Cristiano Ronaldo Talks Wayne Rooney, Manchester United, Barcelona, Boo Boys… And Tiger Woods!
Cristiano Ronaldo has reiterated his desire to once again team up with former Manchester United forward partner Wayne Rooney, as well as addressing the new set of boo-boys in Spain, the World Cup and much more in a wide-ranging interview, with the superstar winger taking questions from the world's press.
Cristiano Ronaldo has reiterated his desire to once again team up with former Manchester United forward partner Wayne Rooney, as well as addressing the new set of boo-boys in Spain, the World Cup and much more in a wide-ranging interview, with the superstar winger taking questions from the world's press.
The Real Madrid man talked of his respect for Rooney, his continued links with Manchester United, the challenge that presents itself in La Liga - and a curious admission that the sportsman he would pay to see perform is Tiger Woods.
Speaking at the launch in London of Nike's new football boot, the Mercurial Superfly Vapor II, the Portuguese superstar said: "I know the quality Rooney has - he is always brilliant. Not just this season."
"For me Rooney is still the same player - he is fantastic, a winning guy. I don't know if this possible but I hope my friend in Manchester and I can play again. Why not? Anything is possible."
Ronaldo also admitted he is in regular contact with a lot of his former Manchester United colleagues - including long-time mentor Sir Alex Ferguson.
"I speak with the boss Ferguson sometimes. Also Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra, Nani. I havent finished my relationship with these guys."
Probed for some information on what he and Ferguson discuss, Ronaldo said: "It's private what I talk about with Sir Alex."
But Ronaldo knows he must focus on the job at hand at Real Madrid, which includes overhauling Barcelona in the title race - a task he is confident he and his superstar team-mates at the Bernabeu can accomplish.
"One team does not depend only on one player," he said. "Because Madrid is such a big club we have many of the best players.
"I look forward to playing them [Barcelona] at Bernabeu. I am very confident we will win the league."
"La Liga is a little bit different. The Premier League is more quick, players are more strong - Spain is more technique.
"In England, they booed when I played away but the people started to know that when they boo, for me it gave me more confidence and power."
And there was also support for Nike stablemate Tiger Woods, who has taken a break from golf to address issues in his private life after a humiliating and public fall from grace.
When it was put to him who would he pay to watch, Ronaldo answered simply: "Tiger Woods". There then came a wry smile - but not a wink. At least not this time.