Cristiano Ronaldo has said he is a less selfish player than in the past, and vowed to keep improving at Real Madrid. The Portuguese ace, who completed his world-record switch from Manchester United on Monday, has faced criticism in the past for going for goal himself rather than passing to a team-mate.
However, he insists that was drummed out of him at United and that Real fans will see a better player. "It's obvious that I'm a less egotistical footballer now," he told Spanish sports daily AS. "Without a doubt.
"I know for sure that four years ago I always played to try to end up scoring myself. But experience makes you understand that you achieve better things playing as a team and being united. At Madrid they will see a better Cristiano."
Ferguson influence
It is Sir Alex Ferguson who the 24-year-old credits with that transformation. The United manager splashed out £12.24m to take the teenage Ronaldo to United from Sporting in 2003, and in six years under the Scot's tutelage, he has developed into one of the best players on the planet.
"Ferguson is a maestro," added Ronaldo. "For me he was my father in football. He was crucial in my career and, outside football, was a great human being with me. Talent isn't everything. You can have it from the cradle, but it is necessary to learn the trade to be the best.
"When I arrived in England I was an 18-year-old kid and had established stars by my side. Ferguson taught me to clean up my faults, to know to give the pass at the last moment, to take the right decision in the area. I spent six years at United and I owe them everything that I am today.
"I made history at United and won many trophies. It was a pleasure to play at Old Trafford, but now a new stage in my life is beginning at the Bernabeu with new challenges. I wanted to play at this club and for that reason I'm here."
Ronaldo revealed it was his admiration and respect for Ferguson and United that prevented him from joining Los Merengues last year. However, he reiterated he has fulfilled a dream by joining Real and that his presentation on Monday, which was attended by around 90,000 fans, will live long in the memory.
"I'm used to living with speculation," he said. "I could have signed for Madrid in 2008, but there wasn't an agreement between the clubs and I owed myself to United. I wanted to respect that and I did. I took the best decision."
"Since I've been able to think I've known what this club means. In Madeira they talked about Madrid as the most famous club with the best history in the world, with great international stars. The kids in Portugal at my time, we were all for Madrid. For that reason it is a privilege to be here. That kid's dream has been achieved.
"What happened on Monday in the Bernabeu was incredible. I couldn't have imagined what I was experiencing. It was impressive, incredible. I get goosebumps just by remembering it. I wasn't expecting something like it."
Adaptation
Ronaldo is one of four signings Real have made since the return of former president Florentino Perez. The capital club has spent €200m this summer on Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema and Raul Albiol as they bid to build a team capable of challenging Barcelona next season.
And Ronaldo, who is looking forward to experiencing La Liga, is confident they will gel quickly as a team. "Football in the Premier League is more physical, quicker, they don't stop for a second," he said.
"In Spain they play a lot more with the ball. Here they value quality more. For that reason I think that with the players they are bringing together, things will go well for Madrid. I'm going to work to adapt myself as quickly as possible and I don't think it will be hard with people of such a high level by my side."
