It never gets boring with Cristiano Ronaldo, who has some very interesting words to say about his “biggest rival”, Lionel Messi, his manager Jose Mourinho and about the upcoming Real Madrid – Manchester United Champions League clash, seeing he’s picked up on a thing or two from the man who coaches him.

Hints and allegations is the style the best of ’em use, instead of direct accusations. Cristiano Ronaldo has been working under Jose Mourinho for over two years, and there’s a good chance that in his interview to AS, he simply said what his manager asked him to say. Not doing like they’re told by Mourinho is part of what has caused all this rift with Sergio Ramos and Iker Casillas. Ronaldo, despite his own problems with Mourinho not too long ago, is a more disciplined member of the team when it comes to obeying orders.

On the Balon d’Or – I’ve been dreaming about winning the award again, been thinking about it all season. Because of the great season we had, I though I was going to win it. But I can’t think about these things. These are individual awards, and if I think about them too much I’ll never be happy. All I need to do is focus on improving with Real Madrid, being happy in Madrid and getting better from match to match. I wasn’t surprised Messi didn’t mention me in his acceptance speech.

On Mourinho – My issue with Mourinho is a personal matter. We’ve worked it out. Things that happen in a dressing room should stay there. I respect his decision to not come to the Balon d’Or ceremony. Maybe he’s the wiser one, knowing how it’s going to turn out. I would like him to stay with Real Madrid, but I don’t know what will happen. I think he’ll stay till the end of the season, but I don’t know anything beyond that.

On United & Ferguson – It’s going to be very special for me, playing against Alex Ferguson and Manchester United. Everyone knows I play there and I have a connection with the fans and the manager, but a match is a match, not war. We’re coming to win and advance to the next stage. I’ve already laughed about it with Nani, but I think we’re the better team.

So, nothing surprising, nothing new. If Ronaldo wants anyone to think he doesn’t care about individual awards, he should move on. There’s nothing wrong about caring for these things; it’s worst acting like you don’t care when it’s obvious to the world that you do. There’s a reason certain stereotypes and stigmas stick to players and teams. Sometimes it’s simply easier playing the role the media and the general public has given you.

Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t a villain, unless you’re a Barcelona fan. He’s just a very talented player with a very big yet sensitive ego, playing for a man who knows how to direct these frustrations and at who when it comes to talking to the press.

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