CR9 vows to be less egotistical

Kimi

Real Madrid's new number 9 has warned his future opponents that they have yet to see his best.
Ronaldo was unveiled in a massive ceremony at the Bernabeu in front of 85,000 eager fans on Monday, but has since returned to Portugal to enjoy the rest of his holiday with his family.

In a candid interview just before making the short trip back to Portugal, Ronaldo discussed his delight at finally sealing his move to Madrid, and particularly with his sensational welcoming ceremony.

"It was incredible. I could not believe what I saw," he began. "It was amazing... unbelievable. It makes my hair stand on end just recalling the experience. I did not expect something like that.
"Ever since I can remember, Madrid have always been the most famous club, even in my hometown of Madeira. They sign all the best players in the world and all the great international figures.

"All the kids of my generation in Portugal talked about Madrid and that's why it's a privilege to be here. A young boy's dream has been fulfilled.

Ronaldo then discussed his time at Manchester United, admitting that he was a "selfish" player during his first few years at the club.

However, the Portuguese promised the Madrid fans that he is now a different player.

"There's no doubt I'm less egoistical now. For sure, four years ago I was only thinking about completing a move by scoring a goal.

"But the experience has helped me to understand that when you are in a team and you become a team player, greater objectives are obtained. In Madrid, people will see a better Cristiano.

The 2008 World Player of the Year also praised the wealth of talent in the Primera Liga, claiming that the quality of football is better in La Liga than the Premier League.

"It's true that the Premier League is faster and more physical and you don't get to stop for even a second. In Spain, you see more of the ball and the quality of the play is much more valued here.

"For that reason, I believe that with the players that Madrid will have, things are going to go well. I will work hard to adapt as quickly as possible and I do not think that it will be difficult to co-exist with so many other stars."

With Madrid legend Raul wearing the number 7, Ronaldo inherits another legendary number by donning the number 9 jersey at Madrid, worn by legends like Alfredo Di Stefano.

The significance of the moment was not lost on the 24-year-old, particularly as Di Stefano attended the welcoming ceremony to see the winger inherit his old number.

"I met him [Di Stefano] on the day I arrived at the Bernabeu and it was a pleasure to meet him.

"The No. 9 is a mythical number in Madrid and it was worn by someone as great as he is. It's the same with the No.7 at Manchester United, which is what I would've liked to have here but Raul is wearing it. Still, it will be a pleasure for me to play with the No. 9.

"Raul is a great player, someone who has written the history of this club and on top of that, he comes from the cantera. He has won everything in Madrid and he continues to play well, as you can see by the goals that he scored last season.

"It will be very good to play alongside him."

Finally, the world's most expensive player poked fun at his mammoth £80million price tag and new less-egotistical attitude, jokingly claiming he believes his transfer fee was too low.

"Of course €94m should be paid for me. Or more. I think more. Everyone says no, but I say yes. Someone will have to value me."