Bebe admits his transfer to Manchester United was 'a joke' but compares himself to Cristiano Ronaldo

Bebe has admitted that his move to Manchester United in the summer of 2010 came as a "total surprise" and that his five-year contract felt like a "joke". The former Portugal U21 international has claimed it would be different if he had a second chance to play at a major club, and even compared himself to compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo.

The striker moved to Old Trafford for around £7.4m ($10.5m) in the summer of 2010 from Vitoria de Guimaraes, but never made it into Sir Alex Ferguson's plans. He made just seven appearances over four years, eventually leaving to rebuild his career at Benfica.

He similarly failed to take off at the Portuguese giants, but following a series of loan spells he seems to have found his place at Rayo Vallecano. starting nine La Liga games this term, providing one goal and three assists.

During an interview with AS, Bebe spoke candidly about his career and his move to United, saying of the shock transfer: "It all happened very quickly, a total surprise.

"One day I'm training and the next they're telling me that I'm going to sign a five-year contract with Manchester United. I thought it was a joke. I wasn't there long, but I enjoyed it. It was every kids' dream, it was insane. I was playing with the best in the world. It wasn't easy, the first week I had to take a deep breath, but I got used to it. I adapted and tried to fit in.

"I came there without much of a football education, just what I was born with: talent, speed, strength... but you needed more. If a big club signed me now it'd be different."

He also provided a surprising answer when asked for his footballing idol, naming Cristiano Ronaldo as he believes he has similar characteristics to the Ballon d'Or winner.

"[Didier] Drogba, but also Cristiano because he's Portuguese. I have the same way of running, and the same shooting style, he's definitely a favourite."