Cristiano Ronaldo interview – what he said

Cristiano Ronaldo: In London to promote his new film

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo was in London on Monday to promote a new eponymous film documentary which delves into his life on and off the pitch. Here are the best bits from the football superstar.

On allowing a film crew into his house:

“At the beginning it was a little bit strange to be honest because during my life I have never put people in my house I don’t know…well…sometimes!”

On if he gave away too much during the film:

“Too much? ‘Maybe but I just had fun. I don’t regret anything. I feel unbelievable. When you do something people will find reason to criticise you, but it’s normal.”

On giving something back to his supporters:

“People like me and I’ve got to give them back with the good stuff in my job, which is to play football. This documentary was to show what I’ve got inside the house – with my son, with my friends, my family. I think it will be interesting – sad, happy, funny moments. The fans are going to love it.”

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On footage being found of him playing as a child:

“It was unbelievable when I started to watch it, I just loved it. Since I was a young boy I always felt special sometimes. Not just for myself but I saw people look at me with different eyes, they knew I was different to the other ones. I was feeling bad.”

On why the film starts and ends with him winning the Ballon d’Or:

“The Ballon d’Or is there in the movie because it’s an important part – the feelings, the environment around this trophy. It is an important part that people are going to like.”

On his favourite parts of the documentary:

“Many parts of the movie, I feel like: “wow, great images,” One of the parts I feel more about is not my parts, it my brother’s part and my mum’s part. These are the parts I feel are more intense in the movie. My parts are cool, too – especially when I was with Cristiano (his son).

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On how his son is already knowledgeable on the game:

“Cristiano Jnr appreciates good players like his dad. He doesn’t just speak about Lionel Messi. He’s intelligent. He knows. I’m never going to say to him not to follow this team or this player. He is a happy boy and understands his daddy plays in Real Madrid. He’s an unbelievable boy.”

On the ongoing FIFA scandals:

“I’m not afraid to answer anything with what I think – but I’m not going to speak about it because when Cristiano says something it’s a huge thing. I’m not going to be involved in these problems. What do you expect me to say?”

On the influence of agent Jorge Mendes and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson on his move to Old Trafford in 2003.

“With United I have a great passion. What Jorge did for me at 18 with the words of Ferguson was a dream. To play in Sporting and move was “wow, what is that? When Ferguson wanted me and said I’d play 50 per cent of the games that was unbelievable. I took that decision because Jorge helped me. The last word from Ferguson was key also.”

 

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