Ex-Reds’ coach Mike Clegg on how Cristiano Ronaldo’s total dedication to football was also in a league of its own:
“Ronaldo took on a new level of total dedication to his training because he wanted to be the best footballer in the world.
He filled his time with football, his whole life was dedicated to it.
He even had his own cook so that he was eating well all the time, he made sure he bought a house with a swimming pool so that he could do more training.
Some players over-do it. I’ve seen players train themselves into the ground because of insufficient knowledge, but Ronaldo was more intelligent than that. He’d train hard, but he’d listen to the specialists around him, the coaches, the manager, the other players like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He took their advice in pursuit of personal excellence.
He’d be in the gym with me doing core work, then he’d do activation, then his actual football training.
Cristiano would come back into the gym and do some power work for his legs. Then he would go home, eat the right food, swim, sleep, where I’m sure he dreamed about football, and come back in the next morning.
He did that for five or six years and, knitted together, that made him become the player who was sold for £80m.
They say you need to put 10,000 hours in before you can become great at something, be it painting or playing the guitar. Ronaldo did that – and more.
He arrived aged 18, the perfect time. Some players at that age go through a funny phase where they doubt themselves or think they are better than what they are. They curtail training. Had they done what Ronaldo did, they could have been far better.
Some of the other United players are excellent trainers, but they didn’t quite do as much as Ronaldo. He was a really nice person too.”
Special about Cristiano - UEFA Champions League Magazin (German ZDF TV)
For once a fair, positive report on Cristiano on German TV.
Extensive AS interview with Cristiano
- my translation -
- INJURY?
It’s all good now. It was an congestion in the leg, but I’m much better. For Sevilla and Manchester I will be able to play. - BIRTHDAY WISH FOR THE FUTURE?
The first gift I would wish for is “La Decima”, something very special for Real Madrid after so many years without winning it and, of course, also for me. The Champions League is the maximum for a player and I have a lot of hope to win it this year.
I’ve been playing for ten years as a professional and I am proud of what I’ve accomplished. I have many challenges ahead. The Champions and the Copa del Rey with Madrid, because we know that the league is very difficult. - HOW MANY YEARS MORE AS A PROFESSIONAL?
That’s a difficult question to answer, because I do want to play 10 more years, though I don’t know if I can really still play at the age of 38.
I want to play many more years and I will do so if I feel good mentally and physically. I’m working hard to achieve this because I have good genetics. So I shouldn’t have problems to get there. They say that after the age of 32 or 33 your genetics change and the way you play. You lose speed, but you gain experience. I enjoy the moment, which is very good. - CRISTIANO = NEW ALFREDO DI STEFANO?
I feel proud to be compared to the great men in the history of football and Madrid. It is an honour to stand beside these men. But what preoccupies me is to keep on working to help my club to always become bigger.
I don’t think about comparisons or records because that’s not good.
But what’s really true is that I always intend to make people feel good about me. I want to leave my mark in Madrid and I will only achieve that if I keep on defending this club until the limit of my powers. - FINALLY APPRECIATED AT THE BERNABEU
This is a situation that makes me very happy. The affection I get from people on the pitch, on the street, moves me. I am feeling proud to see that the people are with me, because they have realised that Cristiano is always the same. I always go forward. I always give my maximum and the fans have noticed that.
The Bernabéu appreciates me and already sees me as one of their players, one of their home. What motivates me most is seeing that the people care for me and continue to support me in all the matches, whether I score or not. - THE BERNABEU CHANTING HIS NAME
It’s a dream come true. When I signed for Madrid in 2009, that was one of my desires and one of the things I most was looking for from the first day I set foot in the Bernabeu.
The fans have noticed that and came to the conclusion that I am here wirh body and soul, and that I defend this shirt unto death.
It leaves me very pleased and happy to feel the affection of the people. I know that they love me and that fulfills me. The first day they chanted my name, I went home with a feeling of accomplishment, because I always try to give everything for this club. - HOW DID HE CHANGE THAT THE PEOPLE SEE HIM DIFFERENTLY NOW?
I was always the same person, but people have no opportunity to get to know me.
Even though little by little they see how I am and it is true that I notice a different treatment, more affectionate.
I have not changed my way of being, but some things can always be improved. But my personality is always the same. I have always defended Madrid to the maximum and people are noticing that more now, leaving aside other less important aspects.
Now I am very happy that they appreciate me, but it never ceases to amaze me because I was always the same person and people didn’t appreciate me with the fairness they do now. - HARSH TACKLES (example Navarro)
No, he didn’t say anything. He didn’t call. But I don’t want to talk much about this issue because a guy who fouled me that harshly that it opened my eyebrow and I had to get six stitches, deserves a punishment and a sanction.
But treatment in football is not the same for all players. But nothing has happened here, not even a foul was whistled. It hurts, because with things like that, no justice is given in football. It makes me sad because it is not a good example for the children. - LESS INSULTS RECENTLY?
That’s true. I notice that in stadiums they insult me less and less. I cannot please everyone. Not even God can, so how could I?
It’s not good for the children who come to the stadiums to hear those things. It’s just a football match and people should to go to the stands to enjoy the show and not to insult or threaten the players. - SADNESS OVER?
Yes, it has changed because I do what I love to do, which is playing football and I am feeling very well on the pitch and with the team mates.
Maybe my way of thinking and living has also changed for the better.
Right now I feel better than before. - CONTRACT RENEWAL
I won’t talk much about that because what’s really important to me now, what’s on my mind and what’s my aspiration is, that Madrid win “La Decima” and the Copa del Rey.
Contract renewal is a subject that I don’t want to talk about and that doesn’t worry me right now. Now I only care about the team and we’ll talk at the end of season.
I swear by my son that my my sadness was never related to money. It was not. - DOPING IN FOOTBALL?
This issue is very delicate…
I don’t think that there is doping in football. It is a team sport and I don’t believe that it’s necessary to use it to improve the performance. Of course, I would not put my hand in the fire for anyone … - SO FOOTBALL IS CLEAN?
Yes, one hundred percent. I don’t think that these kind of things happen.
Please note: If you like to use the whole text or excerpts, please credit me. It took a long time to make the translation. Thank you & enjoy.
New documentary on Brazilian TV show “Esporte Espectular” about Cristiano.
This is half of the documentary with English subtitles. I couldn’t find the first part with translation.
With unseen footage from Cristiano’s early days at the Sporting Academy, showing interesting facets of his personality.
For those who speak Portuguese, click here for the full 55 min. video.
Cristiano’s CNN Special
- Cristiano Ronaldo: All Access
When he talks about his mamá, his son, Irina, Sir Alex … ♥
Here’s the video to the cute-sexy “morena” gif:
Interview with Cristiano from September 2009 (Spanish)
(by RmadridSramos)
If you want to know more about Cristiano’s biography, watch this excellent documentary from 2007.
Cristiano Ronaldo - The Boy Who Had A Dream
- childhood at home in Funchal
- difficult times at the Sporting Academy in Lisbon
- big step to Manchester United
- becoming a world-wide football icon and advertising star
- Cristiano interviews
- rare youth pictures
- interviews with Cristiano’s mother, sisters, brother, godfather, Funchal neighbours, mates from the Sporting Academy, manager, Sir Alex, Manchester United team-mates, José Mourinho, …
10 years of continuous development to excellence … and there is more to come
Exactly 10 years ago, on August 14th 2002, a 17-years-old boy faced Inter Milan in a Champions League qualifier wearing a Sporting Lisbon shirt.
It was Cristiano Ronaldo’s first appearance as a professional in an official match.
Paulo Bento today:
“10 years of outstanding performance, representing three great clubs.
Some years ago we anticipated a great talent, but maybe not everyone imagined that Ronaldo could be the player he is today and having the significance he has now for the club where he is and for the national team.”
(my translation)
sportingclubeportugal:
10 anos depois
Cristiano remembering his presentation in the Bernabéu, re-living the emotions
“It was a very a very hectic day and it was very hot.
I had to go to the hotel, getting dressed quickly, interviews, photo sessions …
I talked on the phone with my mother, all of my family on the way to the Bernabeu.
I couldn’t believe that so many people where there to see me.
It was like there was a match. I didn’t expect something like that.
It was a very special day for me.”
“I felt a nervousness in my stomach.
Augustin, the man responsible for the locker room, was by my side.
The president was speaking. The stadium was full. I felt a great joy. It is worth it to enjoy. I was sitting on the stairs, waiting for my name to be called. I spoke with Augustin.
I had prepared some words to say, but when I was in the stadium, I couldn’t remember anything. The only thing I thought was: ‘don’t forget to say Hala Madrid’.
So what should I do? I will count 1-2-3 Hala Madrid.
The speeches continued and continued, and me waiting. I was waiting and waiting, from moment to moment more impatient. Finally I heard ‘we present Cristiano Ronaldo’ and I ran up the stairs.”
“The stadium was packed and I turned around and saw the crowd, the flags, the shirts with my name on …
I felt an immense shiver running down my spine.
There was a boy breaking through the security. They wanted to grab him. But I said ‘no, no’ and embraced him.
The only thing I managed to say was ‘impressive’ and ‘now we will say all together 1-2-3- Hala Madrid’.”
(more here)
Interview with Cristiano (that’s how I like to call him) shortly before the EURO - my translation -
Some details I didn’t understand and left them out, but only a few things.
If you use my translation outside of tumblr or just take some quotes, please credit me. It took me some hours to make the translation. Thanks a lot!
Q: Cristiano or Ronaldo?
My family calls me Ronaldo. At school they always called me Cristiano.
I like it better being called Cristiano because that sounds like I’m still a little child and very well-behaved. (laughs).
Some call me Ronnie. Ronaldo is a bit more neutral.
Q: Personal development since 2003 (when his professional career began)
Of course things changed a lot in the last 10 years, from a teenager with pimples and blonde streaks to a man (laughs).
Everything changed for the better, both on personal and football level.
I could realise many dreams in my career.
And in my personal life I also feel very happy for what I achieved and what I have. For the friends I have, for my family, for my girlfriend. Because of all that I am happy.
Q: What did you learn on your journey of life?
I learnt many things. My mental strength comes from what I was going through, and from the education by my parents and siblings.
It was very difficult for me to leave my family at the age of 11 to go to the mainland. That was the worst moment of my life.
I remember how I packed my bags in an emotionally agitated state.
Until today I believe that overcoming all this gave me my greatest strength, which is my mental strength.
How are you beyond being the football star?
A normal man, just like my siblings, with a normal life, a normal work. I’m just like anybody else. Working day by day to make a living.
What does it take to be better than you ?
He has to show it in statistics.
I think statistics in football are very important. It’s not worthwhile just saying that someone is the best if the statistics are not good.
Q: What are you qualities?
I think I am an extremely competitive person, extremely hard-working and professional. I don’t like to do things by halves, it has to be done well.
Those who are working with me or already did, can tell that I am an exemplary professional.
Q: Do you have flaws?
Of course I have.
I don’t like to lose. Sometimes I say imprudent things shortly after a defeat. But within 3-4 minutes it’s OK.
I don”t like to lose and get upset then. But in 3-4 minutes, with a warm hug from a team-mate, it will pass. My team-mates already know me very well (smiles).
Q: Who really knows you?
Only those who have to do with me, who know me well, those who play together with me, those who live with me, they know who Cristiano, Ronaldo, Ronnie really is. They know who I am and how I am.
Q: Do you always wake up with the same mtivation to train?
I am always motivated. But I don’t want to lie. Of course there are days when I wake up a bit tired. But I never looked for an excuse to not going to training and I never will do that.
The moment I don’t feel this passion for training any more I will say to myself: ‘It’s time to pack my boots and end my career’.
That’s how I think and will think until the end of my career because if I don’t feel the ambition and motivation anymore it’s better to stop.
Q: Biggest influences?
My family of course, they were by my side in good and bad times of my career. The person I am today, the education I got, it’s all thanks to my family.
Q: Your late father is always present?
(very emotional) Of course he is. I would never forget about my father. He was a person of extreme importance in my life and still is. I have to live with that. We have to continue our life with our family, children. But those things affect us and we shouldn’t lament and be sad because life is like this and we know we have to continue with our lives.
Q: Which virtues your father passed on you?
Pride. He was a man of pride. He did everything for his friends. He was very proud of his children. He was proud of his son, me, because for him I was always the best.
Q: Influence of the mother?
I think I am more like my mother. But of course I also have things of my father inside me. It’s a mixture of both. Maybe a bit of the personality of my father and in other moments it’s more the education of my mother.
Q: Advices from your parents?
‘Fight for your life’. That’s a saying from my mother. Strive for your objectives.
When I left for Lisbon at the age of 11 my mother entcouraged me and said ‘If you want to do it, go there.’
My father always was in good spirits, he loved football. My father was kit-man at Adorinha club and his dream was that I play at a big club and he will see me on TV.
It makes me a bit sad because if he could enjoy seeing me now, what I have achieved, that would be a highlight in his life.
But I am sure that he watches over me from above.
Q: It is easy to like you?
No, that’s not easy. Either you like me or not. There is nothing in between.
It’s because I am like that. It’s the way I am. If they like it or not.
I don’t have to please everybody.
Q: Why?
To be honest, I don’t know. It’s my personality. Some think that I am arrogant. But I don’t care. Also, I don’t try to make others like me.
For me it’s the people I love who count, my friends and family and I don’t care if the others have another opinion on me.
I am who I am and won’t change for others. If they talk about me I won’t change my opinion.
I am calm. All I have, I achieved with my own sweat and therefore I don’t have any problem to be who I am. And I am very proud. I am happy that everything is fine with my family and friends.
Q: Living in public
We can’t always be the same when we are private, talk with the press, appear on TV. But that’s part of my job and my way of being.
We have to be careful because we are always observed.
Everything I am doing is being judged. And most of the stories are made up. Sometimes that’s a bit sad.
I’m already used to it now. When I was younger it was more difficult for me.
But now I am more settled, I have a good career, a wonderful family, a son, I am happy.
Q: Extreme Fans
Sometimes there are extreme situations.
In Manchester I had a fan who slept at my doorway and one day jumped over the fence at 6 a.m. and knocked at my door.
It was a difficult situation. In the end I phoned her mother and payed her a ticket to get home.
There were people who always followed me, until my house …
Q: What do you like about a woman?
The heart. That’s the most important thing (both laugh).
Other attributes also, but it’s the heart that really counts.
Q: What do women like about you? Also the heart?
(laughs) Yes, those who really know me like my heart. But I also have other attributes. But at least for me it’s all about the heart.
Q: Scolari said: ‘Others envy him because he’s tall, handsome and can have all the women.’
Oh, that was a joke. The first two words are OK, but not the last part.
In fact, I felt uncomfortable with this statement because it’s not true. It’s compromising.
Q: Relationship with Irina
We have a perfect understanding. She has her own life just as I do. I won’t change the way I am and she also won’t change her way of being, her roots, her values. Because of that we are good together. We are a happy couple, very well attuned to each other.
Q: Do you know some Russian expressions?
Of course. Some basic things …. thank you, good morning, good evening …
Q: Do you like lingerie?
Yes, I like it a lot (laughs)
Q: What kind of lingerie?
(laughs) I can’t tell you in detail, my mother and my sisters will watch.
But I like it very much.
Q: Rituals before a match
Yes, there are some things. I speak with my team-mates, we’re wishing each other luck, listening to music in the locker room. We already have our ceremony and that’s part of our success.
Q: What’s the most annoying thing during a match?
When the opponents call me names. This happens very often.
It’s not always easy to ignore that.
But when I leave the pitch, after some minutes I don’t care any more.
On the pitch and off pitch things are different. It wouldn’t cost a lot to apologise after the match, saying ‘Hey, I’m sorry’ or a little hug.
I do that very often. It’s not good to keep those bad feelings inside you.
Q: It would be easy for your opponents to reconcile with you?
Very easy. Just stretch out the hand to me and everything is OK. That’s my education, my parents taught us that.
Q: Not loved in Portugal?
As far as I know it’s only a minority that don’t like me. So I don’t want to generalise that the majority doesn’t like me but only admires me for my achievements. This makes me proud in a way.
It’s not easy to be considered as a representative for Portugal. We have to be proud of who we are, of our Portuguese origin. We have to care more for what is ours.
I think it’s true that in Portugal we often give more importance to things that come from outside and our own achievements are not appreciated as much as it should be. But to say ‘the Portuguese people are like this’ is not a good thought. We have to change this kind of thinking, we should be more united and have more confidence in ourselves.
Q: Worst thing that others say about you?
(sad) There are a lot … they say many things … arrogant, stupid, …
Q: But it doesn’t affect you?
No. Why should I let it affect me.
(but his sad face tells another story)
Q: What does it mean to be the captain of the Portuguese NT?
To be the captain of the national team means to be one more player trying to give his best for Portugal. To be a player who faces the fight, fighting from the first to the last minute.
Being captain of the national team is a big pride for me because it’s the peak of what a footballer can achieve, who is striving for success in big clubs and the national team.
Q: Now you’re already one of the experienced players in the NT
Yes, I’m already an oldie (laughs)
Time is flying. Already 10 years that I am in the national team. This is good for me and I am proud that I am useful still.
To be together with such great players in the club and the national team.
I have good friends in the NT, we have great players. We have to appreciate that we have everything. Portugal has the potential to win something important.
Q: EURO 2012?
I can predict that we will do our best, we will run from the first to the last minute. Doing our best for Portugal.
Q: Difficult situation in Portugal
We have to face the problems and shouldn’t lament. We should be optimistic.
The message should be: Positive energy attracts positive energy.
Q: Have you ever felt envy?
When I was younger, yes. I ‘d like to have that car … things like that.
But not any more.
Q: Did your son change you?
(enthusiastic) A lot. Those who have children know what I mean.
It’s something you cant’t explain, it’s in your heart, something of your own. I’m living a dream. It’s wonderful.
He already speaks a lot: ball, car, papá.
We sing together (sings)
When I saw my son for the first time it was with great emotion. Beautiful.
I always thought all babies look the same. But then…
(very emotional) This moment is written in my heart. I can’t explain it. I remember everything. It was a mixture of many emotions at the same moment.
Changing diapers is not my speciality. But bathing him, washing his hair. He has strong hair just as I have.
I don’t care about the speculations. I live my life for myself and not for others.
Q: When was the last time you cried?
I remember it well, I cried a lot. It was after I missed the penalty in the CL semi-final. It was a strong emotion and I couldn’t control my feelings and cried. It was an important match and I missed the penalty. And I cried.
Q: Best player of all times?
This is relative. I didn’t see Pelé play live, nor Maradona, nor other great players. But from what I saw it could be several players.
Q: Cristiano Ronaldo
Yes, among others.
What I want is to do, already did and continue to do is writing a beautiful page in the history book of football, on Portuguese and international level.
Q: Attitude?
I don’t have to hide anything. I don’t want to pass on an image of being humble. I always speak my mind. So some people like me, others don’t.
Q: Balon d’Or?
I hope so, I want to be honest. Competing with the best.
I always have hope, like last year. The highlights for a professional footballer are to win titles with the teams and individual titles, too.
Q: Dreams?
Yes, I have. Winning something important for Portugal.
I’d like to win more titles, to have a bigger family, at least one more child.
I like to have a dream life.
Q: Maybe your son will be a better player than his father?
Difficult task! (laughs)
But I would love it if he also became a footballer. A dream of mine.
But of course he can become whatever he wants. I will give him 100% support.
Q: What do you like to say at the end of our conversation?
I loved to talk with you.
And that all Portuguese are happy. Positive energy!
Cristiano with his nephew Dinis.
Who is more adorable: uncle Cris or the little boy?
Interviewer: “Do your nephews make you think of being a father?”
Cristiano: “I am already thinking about it.”
(at that time he already must have known that he will be a father some weeks later)
“It is something very special that my sister named my nephew after our father Dinis. I am very proud of her that she made such a homage to our father.
I have 4 nephews and this is wonderful. Children always bring big joy into a house. They like to be with me and I like to be with them, it’s always an enormous pleasure for me to be with them.”
This was filmed in May 2010, some weeks before his son was born (June 17, 2010). Documentary with my translation of Cristiano’s statements: CLICK here
• Cristiano Ronaldo at home (part 1)
top ten cristiano ronaldo favorite pictures -
1 , July, 1, 2006: Dedicating the winning penalty against England (World Cup 2006) to his father, screaming to the sky:
”Isto é para ti que eu sei que estas ai.”
(This is for you, I know you’re there)His father got sick in 2004 and in that year he promised he would put Portugal in the final of the Euro 2004. He did it.
Unforgettable moment. I remember how I felt for him.
At that time, little Cristiano was called “abelinha” (little bee).
He was a thin little boy, never seen without a football.
(via soymuyfeliz)
Then a lovely boy, now a lovely man :o)
17 year old Cristiano Ronaldo gives his first interview
Young Cristiano at Sporting.
Cristiano shares this video about his time at Sporting Lisbon:
“Here is a video that I would like to share with you about the great times I spent at the https://www.facebook.com/SportingClubePortugal, which contributed decisively for the player and person that I became.”
At that time he could only dream about - and work hard for - becoming this divine footballer he is now.
