Anderson reckons he would have been one of the best players on the planet had he had five per cent of the elite mentality his one-time Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo had.
Legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson splashed out £20million to sign then-teenager Anderson from FC Porto in 2007 and the Brazilian made 181 appearances over eight seasons with the club. He won four Premier League titles and other major honours including the Champions League in 2008.
However, while the former midfielder showed flashes of his promise - particularly in his debut campaign - the general consensus is that he never maximised his potential at Old Trafford and beyond. Anderson, 34, hung up his boots in 2019 and currently works for Turkish club Adana Demirspor as their assistant manager.
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Anderson won the Golden Boy award in 2008 and injury-permitting featured regularly under Sir Alex before he retired. However, the nine-cap international slipped down the pecking order under two successors, David Moyes and Louis van Gaal, before leaving United permanently in 2015.
Ronaldo, by contrast, needs no introduction for the heights he scaled, during his first spell at Old Trafford. But what might have been for his old teammate?
Speaking to Spanish outlet Sport, Anderson said: "If I had five per cent of the mentality of Cristiano Ronaldo, then I could have been among the best in the world. I assume it now. I had talent, quality.
"I had a good career because I won many things, but I could have gone much further. You have to be honest. With five per cent of Cristiano, I would still play at the top level now, easily."
Anderson continued: "I regret not having been a little professional, or not having listened to the people who recommended me and spoke to me. If I had been more focused, I had plenty of quality.
"My head didn't help. Over time you realise things. Things change. Today, any very physical player who knows how to run a lot is worth it. He doesn't have to think as much."
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