New Delhi: Already described as a ‘Roman God’ by the Spanish media, CR9 has warned his future rivals that they have yet to see his best.
After thrilling 85,000 fans at the Santiago Bernabeu on Monday night in his grandiose unveiling ceremony, Cristiano Ronaldo will make a quick return to Portugal to enjoy the remainder of his holidays.
But before his departure, the world’s most expensive footballer gave a candid and lengthy interview with AS where he talked about his past, present and future, starting with his reaction to the electrifying presentation gala.
"It was incredible. I could not believe what I saw," he began. "It was amazing… unbelievable. It makes my hair stand on end just recalling the experience. I did not expect something like that. Ever since I can remember, Madrid have always been the most famous club, even in my hometown of Madeira. They sign all the best players in the world and all the great international figures."
"All the kids of my generation in Portugal talked about Madrid and that’s why it’s a privilege to be here. A young boy’s dream has been fulfilled."
Ronaldo then acknowledged that he was a "selfish" player when he first began his rise to prominence at Manchester United, but he assured Madridistas that he is a very different player now. He also compared the English Premier League and the Spanish Primera Division as he vowed to bring the champagne back to Madrid’s football.
"There’s no doubt I’m less egoistical now. For sure, four years ago I was only thinking about completing a move by scoring a goal. But the experience has helped me to understand that when you are in a team and you become a team player, greater objectives are obtained. In Madrid, people will see a better Cristiano."
"It’s true that the Premier League is faster and more physical and you don’t get to stop for even a second. In Spain, you see more of the ball and the quality of the play is much more valued here. For that reason, I believe that with the players that Madrid will have, things are going to go well. I will work hard to adapt as quickly as possible and I do not think that it will be difficult to co-exist with so many other stars."
Two of the biggest ever stars at the Bernabeu are Alfredo Di Stefano and Raul and Ronaldo spoke about the significance of the unmistakable jersey numbers made famous by the duo.
"I met him (Di Stefano) on the day I arrived at the Bernabeu and it was a pleasure to meet him.
"The No. 9 is a mythical number in Madrid and it was worn by someone as great as he is. It’s the same with the No.7 at Manchester United, which is what I would’ve liked to have here but Raul is wearing it. Still, it will be a pleasure for me to play with the No. 9."
"Raul is a great player, someone who has written the history of this club and on top of that, he comes from the cantera. He has won everything in Madrid and he continues to play well, as you can see by the goals that he scored last season.
"It will be very good to play alongside him."
Finally, CR9 cynically admitted that he is not worth the €94 million Madrid dished out for him.
"Of course €94m should be paid for me. Or more. I think more. Everyone says no, but I say yes. Someone will have to value me."
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