Idolized Cristiano Ronaldo and RVP, Manchester United prioritized over Premier League - Joshua Zirkzee tells all

Joshua Zirkzee has delved into his Manchester United move and how he was interested in joining the Red Devils because of the club's status rather than the Premier League. He also revealed Cristiano Ronaldo as one of his footballing idols.

Manchester United fans will like what Joshua Zirkzee had to say about the club
Manchester United fans will like what Joshua Zirkzee had to say about the club | Michael Regan/GettyImages

Joshua Zirkzee has given an insight into his Manchester United move and what drew him to the Red Devils. He spoke about his childhood idols of whom Cristiano Ronaldo and Robin van Persie are two of them.

Zirkzee, 23, joined United from Serie A side Bologna in a reported £36.5 million deal and has made a promising start at Old Trafford. Arsenal were also interested in the former Bayern Munich youngster but Erik ten Hag got his man to help bolster his attack.

The Netherlands international spoke honestly about not dreaming of a Premier League move but wanting to join the 13-time champions in an interview with Viaplay:

"To be honest, not really. I watched it, but I never said to myself: I want to play in the Premier League. This club is just huge. It's the club that attracted me, not really the league."

Cristano Ronaldo one of Joshua Zirkzee's three Premier League idols

Former Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of Joshua Zirkzee's idols | Alex Pantling/GettyImages

Joshua Zirkzee was also asked who he idolized from watching the Premier League and he gave three interesting answers:

"Cristiano Ronaldo, Robin van Persie, Dennis Bergkamp."

Cristiano Ronaldo spent two spells at Manchester United and became a club legend with sensational performances, particularly during his first spell. He won the first of his five Ballons d'Or with the Red Devils as well as the first of five UEFA Champions League trophies.

Ronaldo, 39, posted145 goals and 64 assists in 346 games during two spells at Old Trafford. He won nine major trophies including three Premier League titles.

Robin van Persie didn't start his Premier League career with Manchester United but ended it as an all-time great and deservedly with a title to his name. He made a controversial move in 2012 from Arsenal where he'd failed to get his hands on the Premier League title.

Van Persie struck 26 goals in 38 league games during the 2012-13 season, finishing with the Golden Boot. This led the Red Devils to the title as the club bid farewell to the greatest manager in history, Sir Alex Ferguson.

ALSO READ: What Ruud van Nistelrooy brings to United as assistant coach
ALSO READ: How Joshua Zirkzee fits in