Rio Ferdinand has explained how Cristiano Ronaldo turns criticism into fuel, calling his former Manchester United teammate ‘obsessed’ with proving doubters wrong.
The former Manchester United defender won nine trophies alongside Ronaldo during their six years together at Old Trafford. Although Ferdinand retired back in 2015, Cristiano Ronaldo is still playing for club and country. The 41-year-old has scored 981 goals and is just 19 short of the 1000-goal milestone he’s chasing now.
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Speaking on talkSPORT, Ferdinand opened up on how obsession continues to help Cristiano Ronaldo achieve great things in football. He stated:
“Yeah, he will be obsessed [with getting 1,000 goals], and I think that’s the key word that you put alongside him.
“You can talk about ability and goalscorer and all that, the guy is obsessed with being in the best condition, with being the best, with scoring the most goals, with putting his imprint in the game to be legendary.”
Ferdinand also pointed to how the five-time Ballon d’Or winner always keeps track of what people comment about his shape and form. The Portuguese striker then uses it as fuel to get better and prove his critics wrong.
He added:
“He’s just obsessed with all these things, he will know that if you’ve said something about him that’s a little bit out of shape or whatever – that something will get his way to him.
“He’ll find it and he’ll pick at it and he’ll use that as fuel, and sometimes people can point him and use that as a stick to beat him with.”
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored five goals and registered an assist in 11 games across all competitions for Al-Nassr this season.
Cristiano Ronaldo named in Portugal’s preliminary squad for November international break
Cristiano Ronaldo has been named in Portugal’s preliminary squad for their UEFA Nations League fixtures next month, opening the door to a first cap since his walkout in September.
A federation spokesperson confirmed to AFP that the 41-year-old is in line for a return, with Jorge Jesus set to name his final squad on November 6.
Ronaldo’s 30-day suspension for leaving camp was backdated and is due to expire on October 30, so he is free to be selected. The star forward accused Jesus of breaking a promise over playing time after his decision to leave the national team and later apologized to supporters.
Portugal have won all four group games so far in the UEFA Nations League. They next face Denmark and Wales in November.
Edited by Nived Zenith
