New Match of the Day host Kelly Cates once provoked Cristiano Ronaldo in an awkward interview moment

New Match of the Day host Kelly Cates is used to asking tough questions – just ask Cristiano Ronaldo.

The presenter has been confirmed as one of three new presenters alongside Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan on take control by Gary Lineker next season.

The trio will divide hosting duties between Match of the dayMOTD: Champions League and Match of the Day 2.

All three presenters have extensive presenting experience, with Cates being the daughter of the Liverpool legend. Kenny Dalglish – to continue his role at Sky Sports.

After interviewing several world-class players from her career, the 49-year-old revealed that one awkward encounter lingers in her memory for a long time.

Let's go back to March 2008 and Cates provoked a funny reaction from Ronaldo after his dazzling performance during manchester united in the 4-0 victory against Aston Villa at Old Trafford.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner opened the scoring with a backheel, before assisting each of the next three goals from Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney.

Later on Setanta Sports, Cates questioned ronaldo over whether he was referring to his goal, prompting a surprised reaction from the Al Nassr striker.

Cates recalled the infamous encounter with fourfourtwo when they asked him to comment on the best goal he has seen live.

She said: “One of the most memorable was years ago, I think it was against Aston Villa and it was pouring rain.

“Cristiano Ronaldo took a step back, did something strange.

“In the comment they said, 'I'm not sure how deliberate it was' or something like that.

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“The reason I remember it is because I did the post-game interview and asked, 'Did you mean it?'

“He said, Excuse me?” I didn't think he heard it.

“But he had done it and he said, 'Are you kidding me? Yes, I meant it!'

“It's rather the shame of everything that stays with me!”

Just months after Ronaldo's man-of-the-match performance against the Villans, he helped United lift both the Premier League and the Champions League.

As for Cates, she continued to work as a reporter at both club and international level, before joining Sky Sports in 2016, where she became lead presenter for the broadcaster's Premier League coverage.

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Speaking about his upcoming role presenting the iconic football highlights show, Cates said: “Once I sit in that chair and the theme song starts, I know it's going to be a really incredible moment.”

Before adding: “We're all friends and we've known each other for a long time and that's a really lovely part.

“Not only is it a great role on its own, but I get to share it with two people that I really admire, respect and really appreciate. It's a great setup.”