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Cristiano Ronaldo - one of the best footballers in the entire history of this sport, but the personality of this Portuguese does not charm everyone. Portugal is convinced that allegedly his arrogant image did not allow him to conquer the hearts of millions of fans around the world.
In an exclusive interview with CNN, C. Ronaldo admitted that he has often wondered why he ended up in the shadow of the "golden boy" and fan favorite Lionel Messi.
Because of his behavior?
The star of Real Madrid almost does not doubt that.
"I don't want to complain about it, but I often think that 'yes'. And sometimes I think that I myself do not know the answer to this question. I cannot change people's opinion about me. I agree that a bad image 'stuck' to me. Perhaps because on the field I look too serious," shared C. Ronaldo.
Together with L. Messi and Andres Iniesta, the Portuguese stepped onto the stage to find out which of them would be recognized as the best footballer playing in Europe. Upon hearing that he was not the winner, C. Ronaldo lowered his eyes and had to admit a painful defeat.
Now these footballers are competing for the prestigious "Golden Ball" award. However, the main competitors are Cristiano and Lionel. The Argentine held this award in his hands for the past three years - in 2009, 2010, and 2011.
Each of these football stars has given fans unforgettable moments, set new records, and achieved fantastic personal achievements on the field, but 27-year-old C. Ronaldo has never been as beloved as L. Messi.
Portugal admits that he has become a "victim". More precisely, a "victim" of the media.
"If you really knew me, if you were my friend, if you spent at least a day with me and I let you into my home, you would understand what I'm really like. Yes, I won't hide it, I hate losing... I became a media victim because the media does not want to get to know the real Ronaldo. Apparently, that's already my fate.
When Messi smiles on the field like a child in the schoolyard, Ronaldo looks completely different - his gaze can be fierce, he often gestures with his hands, complains, but always in any way tries to inspire his teammates to victory.
And Cristiano insists: "Don't confuse it with arrogance. I admit, I don't know how to lose. But it hurts me when people say that I am arrogant. I know that there are many people who also don't know how to lose in any life situation. They would understand me. Even swimming in the pool with my girlfriend, I don't know how to lose to her," revealed the star.
C. Ronaldo does not want to avoid critics, on the contrary, he would gladly meet them face to face.
"I become curious when I hear someone call me arrogant. One day, I would like to sit down with my critics in a beautiful place and have a discussion. To discuss why am I arrogant. Perhaps after chatting with me, they would understand what I'm really like."
