If we can't help our family, who are we going to help?

People have to understand one thing: at the age of 18 I arrived at a dream club like Manchester United. It was a dream come true. But, even at that moment, I was thinking about playing in England for some years and then going to play in Spain. Even at that time I was thinking that way, and I always gave 100% everything.

I'm not a perfectionist, but I like to feel that things are done well

I am very happy to be signing for the best team in the world and especially proud to be the first Portuguese player to join Manchester United.

English fans love spectacular players like Alan Shearer and that is exactly what United have now signed. He has magic in his boots. The first thing you notice about him is that he is incredibly quick and very, very powerful for such a young man. He has great, close control and his technique is excellent. He believes he can do anything with the ball, and that confidence makes him very special indeed.

I would be very proud if, one day, I'm held in the same esteem as George Best or Beckham. It's what I'm working hard towards.

Without football, my life is worth nothing.