Cristiano Ronaldo Transfer Rumors And News: Soccer Star Reiterates Commitment To Real Madrid, Talks About Rivalry With Lionel Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo reiterated his desire to stay with Real Madrid, saying that he is happy at Camp Nou, which is the reason why he even made a sacrifice for the club late last season.

Before the end of the 2013-14 season, Ronaldo was slowed down by knee tendinosis and ailing thigh muscle, but he still made sure that he will be available for Real Madrid in crucial games.

Despite having an injury, Ronaldo decided to play in last season's Champions League semifinal match against Bayern Munich where he ended up netting two goals to break the all-time UCL goal record. He also played in the final against Atletico Madrid where he scored a goal in the final moments of the match.

"In your life you do not win without sacrifices and you must take risks," Ronaldo said via ESPN FC. "We were taking part in big competitions and it was difficult. Things went well, I beat the record for goals in the Champions League. On holidays I rested and looked after my body. Sometimes I bring my body to the maximum, all elite athletes do that."

Ronaldo also admitted that it was suggested to him that he should sit out the Champions League final and Portugal's campaign in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, but he decided to force the issue. He added that he doesn't want to miss the World Cup, but his gamble did not pay off as his team had a disappointing stint in the Brazil tournament.

"If I had stopped I would have been fine. I did not want to miss the final of the Champions League or the World Cup," Ronaldo said. "I was not fully fit, but I forced the issue. On a club level, it went well. We won, I scored and the team achieved 'La Decima,' which was what we all hoped for. With Portugal it did not go so well."

Ronaldo is finally showing signs of good health as proven by his 13 goals in just six Spanish La Liga appearances. He is a favorite to repeat as Ballon d'Or winner this year, but he knows that he can't escape being compared to FC Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

"It is normal that people compare us. I am used to it," Ronaldo said. "It happened to me at United and I know how to manage it. We are colleagues. Outside of football I have no relationship with [Messi], but not with other players either. It is a positive rivalry."

Tags
Soccer, Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Cristiano ronaldo, Lionel Messi
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