Ronaldo reveling in freedom
20 Oct 2009 - 09:51:21
Cristiano Ronaldo believes he is benefiting from a greater freedom afforded to him at Real Madrid.
The Portugal star swapped Manchester United for the Santiago Bernabeu during the summer in a world record £80million transfer and has hit the ground running for his new club.
Before he was struck down by an ankle injury, Ronaldo had scored nine goals in just seven appearances for the Spanish giants.
He is now looking forward to returning to full-fitness and working under coach Manuel Pellegrini, who he claims has a more relaxed approach than that of United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
"You feel more pressure at Madrid but I love that, it drives me on," he said.
"My coach Manuel Pellegrini is clearly different to Sir Alex Ferguson. In fact I'm much more free here, free to roam around the pitch in certain matches.
"Not only will I use that to become the same player I was at Old Trafford but even better. I feel like a new-born baby - I'm reborn.
"Just because I won everything with United and was voted Ballon d'Or and World Player doesn't mean I've reached the top.
"In fact I feel like my career is just starting."