@sbergEdwin Van Der Sar recalls how Cristiano Ronaldo would routinely stretch his training beyond the official schedule, drilling everything from free kicks to physical conditioning and stamina. One evening after a session wrapped up, Ronaldo asked him to stand in goal for some free kick practice. Van Der Sar tried to pass, claiming he was too old and suggesting a younger keeper would be a better fit. That didn't work. Ronaldo insisted on using him, delivering a line that stopped the conversation: Edwin, there is no better goalkeeper than the goalkeeper who achieved everything with Manchester United. You are the best and I know that, so I would be happy if I could score a goal against you. The kicker had a specific reason for wanting to beat the man with such a reputation at Manchester United. Over ten attempts, Ronaldo netted six goals, while two shots rattled the crossbar. Van Der Sar managed to block just two of them. He later pinpointed this exact interaction as the moment Ronaldo began experimenting with knuckleball free kicks, cementing his status as a kick specialist.

@sbergEdwin Van Der Sar recalls how Cristiano Ronaldo would routinely stretch his training beyond the official schedule, drilling everything from free kicks to physical conditioning and stamina. One evening after a session wrapped up, Ronaldo asked him to stand in goal for some free kick practice. Van Der Sar tried to pass, claiming he was too old and suggesting a younger keeper would be a better fit. That didn't work. Ronaldo insisted on using him, delivering a line that stopped the conversation: Edwin, there is no better goalkeeper than the goalkeeper who achieved everything with Manchester United. You are the best and I know that, so I would be happy if I could score a goal against you. The kicker had a specific reason for wanting to beat the man with such a reputation at Manchester United. Over ten attempts, Ronaldo netted six goals, while two shots rattled the crossbar. Van Der Sar managed to block just two of them. He later pinpointed this exact interaction as the moment Ronaldo began experimenting with knuckleball free kicks, cementing his status as a kick specialist.