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Last Online: 24th June 2009 Join Date: Tue Jul 2005 |  Ronaldo EXCLUSIVE Interview -
12th June 2006
Ronaldo EXCLUSIVE: I still have something to prove
11 June 2006
SOURCE: FIFAworldcup.com
In spite of the criticism he has had to endure over the last few months, Ronaldo is relishing every minute of his fourth FIFA World Cup™.
The legendary Brazilian has been an icon at past finals, which have seen him develop from inexperienced youngster through to one of the greatest players of the modern era. As he prepares for his team's opening game against Croatia, nobody would bet against him stamping his indelible mark on this tournament too.
The Real Madrid player likes nothing better than to play on the biggest stage of them all. He is already a two-time world champion, in 1994 and 2002, and he has been voted FIFA World Player of the Year on three occasions. In Germany, the powerful striker has several more personal milestones in his sights.
Along with his captain Cafu, he could match the great Pele's record of three FIFA World Cup winner's medals. He also needs just two goals to match the 14-goal tally of Germany's renowned hitman Gerd Muller, currently the tournament's all-time top scorer.
In this exclusive interview with FIFAworldcup.com, he talks openly about his expectations for this tournament, about his relationship with the press, his players to watch, his favourite strikers, and why he feels as though he still has a lot to prove over the next month.
FIFAworldcup.com: At Korea/Japan 2002 you played seven games, won all seven, and finished as top scorer. Do you think it will be difficult to maintain the same standard, or even improve?
Ronaldo: We can get better. Our aim is to win the Cup. We did play very well in 2002, but it’s now a case of matching that level of performance, taking our chances, and trying to emulate what we did back then.
You have achieved so much in your career already. How important is it for you to break Gerd Muller’s record as overall top scorer?
For me personally, it’s important, but what is more important is how the team does. I want to play my part in helping the team win another World Cup. Of course, I’ll be delighted if I do break the record, but it’s not my number one priority.
Compared with four years ago, you have come in for much more criticism in the run-up to the tournament. Back then nobody would have dared doubt your ability, but there has been a lot of recent speculation concerning your match fitness and exactly what you can contribute to the squad. Does that bother you?
Regardless of what the press and the public say or think, the most important thing is that I have faith in my own ability. And I have never doubted that for one minute.
Do you think you are now at a stage in your career where you no longer have anything to prove?
No, I don’t think you can ever get to that stage. Every day, whether you playing in a match or just training, as a footballer you always have something to prove.
In many ways no other player in the world encapsulates the meaning of this tournament in the way that you do. Why do you think people identify you so closely with the FIFA World Cup?
I don’t know exactly, but it could be simply that the finals always receive so much attention and exposure all over the world. Emotions run high, and every player is trying to do his very best. At the end of this tournament, if people still identify me with the World Cup, I will be very happy.
Twelve years ago, you took part in your first FIFA World Cup under Carlos Alberto Parreira. Do you think that he has changed as a coach since 1994?
To be honest, I can’t remember a great deal about 1994. I was young, I trained very hard, but in the end I didn’t play. But Parreira always was, and still is, a great coach. Perhaps tactically, he is a bit more daring these days, but I still enjoy working with him.
Your strike partner Adriano is a very similar player to you, which can sometimes cause problems. Do you think that you have gelled as a front two?
Yes, we have always played well together, and we have scored plenty of goals. I don’t see any reason why two similar players can’t play well together. I know that’s the way people see it, but to me, it doesn’t make sense. You have to work together to develop an understanding, but that’s important no matter who your strike partner is, and what his strengths are.
Apart from yourself, who do you think will be the players to watch in this tournament?
Of course, I hope that it’s one of our boys. Ronaldinho maybe, or Kaka, or Adriano.
You won the adidas Golden Shoe in 2002, and you must fancy your chances this year too. Who do you think your main rivals will be for that particular accolade?
After seeing him play so well yesterday, I would say that the German striker Miroslav Klose must be a strong candidate.
Out of all of the great strikers playing in the finals, who do you most admire and why?
Adriano, without a doubt, because he is strong, skilful and he has got a great shot.
What did you think of Germany’s performance in the Opening Match of the tournament?
They seemed different to the last time I saw them play. They are obviously in good shape, but they had a few defensive problems. Going forward, they looked very sharp.
Do you think that we could see a repeat of the Final of four years ago?
It would be great, because that would mean that we would be in the Final. Winning it is another thing altogether, but at the very least, I hope to get to the Final, regardless of who we play.
Are you secretly looking forward to playing any one team in particular? Germany, perhaps, because they are the hosts, your great rivals Argentina, or France maybe, to try to avenge your defeat in 1998?
Not especially. I just want to get to the Final, and I don’t really mind who we come up against.
You recently reacted angrily to certain comments that had been made about your fitness. Why was that?
There are certain stories that have come out in the press that are not true, but people have still published them. But I’m not really that bothered by them. I just think that the press need to take their responsibilities more seriously, and make sure that what they publish is actually correct.
Your great friend Zinedine Zidane is another star who has attracted a degree of criticism recently. What can you tell us about him, as he prepares for his last major international tournament?
Everybody should respect Zidane for everything he has done in football, and because he is a great man. People should believe in his ability, but, unfortunately, that rarely happens in football because, as I said, you have to prove yourself day in, day out, and take nothing for granted.
This is going to be the first tournament that your young son Ronald is going to attend. Will the rest of your family be watching the finals? Does Ronald have an idea of how important this is for you?
My family are all in Munich already. Ronald is still in school in Spain, but he will come over to Germany to see a few games at weekends. He loves football, and he knows exactly what the World Cup means. When I play for Real Madrid, he always comes along, and when he sees a team playing in yellow on the TV, he thinks it’s Brazil!
Finally, what motivates you at this stage of your career?
My biggest motivation is representing my country, and being a part of this great team. And to do it in a World Cup is even more special. Put all of that together, and you’ve got the best reason in the world to go out there and do your very best.
Do you have a special message for the Brazilian fans?
Get behind us, and believe in us, because we’re going to do everything we can to bring back the Trophy. |
