OM: Roberto De Zerbi draws inspiration from Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo inspires more than just young players. The Portuguese legend also motivates numerous football personalities thanks to his relentless professionalism. And Roberto De Zerbi is a prime example.

Since becoming head coach of Olympique de Marseille in 2024, Roberto De Zerbi has quickly won over the supporters. Never satisfied when it comes to football, he revealed that he has forged a mentality similar to that of Cristiano Ronaldo.

"No, because after a great victory, a defeat is never far away. In fact, after Lyon we lost to Strasbourg (0-1). I grew up in AC Milan's youth academy, surrounded by Baresi, Maldini, Tassotti — a team of immense champions. I spent two and a half years living at Milanello. I watched them win the Scudetto on Sunday, and then return to training on Tuesday morning as if nothing had happened. I was never a champion myself, but I tried to adopt that mentality. The same mentality as Cristiano Ronaldo. He isn't born a champion, he becomes one. A player who is born a champion owes it to God, to his parents. But when you become a champion, it's down to hard work, effort, ambition, and sacrifice," he told L'Equipe in an interview.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.