Legends often find sources of inspiration in the most unlikely places in the world of sports. The same applies to Ruud van Nistelrooy–the renowned ex-football player and coach. Known for the numerous goals he scored in such clubs as Manchester United and Real Madrid, the recent revelation of a surprising source of inspiration, which helped Nistelrooy rise to the top of the football world, is quite remarkable. It is noteworthy that it was two exceptional people like Ruud Gullit and basketball star Michael Jordan that helped him become successful.

Indeed, such anecdotes bring into view his willpower, zeal, and complete resolve that transformed him into one of Europe’s leading goalscorers and a household name in the world of football. But how did the two sporting greats help Nistelrooy become a better athlete?

Ruud Gullit’s Impact

Early in his career, Nistelrooy’s path to fame was an unusual one. He remembers an encounter with Dutch superstar Ruud Gullit in training, who gave him wisdom that changed him as a player. The first impression Van Nistelrooy aimed to create as a young striker in Heerenveen was that he would make use of showy tricks and elaborate moves, just as an experienced observer would expect.

However, Gullit saw it in a different light. Gullit teasingly scolded the talented prospect, “What on earth are you doing in the box! Just bang it in. When you get the ball, you strike it and it goes straight forward with full thrust.” According to Gullit, trying to do all these complicated things is not good.

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This was a turning point in his career. He also found great encouragement when he was told “…you are not a bad little player!” Unwavering in his determination to sharpen his skills and respond positively to Gullit’s admonition, Van Nistleroy chose to become more forceful, thus setting him up for great heights.

Michael Jordan’s Thought Process

Jordan’s words were particularly inspirational for the hungry young van Nistelrooy. Jordan’s belief in the paranormal power of goal setting has always stuck with the footballer. Van Nistelrooy claimed that even at an amateur club in his Geffen village, he recorded his ambitions in writing, a reflection of Jordan’s belief that committing one’s objectives down on paper substantially enhances the chances of fulfilling them.

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Though there were skeptics who doubted his future prospects; Van Nistelrooy’s determination and valuable insights from a basketball legend saw him move from his lowly beginnings to the height of football fame. He went on a trip that took him from Geffen to illustrious football clubs like Manchester United and Real Madrid, where he etched his name in the pages of soccer history.

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Ruud Gullit and Michael Jordan helped show the Dutch striker, the pillars of his success and helped him understand the pragmatics at play and also the power of setting aims down on paper. This confirms that inspiration comes from surprising places, thus shaping destiny and building legends.