Riley reveals background to Cristiano Ronaldo picture

Manchester United youngster Joe Riley has recounted his meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo that led to the picture he posted to his Instagram followers.

The 19-year-old has enjoyed a fabulous season, helping the Under-21s win the title and making two first-team appearances. As a schoolboy at the Aon Training Complex, the full-back explained how he decided to make the most of a photo opportunity with the current Real Madrid star.

"I put that on Instagram before I’d played in the first team," Riley told ManUtd.com. "I’ve got to repost that soon! I put it on without thinking anything about it. 

"My nan took that in the Carrington car park and it’s gone viral so she was thinking it’s all a bit crazy! I was probably about 11 or something like that. I remember being in the car park when all the first-teamers were coming out to their cars. It was me, my mum and my nan and we were about to leave but I said I just need a quick picture. Who doesn’t want a photo with Ronaldo? He was really nice about it.

"It's the same now - everyone is great. Even growing up with the senior players, when I trained with them, I was a bit apprehensive at first but they are all top lads. They bring you in and speak to you. They are all really nice guys."