Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo hit back at his critics claiming that he is the victim of expectations. The 31-year-old, who recently won the Ballon d’Or for the fourth time, rounded off 2016 in style by scoring a hat-trick in the FIFA club world cup final. Ronaldo’s three-goal haul helped Los Blancos to see off a spirited Kashima Antlers side and subsequently win their second Club world cup crown.
Ronaldo has been subject to a lot of criticism of late and the Real Madrid number seven took a dig at his detractors. “Everyone always expects more from Cristiano, I always give my best and if I can't do it it's because I'm unable,” he said.
“People often talk too much, but I'm used to that. I show my quality on the pitch and nothing has gone badly. I have kept my level of performance as high as pos*8sible over the last 10 years. I want to keep working and enjoy my football, that is what I love the most. The statistics don't lie. I am really happy, I've had a great season personally and as part of a team.”
The FIFA Club World Cup final proved to be a tough test for the reigning European champions and it was Ronaldoagan who saved their blushes. The Japanese side was leading the game 2-1 at one stage, courtesy of a Gaku Shibasaki brace, before Ronaldo bagged a hat-trick. The Portuguese skipper was awarded the club world cup’s Golden Ball award as he scored 4 goals in the competition and the hat-trick against Kashima Antlers, which took his goal tally to 16 for the season, was his 40th for the Los Blancos.
The 31-year-old was delighted with the way the year is drawing towards its conclusion and the former Manchester United player expressed his gratitude to his teammates. “It has been a dream year, really great,” the Real Madrid star added.
“It is a week full of great moments after winning the Ballon d'Or and now the Club World Cup, so it really is a perfect end to the year. I didn't think it would end like this: winning the final, scoring three goals and helping Real Madrid. I'd like to thank my team-mates yet again because I cannot win individual trophies without them.
“It has been an unforgettable year both for the team and me as an individual. We won the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup. I also won the Euro with Portugal. It was a perfect year. I am very happy to end the year in such a way.”
