Cristiano Ronaldo talks about Real Madrid’s success in the Champions League
An idol at the Spanish club, where he won four European titles, the Portuguese star says that Santiago Bernabéu has a “different aura”
Five Champions League titles won in the last 11 years have reinforced the myth that Real Madrid are almost unbeatable in Europe. And Cristiano Ronaldo , four-time winner of the tournament with the Merengue shirt and one of the greatest idols in the club’s history, was keen to refute the opinions of those who consider Real to be lucky in the Champions League matches, a tournament in which they are the most successful, with 15 trophies.
CR7 stated on his YouTube channel, in an interview with former teammate Rio Ferdinand, that there is a different way of thinking among those who defend the Madrid club, especially on Champions League nights at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Real Madrid are doing very well. They are the kind of team that doesn’t shy away from pressure. Many people say they are lucky in the Champions League. It’s not luck, there is a mentality, a preparation for these kinds of moments. The Bernabéu has a different aura. There is a different energy. When the big teams go there, and they score a goal in the 85th or 90th minute, the pressure is enormous. For me, it is the best club in the history of football.”
— Cristiano Ronaldo, on Real Madrid in the Champions League
Cristiano was asked if he believes Real Madrid can become even more competitive with the arrival of Mbappé. He pointed out that it is impossible to make such a prediction, although he bet that the Frenchman will be successful due to the club’s structure and the talent of the striker, whom he indicated as a candidate to be the best in the world in the coming years.
Drawing a parallel with his arrival at the Santiago Bernabéu in 2009, the Portuguese player recalled that he needed time to adapt, but that he was confident of making history at Real – where he became the club’s top scorer in history and became a legend.
– At the time I was the most expensive player in history. There was pressure, but I believed in myself. If I had been the best player in the Premier League and had already won a Ballon d’Or at Manchester United, a Champions League… I knew I would do well. I believed in my abilities. It was difficult, because it was a different country, the adaptation, I was 24 years old, I was very young. But I was very optimistic
It was the best club in the world, and I said I was going to make history at Real Madrid just like I did at Manchester United. It was a challenge, but I’m a challenge person. I like to prove people wrong. I like to prove the opposite of what people think.”
— Cristiano Ronaldo, on history made at Real Madrid.
