Ronaldo shows scant sympathy for Barcelona predicament
Real Madrid striker Ronaldo, who cemented his reputation as one of the game's leading players during his spectacular season at Barcelona seven years ago, says he has little sympathy for his former team's domestic problems.
Real Madrid striker Ronaldo, who cemented his reputation as one of the game's leading players during his spectacular season at Barcelona seven years ago, says he has little sympathy for his former team's domestic problems.
The Brazilian international, who will face his old club for the first time since moving to Real from Inter Milan at the start of the season, said was unmoved by the possibility that defeat at the Bernabeu on Saturday might draw the Catalan giants into a messy relegation battle.
"I think it is unlikely, but it could happen," he told the Real Madrid website on Friday. "In European football there are quite a few cases of historic sides that have dropped down into the second division."
When asked if he would like to see his former team relegated, the World and European Player of the Year commented: "I'm not really bothered."
"At the moment they are our opponents and I don't really worry too much about them. I am focused on my own team and want to do everything I can to help them win."
"Real are a bigger team than Barcelona, although Barca are a big team too, but historically they just haven't enjoyed the success or the trophies that Real have."
Ronaldo said that he was particularly keen to score against his old team.
"I have a special motivation to score in a big game against Barcelona and I am really looking forward to doing so," he said.
Despite a resounding 4-2 defeat at Real Sociedad last weekend, Real lead the first division by three points from the Basque side and second-placed Deportivo Coruna.
Barcelona trail a distant 24 points back in 12th place, only six points above the relegation zone with nine matches left to the end of the season.
Both sides, though, having been going well in Europe and if they win through their respective Champions League quarter-final ties they will face each other in the semis.
Real beat Manchester United 3-1 in their first leg match at the Bernabeu, while Barca held Juventus to a 1-1 draw at he Stadio Delle Alpi.