CRISTIANO RONALDO: HIS ONLY INTERVIEW
I had to go to biggest club in world, says £80m Portuguese ace
BERNABEU FULL FOR CRISTIANO RONALDO
Cristiano Ronaldo will be greeted tomorrow by 80,000 Real fans
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IT wasn't quite delivered with the infamous wink but it easily could have been.
Cristiano Ronaldo's parting shot at the hecklers who hounded his every prancing step in the Premier League.
Cristiano Ronaldo - click here for his United career in pictures
"My final message to your country? To all those who supported me, thank you. And to all those who hated me, thank you even more."
Those who supported him were dwindling day by day towards the end of his remarkable six-year stay in England.
But today, Ronaldo tries to explain why he has deserted the club and the manager who turned him into a global phenomenon.Not for the cash, he says. Not for a salary that could reach £500,000 a week. But for the dream.
The dream of wearing the white of Real Madrid - and the dream of becoming the game's GREATEST-EVER player.
He explained: "Of course, I have not gone for the money. It is a new challenge and a great honour to play for Madrid Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in the world and they pay top wages, so it is nothing to do with money.
"The white shirt is a great honour and one I am looking forward to. It is, I think, every boy's dream to play for Real. I grew up watching them play with Zidane, Figo, Ronaldo and all the other greats and there is something about that white shirt that just attracts you. It was a great dream and, fortunately, one that is coming true."
And no-one will be surprised to learn that Ronaldo is facing up to his new challenge with a breathtaking degree of confidence.
He said: "When I won World Player of the Year, it was amazing. For a lot of people, that would be their peak. But I promise that is not my peak. I will get better than that.
"I believe I am going to improve because I am just 24. If I didn't want to improve at 24, that would be a loser's mentality.
"To go down as a Real Madrid great is very hard because they have had so many exceptional players. That has to be my aim, though. To go down as the greatest. It will take lots of work but that is my target.
"If you go down as the greatest at Madrid it means you are one of the greatest of all time."
United followers might argue that if you go down as the greatest at Old Trafford, you are one of the greatest of all time.
And his gushing praise for one of Sir Alex Ferguson's bitterest rivals is hardly likely soothe the ill-feeling sparked by his world record defection.
But Ronaldo believes he will always have a special bond with United supporters.
He said: "I really could not have asked for any more from them. There were times when the whole of England was against me but they stood strong in their support and belief for me.
"While opposition fans' hate made me stronger, the love of the United support also made me stronger.
"I just want to say thank you for all their support. I will never forget them and I hope I have given them memories that will always be with them."
Cheating
And if that doesn't appease those who wished him only good riddance, then a belated declaration of loyalty might. A declaration that even hints at the possibility of a return.
He said: "It would not feel right to play for anybody else in England apart from Manchester United. They have been my home for so long and it would feel like I was cheating if I played for anybody else."
Ronaldo picks out the clinching of his first Premier League winners' medal as the most memorable moment of his United career and the humbling defeat in Rome as his low point.
"The first title is always the special one and that was the key to open the gates to even more success," he explained. "But losing the European Cup to Barcelona hurt. I don't like to lose any game but to lose such an important game at that level really hurts."
Almost as much as the idea that Ronaldo will be remembered in this country as much for his tantrums as his talent.
He said: "I knew the same players would kick me every time I faced them. Skilful players don't always get enough protection from some referees but nobody wants to talk about that.
Money
"It is very hard going to clubs lower down the league where if they can't tackle you - they just kick you."
United will have to face that ordeal without Ronaldo this season. But he is adamant that his departure will not halt a march to the capture of a fourth consecutive Premier League crown.
He said: "I have no doubt about that. I believe they are a long way ahead of the other three big clubs. They will have a lot of money to spend and there are not many players in the world that would turn down the chance to play for Manchester United.
"The boss will sign well because he always does and I expect Manchester United to carry on dominating England for a long time to come.
"Maybe Liverpool can build on last season but I think with a new world class manager and with the right buys, Chelsea can become a force in the Premier League again. But I still expect United to win the title next year."
Ronaldo, of course, will have more pressing matters to deal with. Such as living up to his £80million billing.
"When you play for a club like Manchester United or Real Madrid then there is always pressure but none of the pressure comes from my price tag," he claimed.
"That is a figure the businessmen at Madrid and United agreed on and that is nothing to do with football. My pressure comes from giving the fans what they have come to expect at Madrid and from playing for the most famous club in the world."
More famous, it seems, than Manchester United. That's Ronaldo. Just can't resist a parting shot.
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This article has 27 comments
bravo ronaldo
By jovica.. Posted July 22 2009 at 1:11 PM.
Thanks for the memories.. Good luck in Madrid
FOREVER RED ARMY
By erik.. Posted July 11 2009 at 9:31 AM.
Ronaldo yuh were a great player at man u n 2 b onest i started watchin football cuz ov ur skillz n tatctics... i wish yuh all da best 4 da future n good luck at real madrid...i am one ov ur biggest fanz i love yuh alot...yuh mde da correct choice at da right time cuz lyk dey sai yuh cnt b stuck in a room n du da sme fing likewise yuh cnt stay in once lace in one football team so fnkz yuh 4 everyfink ronaldo n i love yuh lotz n lotz gud luck 4 everyfink xxxx
By naddy.. Posted July 8 2009 at 7:53 PM.
he just goes to madrid because...of the womans
By naomi.. Posted June 28 2009 at 9:15 PM.
Good luck CR at madrid. Remember manu was the club that made u a star.so don`t forget it .
miss u CR!!
By Nikhil luv manu.. Posted June 28 2009 at 1:33 PM.
Im a big fan of u.I started watching football just because ur tactics and style on the pitch and that too with rooney....
U have a great time in MANU...
All the best for ur carrier:))))))
By Ravi.. Posted June 27 2009 at 2:45 AM.
ronaldo i used to love you.....and i tell you what i started watching footbal because of you....but i just cant believe you left manu....manu is the club who gave gave you respect and honour and the way you departed......i tell you what one thing will hinder in your success is your attitude......but still i like you but i must say i dont love you anymore.....i hope real doesnt win any titles but you play really good there side by side.......viva ronaldo.....long live manu and long live sir alex
By abdullah.. Posted June 26 2009 at 10:27 PM.
Ronaldo is idiot. He should be in Mant UTD.
By Michael.. Posted June 26 2009 at 12:38 PM.
I can still sense hate in the air from the ManU fans. What a bunch of Ungrateful B******S you all are.
Liam - you are saying that Best was miles better than Ronaldo!!? Dont be stupid. I will accept your patriotism but i will not accept your plain abysmal ignorance.
Didnt Ronaldo beat his record last year? Fact.
What awards has Best to show? Ronaldo won them all last season, first player EVER to do that. Fact
I know Best was a good player but if you are honest to yourself you know that Ronaldo is a lot more complete, because he will do anything that Best did plus more.
By wilson,london... Posted June 22 2009 at 1:01 AM.
Greatest football team? Real Madrid? Come on! What could Madrid done with all the money they have last season? They have super-expensive squad that lacklustred by cheaper Barcelona squad in La Liga.. They continously changing their manager just because they're 2nd in the league. Too much ambitions pal, you will ended up like Madrid did..
By yasser.. Posted June 21 2009 at 9:12 PM.
Well said Ronaldo. I just cant get over the Man U fans' bitterness. He did his best for you period, no matter what is said you will find it very difficult to replace him, Wayne my behind.
By Albert.. Posted June 21 2009 at 6:42 PM.
c'mon ashley MUCF stop being a fool. ronaldo is leaving the most attractive team ever. well i will miss him cos he's got great skills and scores good goals, but 80m was tp mush for fergie to turn down . carlos tevez, well man utd are probebly going to get a replacement for him. he wants to move on. i wish them both roaldo and tevez good luck.
By foyzul.. Posted June 21 2009 at 5:43 PM.
It is not Ronaldo that has changed it is United.
They never really found a suitable replacement for Carlos Queiroz.
He was someone the Latin footballers respected and listened to and he was the first team coach.
By Tone.. Posted June 21 2009 at 4:00 PM.
If he didn't say he was staying and then leave maybe the fans would thank him for what he as done rather than hate him, we will miss him cos he can switch a game with something special, we will also miss tevez cos he puts energy into the team when needed e.g when we beat spurs, im more sad to see tevez leave than ronaldo however ronaldo will be a much bigger loss, i have faith in utd tho and still belive we will make it 4 in a row...i dont no how people can compare ronaldo to best,, best was miles better, good luck ronnie and carlos
By liam.. Posted June 21 2009 at 3:21 PM.
good luck in madrid ronnie your do fine i will miss you as a player you scored some amazing goals
good luck to you
By ashley MUFC 4 life.. Posted June 21 2009 at 1:09 PM.
Music to my ears, Their own star..well ex star saying you have a dream..and that is at Real Madrid, he see's Real as the ultimate achievement . It annoyed me so much when united fans and Fergie think they are like the most attractive club, where all the in form players in their prime go..but NO! where have all the zidanes,ronaldo (original Ronaldo) , figo, Cannavaro and other s have gone?? It Real! . These are the clubs that are proper dreams Real Madrid, AC milan, Liverpool, Barcelona... not bleak, miserable, nasty manchester! Man u are like those designer labels that came on the scene new..and have become successful . While real, Liverpool and AC Milan are like the Armani, Gucci .
By hunter79.. Posted June 21 2009 at 1:14 PM.
I dont think anyone can really believe a word of wat this guy ses, considering he had everyone on that he would be united player next season when he had arranged to go to madrid a years ago, i think everyone should take all this rubbish he has waffled on about wit a pinch of salt. this guy seriously does not know how to be honest (like his diving and rooney red card)or tell the truth, so be weart wat u believe, not that i think this guy would return to our country cause he had no respect for it !!!, if the money was right he would stab united in the back and sign for which ever club took his fancy bye bye ronaldo good riddance
By marct.. Posted June 21 2009 at 11:31 AM.
AS A UNITED FAN I THANK HIM FOR WHAT HES DONE BUT I JUST CANT STOP FEELING WITHOUT HIM WE CAN BE BETTER. ROONEY CAN AT LAST BE THE FLOATING MAN AND WE MIGHT GET PLAYERS WHO RUN BACK AND TACKLE INSTEAD OF SITTIN ON THEIR ARSES. CANTONA KING OF THE NO7.
By simon.. Posted June 21 2009 at 10:53 AM.
Good on you CR. You were one of the best, and thanks for the memories. Man Utd will continue because all the other clubs are so pathetic that not one of them will be able to challenge Utd. See you in the 2010 champions league final!
By Jon.. Posted June 21 2009 at 8:13 AM.
OPE HE HAS GONE AT LAST WE CAN READ ABOUT ALL THE GOOD THINGS AT MAN U LIKE WINNING THE PREMIERSHIP ON NUMEROUS OCCASSIONS NOT JUST RONALDO
By PAUL BEDDIS.. Posted June 21 2009 at 8:22 AM.
Hmmm, not in it for the money. Going to the 'best club in the world'?? Was it me or did Real finish miles behind the new European Champions and look decidedly average all season. I'm an Arsenal fan but i respect Man Utd and feel that they are the better team. It's all glory, kudos and posturing from Ronaldo not a football decision. If Real or him fail then 'image' is nothing.
By Ken.. Posted June 21 2009 at 8:33 AM.
CR was the main match maker for man u and the void he has left at man u will not be easily filled.I agree with him when he said that he had his time at man u and now he wants to try something else.He is still young and Real have a great player who will bring so much in their games next season.Wish CR all the best in Spain,he left at the right time.
By kelly Mwayengo.. Posted June 21 2009 at 7:51 AM.
He made a right mug of Manchester and you still get fools wishing him luck!? PATHETIC!
By norwegian Gunn.. Posted June 21 2009 at 6:04 AM.
Ronaldo is a great player and well known being. Ronaldo deserve to be with real than any other low club team. Ronaldo love man u and he will always respect man u club. Every being as got is goals in life,so let give him the love and thank him for well done achievement and to wish him a good luck where ever he goes. No human being want to be in one room always,there must be changes and chalenges. Thank u.
By idrisu haruna.. Posted June 21 2009 at 5:06 AM.
If you want an all-time-great, you have to play for Real Madrid!! At least its easier to be considered an all time great, when you play in the notorious white shirt. Its a great joy to see Cristiano play in the Bernabeu. England, lean back and watch how the Bernabeu treat a player like Cristiano!!
By Baris.. Posted June 21 2009 at 12:38 AM.
I wish Ronnie the best in Madrid. You were fantastic for MAN UTD just as they were to you. No hard feelings at all. But do not forget the legacy FERGIE gave to you otherwise things might be rough ahead. Many thanks Andy Dunn for doin this exclusive interview. Viva News of the world and viva Ronaldo
By oladele.. Posted June 20 2009 at 11:49 PM.
Good luck at Real!
Just don't forget, Manchester United don't buy legends, they make them!
Thanks for the memories.
Viva Ronaldo!
By Olelo.. Posted June 20 2009 at 11:31 PM.