It is not usual to see Cristiano Ronaldo give interviews. Well, on this occasion, he has given two simultaneous. For the Premier League and for ESPN Brazil. In the first of them, he focuses on his season, on United’s season and on the problems his team is having to get points ahead. In the second, which will be divided into three parts and will be broadcast in its entirety in the coming days, he speculated on the possibility of playing in Brazil and compared himself to Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.
United and Rangnick moment: “We know that we have not played the best football, as we should. But we have many games to improve. At some points we are better with Rangnick, but he needs time. It is not easy to change the mentality of the players and the system in that way. He changed many things, he needs more time to implement his ideas in footballers. I think he will do a good job. “
Solskjaer’s march: “It’s always sad when a coach leaves. I told him that he used to play with me and now he’s my coach. He’s a fantastic person. We were all sad when he left, but it’s part of life. When things don’t go the way the club wants and the fans, the club has to change something. I was disappointed, but at the same time I understood the entity’s decision. Life goes on”.
The supportive Christian in the field: “I look at myself and say ‘Cristiano, what can you do better to improve your level and help the team?’ To be a team. To be compact. That’s why they call this club Manchester United. We have to stick together in difficult times.”
I look at myself and say ‘Cristiano, what can you do to help the team’
Cristiano Ronaldo
The ambition of footballers: “It is impossible to be successful without the right mentality. I think that is the main point. There is always a long way to go because for me the most important thing is to look at yourself and say that you can help the team much more. If you have some dignity, you have to do much more, starting with me. In this new year, I am trying to improve in many different things to help the team. We are all here to make the team better, so let’s try.”
Process: “We knew it was going to take a while to get the new manager’s ideas out on the pitch. We swapped Ole for Carrick and now the new manager. It’s hard when you change so much, but I still believe we’re capable of having a good season.”
Rangnick needs time
Cristiano Ronaldo
For ESPN: “Play in Brazil? In soccer, everything is possible”
Play in Brazil: “What I can say with absolute certainty is that Brazil is a sister country. Because of the relationship I have with my classmates, because of the culture, the Brazilians who live in Portugal. My sister lives in Brazil, married to a Brazilian. I take my courses of nutrition with Brazilians. It’s a country I have a lot of respect for, I know a lot about Brazil. Nobody knows playing there. Nobody said I’d return to Manchester United at 36 years old and here I am. Playing in Brazil? I don’t know. It’s far from my current thinking. But in football everything is possible, I don’t know.”
the best Ronaldo: “It depends on how you look at it. I don’t like comparisons. I prefer to say that Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and I have left our legacy, our history. I can say that I won more individual titles than them, but they both won the World Cup. I sympathize a lot with them These are two players that I grew up watching. Saying who is the best, who is the second… It is not the most important thing. I prefer to stay with the fact that they are idols and they left a beautiful history in football”.
Interview on SKY: “I don’t accept that our mentality is less than getting into the top three of the Premier League. I know we are capable of changing things. I know the way to do it, but I’m not going to tell you because it would be unethical.”
Criticism of young people: “When I was 18 years old, the older players spoke to me and I took it as advice because they knew more than me. This new generation does not accept criticism. If you don’t want my help and advice, do your job.”