Realmadrid News

Ronaldo all out: "I want to be involved with this project and I want to continue being important to this team"

Four down, twenty-six to go to win your bet.
It's still on. It's my personal goal, but there are people out there betting against me, which just motivates me even more. I still believe I can win it.

Eufemiano Fuentes is trying to associate doping with teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia.
We don't even know who that is. There's really nothing here to hide. We don't do anything illegal and are always available for the random inspections that UEFA carry out, or whoever else for that matter. We take medicine when we are sick or injured, but nothing that can improve or enhance our form.


Does your love-hate relationship with Capello motivate you?
I like it. I always want my coach to push me. If he doesn't, it means he doesn't really care about you. Capello is very demanding of me. Sometimes we don't understand one another and argue, but that's a part of football. I like it that he demands a lot from me and that he is interested in me. It shows me that I am important to him and that he trusts me.

Capello said publicly that your were fat. Isn't that somewhat disrespectful?
I don't have a problem with what he says. What bothers me even more is how the press interpret things, but I just ignore it all. We have body fat and weight checks and the numbers are available for everyone to look at. I think it's ridiculous that we're still talking about this. You are great when you score, and fat when you don't. I am very dedicated to my work and I always try to improve. I don't care what anyone else says.

All today's headlines talk about the return of the King.
I would rather talk about football, winning, losing, and plays. Football is the main priority for many people. I prefer talking about football, football, football.


Of course there was talk about Ronaldo
I wasn't playing. I was a sub and saw little playing time. There was a lot of talk about my weight and other things. But I am much calmer when I play, when we talk about football, and not other nonsense.

Is Capello the most demanding coach you have ever had?
He's one of them.

There's also a lot of talk about team unity.
I think this has always been a pretty close-knit group. We have dealt with several hard things for a long time. You also solid teams when they lose and when players need each other. That makes a real team.

Do you like the way the team is playing?
I am happy. I have had fun with the opportunities I have been given. But Madrid is awesome, and it's understandable that people are demanding. But they have to be happy with the results even if the football isn't great. They will soon see pretty football.

Do you feel respected by opponents when you're on the pitch?
It doesn't matter. The opponent can behave however he wants. I never think about the opponent. I just worry about myself and my team. If they respect me, that's great. If not, that's great as well.


Have you discussed which team you would like to face in the Last 16 of the Champions League?
There were very few talkers here today. We only got four hours of sleep. We don't have to think about any rival from here on out. We just need to focus on improving our game. I don't care who we draw. I don't think Madrid need to be thinking about others. It's they who need to worry about us. I don't feel inferior to anyone or any team. They are all just as good as the next and it all depends on us.

Capello said he was very happy that battled during the whole match last night.
He didn't have time to tell me anything because I haven't heard that. Last Sunday he did tell me. He is a very fair coach. He yells at you when he needs to and he tells you you did well. The comments can make a player feel more or less important.

You and Beckham understood each other very well last night.
David is also a very important part of this team. I don't have to talk about his football skills. I feel great on the pitch and we understand each other to perfection. He can put in some incredible crosses.

Are you hoping you don't draw Milan?
Not necessarily. It's always an honour that great teams like Milan show interest in me.

Do you think you will play against Sevilla?
If the coach calls on me, I am very willing. I really want to play, help the team, score goals, and bring home the three points. I'll understand and accept whatever the coach decides. I am a professional.

Sevilla are a strong opponent.
We always have to win. All this leader and winter champion talk is meaningless. We have to finish the season ahead of everyone. If Barcelona continue winning and tally the most victories in history, and we're one point away, the important thing is to continue tallying points regardless of how Barcelona do.


Report by Laura Navas
Photos by David R. Anchuelo
Translation by Matthew Goltz

posted by khalidmrrakchi@hotmail.com @ 1:36 PM