Ronaldo is one of the best players on the planet without a doubt. His form in recent weeks has not been good but he’s been in rough spots before and come out stronger. The Portuguese international was rested for Real Madrid's Copa Del Rey clash last night.
But he took some time out of his busy schedule to speak to Coach Magazine where he touched upon various topics including his rival Messi, the recent reception from the fans and the defender he feels is the best he’s ever faced.
Being one of the world’s best forwards means you are bound to play against the best defenses in the world and on not more than one occasion he’s got better of them but Ronaldo said there was one defender he found particularly hard to play against.
Speaking to Coach Magzine he said, “Over the years I had some great battles with Ashley Cole, he does not give you a second to breathe. He was such a tenacious player when he was at his peak, quick, tough in the tackle. You knew it would never be an easy game.”
Ronaldo played against the former Arsenal and Chelsea defender several times during the Premier League and the Englishman is considered one of the best of all time in his position. Cole won Premier League titles with both Chelsea and Arsenal and was part of the team that went a complete season unbeaten famously known as the ‘Invincibles’.
Cole is currently plying his trade in the MLS after a failed stint with AS Roma a few years ago.
‘I need my haters’ – Ronaldo
Ronaldo recently has been the subject of very harsh criticism after courting controversy in the last game. The Portuguese raised his arm towards the linesman after Alvaro Morata scored the winning goal against Athletic Bilbao.
Whether it was a reflex action or a gesture to the linesman asking for offside is still unclear but he’s clearly frustrated by the lack of goals and so is a certain section of the Bernabeu crowd now referred to as the ‘boo boys’.
But Ronaldo has responded to those boos, and he seems to be taking it in his stride. “You have to use negative people and experiences to motivate you. I actually need my haters, they have helped me achieve all I have achieved.”
He also maintained that he has no inspiration but admired certain players while growing up. “"When I was younger I looked at Portuguese players like Figo and Rui Costa, and saw how they were performing on the biggest stage – and I knew I wanted to reach that level.”
“"But my biggest inspiration has always been myself; nobody puts bigger demands on me than me.”
