Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooneyâs eldest sons, Kai and Cristiano Jr, have already made an impact for Manchester United at youth level this season.Cristiano Jr officially joined Unitedâs youth ranks last month after training with the club following his famous fatherâs emotional return to Old Trafford.The 11-year-old had previously been on Juventusâs books and made headlines thanks to his eye for goal.In 2019, it was reported that Cristiano Jr had scored 58 goals in 28 games in Juveâs youth setup.His dad has doubts over whether his son will possess the hunger and dedication required to make it as a professional footballer, although the youngster appears keen to prove his father wrong and would love to be on the same pitch as his dad before he retires.Ronaldo, per The Sun, said: âMy son tells me, âDad hold on a few more years â I want to play with you.ââ
Kai Rooney wonât have the opportunity to play a competitive game with his dad, who retired in January 2021 in order to become the permanent manager of Derby County.
But the 12-year-old, who signed for Man Utd in December 2020, is showing signs that he might be following in his fatherâs footsteps.
Kai Rooney and Cristiano Jr on scoresheet for Man Utd U12s
Instagram account @risingballers, per the Daily Mail, have revealed that both Kai Rooney and Cristiano Jr were on the scoresheet for Man Utdâs Under-12s at the weekend.
They say the young Rooney is now on 10 goals in just five games this month. Impressive.
Like their fathers back in the mid-to-late 2000s, it seems Cristiano Jr and Kai Rooney are striking up quite the partnership in Unitedâs youth ranks.
Man Utd will be acutely aware that failure to keep Ronaldo at the club would also mean the inevitable departure of Cristiano Jr, who clearly possesses plenty of talent.
But as things stand, Ronaldo is set to continue his Old Trafford adventure next season - regardless of whether or not the club qualify for the Champions League.
âWe'll see if my son will become a great footballer,â Ronaldo said of his eldest child in 2020. âHe has potential. He is fast and dribbles well, but that is not enough.
âI always tell him that it takes work and dedication to have success. I won't pressure him to become a footballer, but if you ask me if I want him to, yes I would like it.
âThe most important thing is to become the best at whatever he does, whether it is as a footballer or a doctor.â
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 12: Cristiano Ronaldo and son Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. watch on during the singles round robin match between Novak Djokovic of Serbia and John Isner of The United States during Day Two of the Nitto ATP Finals at The O2 Arena on November 12, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
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