Ronaldo speaks on his 4th Ballon D’Or
“It’s a really great honour to have won my fourth Ballon d’Or. I’m very happy and proud to be receiving this award and I want to thank everyone who works with me and my Real Madrid and Portugal teammates”, Ronaldo said in a report on the club’s website. Here is the interview
Q: Is the feeling the same as when you won your first Ballon d’Or?
When you win it for the first time the feelings are different. I felt great joy and it was like a dream come true. I was 23 or 24 and it was a once-in-a-lifetime moment. My emotions today are similar to that. This is my job, it’s my profession. I always want to be the best and I work hard and make sacrifices to achieve that. It’s really significant for me to have won an award like this one. Obviously, the team comes first and had I not won anything with Real Madrid or Portugal, I wouldn’t be receiving this award
Q: Do you think that you’ve been named Ballon d’Or on the back of winning the Euros with Portugal?
This has possibly been the best year of my career, both on a team and individual level. Winning something with Portugal for the first time in the nation’s history was something that was missing from my CV and was one of the highlights, but we mustn’t forget the Champions League triumph with Real Madrid, in which I was the competition’s top scorer and scored the best goal. This has likely been the best year of my career
Q:You also lifted La Undécima with Real Madrid.
The difference between Real Madrid and Portugal is that Real Madrid are used to win the Champions League, they’ve won it 11 times, whilst Portugal had never won anything, that’s why I give it greater importance, without wanting to take anything away from the Champions League. The European Championship win just tips it, it’s a special one, just like my first Ballon d’Or. It’s been an unforgettable year
Q: Is this Ballon d’Or crown the one that you gives you the most pleasure?
Being awarded an accolade of this magnitude is a special moment for me. It makes all of the hard work and sacrifices throughout the year worth it. I’m really happy because I’ve worked hard to achieve this. I feel happy and I have a thought for everyone who has believed in me. My teammates, my friends, those who work for me directly, the people who look after me, the ones who help me to constantly improve and keep my performances levels up year on year, which is no mean feat
Q: Does it make it special to be receiving this award at the Santiago Bernabéu?
It’s always special to receive this distinction and not only because I’m collecting it here, at the club that’s in my heart. It was also special when I won it in Manchester, the joy I feel is similar. That said, it’s the perfect setting for an award of this scope.
Q: What’ll be hardest to achieve: a fifth Ballon d’Or or another title with Portugal?
That’s a tricky one, both of them are very important for me. I’ll be giving my all, just as I do every year. Each season represents a new challenge. I’ll try to win all I can with Real Madrid and the national team, although it won’t be easy. I’ll work hard, but right now I’m going to enjoy the moment.
