Cristiano Ronaldo (foto: Screenshot)
In a revealing interview with Spanish journalist Edu Aguirre, Cristiano Ronaldo shared his views on his legacy in football, life in Saudi Arabia, his relentless drive to stay at the top, and his thoughts on the future of the game.
The former Real Madrid icon, now playing for Al Nassr, held nothing back as he discussed his career, ambitions, and how he continues to push himself at nearly 40 years old.
Life in Saudi Arabia and the League’s Growth
Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr in 2023 was a pivotal moment that changed the landscape of Saudi football. Reflecting on his experience, the Portuguese superstar admitted that adapting to a new country and league was a challenge but one he fully embraced.
"I'm approaching two years here, and honestly, I'm enjoying the experience. My family is happy, and I love challenges. Since I left Madeira at 12 years old, I have always embraced new experiences. Coming to Saudi Arabia didn’t keep me up at night. I knew what I was signing up for, and I was eager to take on something different in my life. All I need is my family, my partner Georgina, and my children, with the security, education, and comfort they deserve. I feel happy and settled."
The ex-Real Madrid forward also addressed misconceptions about the Saudi Pro League, emphasizing that the level of competition is underrated.
"When I decided to come here, I didn’t expect the league to grow this quickly, but I knew it would reach a high level in one or two years. It happened even faster. People who don’t watch or play in the league talk without knowing. They look down on it because it’s in Saudi Arabia. But if it were the United States, they wouldn’t have the same attitude. I see a lot of ignorance when it comes to how people evaluate the football here."
Relentless Work Ethic and Competitive Drive
Few players in football history have been associated with work ethic and discipline like Ronaldo. Even as he approaches his 40s, his commitment to training and maintaining peak physical condition remains unchanged.
"It's about passion, commitment, and motivation. Do I always feel like going to the gym? No. But I go because I have a responsibility to myself. The drive isn’t exactly the same as when I was younger, but I still love the game. If I wake up and know I can still make a difference, I keep going. I don’t think long-term anymore, I take it game by game, week by week."
His longevity in the game, despite rarely suffering injuries, is a product of careful preparation and smart recovery techniques.
"I played more minutes in the last European Championship than almost anyone. Why? Because I minimize the risk of injuries through preparation. Training volume is reduced, but it’s specific. Less physical wear and tear means I can perform better. It's about balance. Recovery is as important as training itself."
Ronaldo on Criticism and His Unwavering Confidence
Ronaldo is no stranger to criticism, but his self-belief remains unshaken.
"People are obsessed with trying to discredit me. They don’t seem to value what I’m still doing. I keep scoring, but all they care about is whether I reach 1,000 goals. I don’t chase records; they come naturally. I am the greatest of all time, and the numbers prove it. That’s a fact."
Thoughts on Lionel Messi and His Career at Real Madrid
Ronaldo acknowledged the famous rivalry with Lionel Messi, stating that it pushed both of them to greater heights.
"Messi and I never had a bad relationship. We competed at the highest level for over 15 years, and that rivalry made us both better. Like Senna and Prost in Formula 1, we drove each other forward. Will there be another rivalry like that in football? I don’t think so, but who knows."
Discussing his love for playing at Camp Nou, Ronaldo admitted he thrived under pressure.
"I don’t know how many goals I scored there, but it was a lot. I enjoyed playing there because I loved silencing the crowd. That ‘calm down’ celebration? It came from that atmosphere. Scoring at Camp Nou was even better than at the Bernabéu."
Real Madrid and His Future After Retirement
Despite leaving Madrid in 2018, Ronaldo still holds the club close to his heart.
"Spain is my home. My children grew up there, and Madrid is where I was happiest in football. I left because I wanted a new challenge, and although my negotiations with Florentino Pérez weren’t the smoothest, I respect him a lot. Would I return to the Bernabéu in some role? I don’t rule it out. I left a legacy there."
What’s Next for Cristiano Ronaldo?
With retirement on the horizon, Ronaldo is already planning his next steps.
"I’ve been preparing for life after football since I was 27. I have business ventures in hotels, clinics, and other industries. I want to contribute to society in different ways. It will be tough when I retire, but I will be prepared."
Ultimately, his love for scoring goals remains as strong as ever.
"Scoring is the best feeling in football. It’s an addiction. But I’m not obsessed with chasing numbers. I live in the present, and when the time comes to stop, I will know I gave everything."
At 39 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo remains as motivated as ever, still chasing greatness and setting new benchmarks in football history. His words are a testament to his unwavering self-belief, incredible work ethic, and the legacy he continues to build.