London: Love him or hate him, but you can’t ignore Cristiano Ronaldo. The star striker is a loved and hated man, but the Portuguese star seems unperturbed by it.
In an interview to 'Coach Magazine', Ronaldo has revealed that he thrives on the criticism he received from his haters. The Real Madrid man also talked about Jose Mourinho and respect for Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo on the most important football lesson: “To use negative people and experiences to motivate you. I actually need my haters – they have helped me achieve all I have achieved.”
Ronaldo on the coach who had the biggest influence on him: “I do see Sir Alex Ferguson as a father figure. All my coaches have been important, but when I arrived at Real Madrid I was a man, when I arrived at Manchester United I was a boy. All of a sudden you are at one of the biggest clubs in the world, and at that time I needed somebody like Sir Alex.”
Ronaldo on Zinedine Zidane: “Zinedine Zidane was a perfect example of that last season. We had not started well, but then he arrived and was the catalyst for one of my best-ever seasons. We went on a great run in La Liga, won the Champions League, and then I won the European Championships with Portugal. It was a great season for me and Real Madrid, and the right coach can be that inspiration.”
Ronaldo on toughest opponent he has ever faced: “Over the years I had some great battles with Ashley Cole – he doesn’t give you a second to breathe. He was such a tenacious player, quick, tough in the tackle – when he was at his peak. You knew it would never be an easy game.”
Ronaldo on Messi: “There is a big mutual respect between myself and Lionel Messi. The media like to make out like we have this big rivalry, but we don’t. It is not like we are good friends, but there is a mutual respect on both sides.”
Ronaldo on Mourinho: “I have played for so many great coaches, but Jose Mourinho was a big thinker analytically, he went into everything in great detail.”
