Gauld, who was previously linked to Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United has been likened to Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi, and joined Sporting from Dundee United in a £3million deal last summer.
Ronaldo came through the ranks at Sporting before earning a move to Old Trafford in 2003.
And Gauld claims he was inspired by Ronaldo to take the plunge and move to Portugal.
"Sporting have got a good track record with really good, young players - Luis Figo, Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani all came from here - so I knew they must have the coaches to develop world class players," Gauld told Match of the Day magazine.
GETTY
Sporting Lisbon starlet Ryan Gauld
That's why I'm here so I guess it did play a part
Ryan Gauld
"That's why I'm here so I guess it did play a part."
Gauld also revealed he has become good friends with United flop Nani.
He added: "Nani's been brilliant with me. After training he's making sure everything's good and even in training he's making sure I'm fully concentrated.
"I've settled really well now - I've adapted to the football, I've adapted to Portuguese life and I'm really enjoying it."
The latest edition of Match of the Day magazine goes on sale this week.
MOTD
The latest edition of Match of the Day mag includes an interview with Ryan Gauld
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