Cristiano Ronaldo Interview - 22/11/11

Cristiano Ronaldo Interview - 22/11/11

In the aftermath of Cristiano Ronaldo's new Nike CR7 Collection launch in Madrid, SoccerBible sat down with the global superstar to chat football boots, Real Madrid and the Champions League. The Portuguese player is enjoying another successful La Liga and international campaign and believes Real Madrid are in poll position for European glory this season! Take a look and share your thoughts online.

 

What were your first impressions of the new Nike CR7 Mercurial boots? Cristiano Ronaldo: The new boots are amazing. I saw the boots some time ago because I work with Nike to give my opinions and share how I feel about the design. I think Nike do this in the right way and I can't wait to play many games in them!   Do your team mates ever comment on your boots?   CR: (laughs)For sure, they comment all the time! When I trained with the new boots for the first time everyone had something to say because they are so different. But I hope to score many goals in my new boots because I really like them. The CR7FLASHTRIAL winners are here. What is your advice to them on becoming a true champion? CR: It's a pleasure to see the young boys here who want to achieve something in their future.

 

My advice would be to work hard in training and believe in yourself. They will get one opportunity and I hope they can take it.

Since you started playing in the Mercurial line, which boots have been your favourite?

 

CR: The last green Mercurials have been one of my favourites because I scored a lot of goals wearing them. Year by year, Nike improve the boots with new things. In the beginning they looked beautiful but were not as comfortable as the new ones are now.

 

 

Can you explain why you soak your boots in water?

CR: I put my boots in hot water for twenty minutes before every game. The boots are always a little bit stiff at first and I want the boots to be smooth and soft. When I put them on I then feel very comfortable.  

 

What is the secret to Madrid's success at the moment?

CR: I think that we have improved a lot from last season. In the first year we had many new players which doesn't make it easy. This season we are far more competitive, more mature as a team and know a lot more about each other.

I think it's more easy to play as a team. We are in a good moment, playing solid football and have a lot of confidence in ourselves. For sure we are a better team now than we were last season. I am excited to see what we can acheive.

How have you changed as a player from last season?

CR: I think I have improved from last year. I've improved on my assists. I am always trying to improve my game and improve myself. I wanted to change and adapt my game to get more assists as well as goals and I think it is working.

 

The last time Real Madrid won the Champions League was in 2002. Do you feel a growing pressure from the fans to win again?

CR: Playing for Real Madrid, there is always pressure to win the Champions League and Madrid is always one of the favourites to win the tournament. It is very tough but I think we have a good chance this year because we are playing very well. It will be the tenth time for Real Madrid to win the Champions League which will make it very special.

 

Who do you feel are your strongest opponents in the Champions League this season?

CR: For me it's always the same teams. Barcelona, Manchester United, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Bayern Munich and Chelsea. All of these teams have a great chance of winning the Champions League. The competition is very strong but I think we have a great chance.  

 

Who do you think will be the biggest threat to Portugal in EURO2012? CR: I think Holland are one of the best teams in the world. They showed at the last World Cup they are a fantastic team. They were unlucky in the World Cup Final and were up against a very strong Spanish side. Holland players are very technical. I've played a few times against Holland and have played with many Dutch players. Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Van der Vaart and now Drenthe at Madrid. They are all very skill-full players that I like. You have your own Nike CR7 line now and have become a fashion icon. Who spends more time in the mirror, yourself or your girlfriend? CR: I don't know, difficult question! I don't spend as much time looking in the mirror as people think. People who know me will tell you that.

Cristiano Ronaldo was talking at the launch of the new Nike CR7 collection. Ronaldo's new Nike CR7 Mercurial football boots are available to order now from selected retailers. CR will be in Champions League action tonight when Real Madrid face Dinamo Zagreb. Share your thoughts online.