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| Friday, 30 March 2012 21:31 |
Ronaldo: “Everything I have today I’ve worked for”No dimming of ambition from upbeat Portugal captain A brief but wide-ranging interview with Cristiano Ronaldo was screened on Portuguese television channel TVI tonight. In a rare one-on-one interview, a happy and relaxed Ronaldo openly talked about several aspects of his past, present and future career.
“Everything I have today I’ve worked for. I’m grateful for the support of my family, friends, coaches and everyone who has helped me along the way. I believe I deserve to have the things I have today because I’ve worked hard for them. It’s fair to say I’ve had a little luck along the way too.” In typically positive and ambitious fashion, Ronaldo believes that Portugal’s tough draw in the Euro 2012 may in fact be a blessing in disguise. The Seleccao will be vying to finish in one of the top two places in Group B, where they will play Germany, Denmark and Holland. “Sometimes it’s better to face the best teams straight away. We have to be more focused and concentrated,” said the Portugal captain. “We have to have ambition and a winning attitude. If we go there with a defeatist attitude we won’t get anywhere. I think it’s a tough group, but we have a good team and a good coach and we will have the country behind us, which gives us extra motivation. I’m confident. We have to take it one step at a time, the first phase will be complicated, but from then on if we qualify anything is possible. Portugal could cause surprise“Theoretically Germany and Holland are the hardest opponents, but Denmark knocked us into the play-offs in qualification and are also a strong team. All three adversaries are good teams. We’ve got a big job in front of us, but Portugal could be a pleasant surprise.”
Bet on Euro 2012 football As for the national team coach, Ronaldo could hardly have been more generous in his praise for his former Sporting team-mate who he considers “the right man for the job.” “Paulo Bento has done an extraordinary job; he’s an excellent coach and an excellent person. I knew him as a player and he has not changed at all as a coach. He has the same principles and methods and I think it’s praiseworthy when people don’t change. He’s a great coach and I hope he has a great career.” Ronaldo was also asked about his thoughts on two other coaches who have had a big influence on his career, Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho. On the Manchester United manager Ronaldo said: “Ferguson was one of the people who most supported me in my career. He gave me opportunities, a football education, mental and psychological preparation to handle the pressure as an 18 year old. I’m very grateful to him, as I am to Sporting coaches, both in the first team and at youth levels.” Mourinho: simply the best As for compatriot Mourinho, Ronaldo said he knew he would enjoy working with him because he shared a winning attitude. “Mourinho’s titles speak for themselves. Wherever he’s been, he’s won trophies. Not all coaches have managed that. That’s why I consider him the best.”The Real Madrid star admitted that he is probably experiencing the best moment in his career. “This year I feel more solid and things have gone well. It’s my best moment. I can say that it is the peak of my career, but that’s because I live in the present and I don’t think about the past or the future. I try to make the most of things year after year. “What are my dreams? I have a lot of dreams, both with my eyes closed and my eyes open! I want to win the Spanish League and the Champions League. In La Liga we are well placed and we have a good breathing space, but we have to keep our feet on the ground. There are 13 games left and we can’t ease off, but God-willing, we will be champions. “As for the Champions League, all Madridistas want to win it, to achieve the Décima. The coach and us players want that as well and we will fight to achieve it.” Cristiano Ronaldo. He talks the talk. He walks the walk. by Tom Kundert Follow PortuGOAL on Twitter and Facebook |
He started out as a poor kid growing up in Madeira, didn't come from a line of football players. His incredible talent was recognized, and he worked his way up. Started playing youth football for a 4th division club (Andorinha), went to Nacional, then to SCP. You know the story from there.
I always like to see when someone succeeds not from connections or having rich parents that can send them to expensive academies, but from raw talent, ambition and hard work.
Also, before people start posting how Messi was poor growing up too, I already know that. I admire Messi as well, but this article was about Ronaldo, not Messi.
If Ronaldo can win the Euro Cup with the NT, I really think it would cement the legacy or a truly amazing player.
Forca Ronaldo
In watching RM games this year, I think his on field tantrums are mostly self directed at himself for not making a play. He's been a team player. If he shows anything close to whining it's when he doesn't draw a foul call. He doesn't get as many as Messi, mostly because of his reputation deserved or not. He gets fouled hard a lot and a lot of them are not called often.
The one thing that you've always heard about Cristiano from former teammates and coaches is that he has always worked hard. First guy to training and last to leave. If you recall he's the one who asked Kaka to stay late in training so they could get better acquainted with their nuances.
I know people hate his arrogance, but the one thing people in the know have always called him is a professional.
As a Portuguese, I'm very proud to have such a great player from our nation. Incredibly, our nation has had two players that are in the conversation of best ever.
I have little admiration for those that have everything handed to them, by doing nothing.
Cristiano has earned all titles and awards by shear hard work and determination and deserves to be considered one of the best players in the world.
Well done and good luck.