Bring it on! Ronaldo raring to go at Real Madrid after completing move from Manchester United

07 July 2009 09:41
Cristiano Ronaldo knows the pressure will be on for him next season following his world-record switch to Real Madrid, but he is confident he can rise to the challenge. Madrid smashed the previous world transfer record after splashing out £80million to bring the Portugal international to Spain from Manchester United this summer. Spending that amount of money on one player during a global financial crisis has seen Madrid receive criticism from figures both inside and outside the sporting world, and there will be no hiding place for Ronaldo next season as he attempts to justify his huge price tag. ronaldo unveiling The reigning FIFA World Player of the Year knows the spotlight will be even more intense for him over the coming campaign, but he believes that La Liga will soon see the best of him. 'I know I'll feel more pressure here than at Manchester United, but I have faith in myself and I'm ambitious. I want the league to begin so I can do my absolute best,' said Ronaldo, who knows he will have to adapt to a new style of play in Spain after a hugely successful stint in England. 'I expect a different league of course. I played six years in the Premier League and it's very difficult. It's faster and players are stronger. It's very competitive here as well,' he added. 'I think I'm ready for the challenge. I eat well, sleep well, drink well. It's not a problem, I'm ready for La Liga. ronaldo unveiling 'I hope I can give some problems to defenders, and I think it will be interesting.' The 24-year-old is also confident he will fit in well with his new team-mates at Madrid, adding: 'I think that they are a group of fantastic people and are very open. 'There won't be any problems. I've never caused problems and I'm not going to start now.' Ronaldo put the finishing touches on his move yesterday (Monday), passing his medical in the afternoon before signing his six-year contract with the Spanish giants in the evening. After that he was officially presented as a Madrid player in front of an estimated 80,000 people at the Bernabeu. During his subsequent press conference, Ronaldo looked forward to his new life in Spain, but also reflected back fondly on his time at United and insists he made the right decision not to push for a move last summer when Madrid came knocking. real madrid ronaldo fans 'I think we made the right decision. I wanted to win the Premier League and we reached the Champions League final. I am happy with the season I had last year,' he said. 'I have to say thank you to all (United) supporters, the boss (Sir Alex Ferguson), friends and team-mates - I've been there six years and have friends there. But people will understand and respect my decision. 'The great challenge now, and dream, is to play at Real Madrid but I'm going to miss many many things in Manchester. 'That's life. This is my new home, my new club and I'm going to give 100 per cent for this club. I have made my childhood dream a reality, which was to play for Real Madrid.'

Source: Daily_Mail