Ronaldo – 2017 Updated Edition

An inflamed right patellar tendon

Scolari and the national directors offer Ronaldo the option of leaving Moscow immediately to be with his family. But CR7 says no, he wants to stay with the team, and he asks Scolari to let him play. ‘I wanted to play. That was all I knew how to do,’ Cristiano will later explain. ‘I wanted to show everyone that I was able to compartmentalise, that I was a consummate professional and that I took my work seriously. I wanted to play that match in honour of my father. I wanted to score a goal for him. I was testing myself and all the people who love me.’

I’d like to be remembered as a role model, as a footballer who always gave a hundred per cent, who put on a good show – and who won absolutely everything.’

I don’t have any particular routine, I just train. I eat whatever I want but in moderation. I have good genes so I don’t put on weight, but I do have to work hard to maintain my fitness.’

but when I’m working, nobody can fault my attitude. I try to set an example as a professional, and that shines through when I play. If you go out partying every weekend, there’s no way you can give it your all on the pitch.’

‘I used to cry every day when I was a little boy growing up in Lisbon. I still cry – I cry a lot of tears, both happy and sad. It’s good to cry. Crying is just part of life.’

My parents taught me to be myself, not to change for anyone. If people like me, fine. If not, it doesn’t bother me.’

‘I’m always ready to learn, to hear different opinions.’

‘I have never altered my behaviour for anyone. If they like me, great. If not … they can stay away. They don’t have to come to my games.’

‘I consider myself a winner. I win more often than I lose. I always try to stay focused. I know it’s not easy, but nothing in life is easy. If it was, we wouldn’t have been born crying.’