2010 and he was there for me when that happened," Djemba Djemba, who now plies his trade for Swiss amateur team FC Vallorbes-Ballaigues, told The Sun.
"He was playing for Real Madrid at the time, he phoned me up and said, ‘If you need me and you need to talk to someone, I am here.'
"It was a moment I'll never forget and I really appreciated his kind words at a time when I was very upset."
Furthermore, Ronaldo has previously offered to help Djemba Djemba with his orphan charities in Cameroon.
“Cristiano said if I need anything, he is there. He will donate football kits, food and whatever he can to help,” the midfielder continued.
"He knows I do a lot of charitable work and he has always offered his support. Cristiano's a very generous man."
