“He's a reference point” - Silva admits to his Ronaldo ambition

forward

Fabio Silva

admitted that he intends to be like

Cristiano Ronaldo

and commented on the challenge he faced filling

Raul Jimenez

’s shoes in the starting line-up.

The most money spent on signing a player in the history of the club would go to Silva as he had a £36 million ($49m) price tag. The 18-year-old signed a five-year deal in September and has already become a crucial player for the squad this season.

Silva has met the target four times in 18 matches in all competitions so far, including pulling off a significant display in the 3-2 loss against West Brom. He was mainly featured from the bench before Jimenez was rested due to a fractured skull injury he sustained in November. Silva has since been trying to prove his potential.

Silva’s talismanic rise to success has been compared with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo which fills the teenager with “pride”.

"

The comparison [to Ronaldo] came from looking at my career when I was in the Under-17 team and then in the U19s. They then made a comparison with Cristiano at that age,

" Silva said.

"

He's a reference point, and seeing my name linked with his is a source of pride, it's gratifying, regardless of the circumstances. 

"I would like to play with him one day and, if possible, share the same dressing room."

Silva will have to make his way into Santo’s squad as they prepare to face

on Wednesday, as Jimenez’s return is yet unknown.

"

For everything he has done, Jimenez is a very important player for the dynamics of the team and for the club. It is not easy for anyone to replace him

," said Silva.

"

Because of the unfortunate situation with him, I have played in a sequence of games. I feel that I am evolving with every game I play."

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