Arriving at Barcalona

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"Those who are ambitious must always believe they are the favourites to win"

Cristiano Ronaldo talked to the media two days before his first match against Barcelona as a Real Madrid player.

Do you feel ready to be a starter at Camp Nou?

I think it's normal for me not to be in optimum form right now. I just want to help the team.

What have you been told of last season's Clasico at the Bernabeu?

I don't like to talk about the past. I don't care what happened because I wasn't there. I'm concerned about the present. I hope we can defeat Barcelona.

Pellegrini's opening speech today was longer than usual.

That's because he said everything outdoors today. He usually talks to us inside too. It has nothing to do with the fact that we're about to face Barcelona.

Does the leadership make you favourites to win the match?

I always think there are no favourites. Those who are ambitious must always believe they are the favourites to win. We have great respect for our opponent, but we shouldn't be afraid of them. They are a great team, but I don't believe either of us is the favourite to win.

Do you think the team depends on you?

We are leaders in the two most important competitions, so I don't think the team depends on me at all. We are doing well and scoring goals. I'd like to help.

Does the fact that the crowd will be against you motivate you even more?

I'm used to that. It was the case for me at every English stadium after Portugal eliminated England from the 2006 World Cup, but I nevertheless ended up becoming the best player in the Premiership. I'm just concerened about playing well on Sunday and about helping the team. I think we can win with or without me.

Are you anxious to play a game like the Clasico?

I'm always anxious; it has nothing to do with the fact that we'll play against Barcelona. I am ambitious. Every player wants to take part in a Clasico.

What do Real Madrid need to do to win?

We'll have to play well and score more goals than Barcelona.

What do you regard as playing well?

We shouldn't be scared of playing against Barcelona. We'll have to play as we always do. Barcelona won't attack us in the same way they attack their other opponents and they will also defend themselves more. I want us to play well, to keep possession and to have chances on goal.

Would you like Messi to play?

Great footballers should always play if they can. I don't know if he's going to play, but Barcelona didn't use Messi and Ibrahimovic the other day and they nevertheless performed very well. The team has a good system in which every footballer plays well. Messi has unusual quality, but every man on that squad is very good. It will be a difficult match with or without Messi.

What do you think of your personal fight to be the best player in the world?

I'm not worried about that. I just want to win.

Do you enjoy Real Madrid's style?

I do. I'm relaxed after we win and I sleep very well. The important thing is to win and it's even better when we do so by playing well.

Why does everyone say Barcelona play better?

Because they do, but can't be doing that badly when you look at the run we are having.

How many goals would you like to score on Sunday?

Ten, twenty... I don't know if it will be possible though.

Is the match similar to a Manchester United-Liverpool clash?

Classic encounters are similar in every country because fans love them. They are always special. People have the same passion for them.

How will you prepare for the match?

I always do the same regardless of the opponent. It will be a special encounter because we'll have the chance of distancing ourselves further from them on the table. It will be difficult, but we'll try to win.

Your team went through some dire straits while you were injured...

You can't win anything without experiencing difficulties. You have to work hard in life in order to achieve something and that is just what we are doing. Our style isn't brilliant, but we are earning the results we want. We are leaders in La Liga and in the Champions League. We will improve. We must be humble and realise we can always do better.

Do you feel like you've got unfinished business with Barcelona for losing against them in the Champions League final?

I've only got unfinished business regarding bills from the water and electric companies... Barcelona play well, but what happened then is now in the past. I'm at a new club now and we have a winning mentality.

Doesn't a winner like yourself ever think about the past?

It happened a long time ago. I have to think about the present and the future. The past is useful to learrn from, but we must always look ahead. We will try to do our best and win. I have no unfinished business with Barcelona.

Is the squad determined to show the world you can play better than Barcelona?

This isn't a Champions League final. It is a regular game worth three points against a good opponent. What if we win on Sunday and lose our next clash? Victory would be pointless then. We have to be regular. It will be hard, I know, and we will face a strong opponent too.

Do you connect well with Benzema?

Very well, but I don't know if I'm going to play yet. I connect well with everyone; Raul, Benzema, Higuain...

The crowd slightly whistled and booed at the team on Wednesday...

It had nothing to do with our performance. We were winning. I'm sure we'll improve.

Whom would you rather sign from Barcelona, Xavi, Iniesta, Messi...

None, but they are all very good.

Welcome back.....Cris ; RM 1:0 Zurich

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo sent out a warning to Barcelona ahead of 'El Clasico' after making his return to action on Wednesday.

Ronaldo returned from injury with 20 minutes remaining as Real edged closer to a place in the Champions League last 16 with a 1-0 defeat of FC Zurich.

The world's most expensive player - having moved to the Bernabeu from Manchester United in an £80million deal last summer - had been missing for Madrid since September 30 with an ankle injury.

"It's good to be back, 55 days after my injury," Ronaldo told Sky Sports 2.

"It was very disappointing, but this is football.

"My motivation is high and I want to be back again and as strong as I was before."

Ronaldo was absent for Madrid's last 10 competitive fixtures having made a sensational start to his career in Spain.

The 24-year-old Portugal international scored nine times as Real won each of their opening seven matches, but since his absence, they have won only five of 10 - although four of those wins have come in the last five fixtures.

Ronaldo, however, is confident ahead of his first meeting with Barcelona as a Real player at the Nou Camp.

"We are top of the league and if we win we have a four-point gap," he added.

"It's going to be interesting. We are confident at the moment."

Cris makes the cut

Cristiano Ronaldo has made his first squad list 55 days after playing his last game with Real Madrid. The Portuguese forward has been training with his team-mates during the past few days and has made the cut for the clash against FC Zurich at the Bernabeu on Wednesday (20:45 CET). Raul, Albiol, Lass and Sergio Ramos have also made the list. Guti is still injured and missed training today as he is sick with flu.

Thank you everyone for your support

“Hello and a big thank you to everyone for all your messages of support. They’ve helped me get through what has been a difficult time for me as I look to fully recover from injury. I’m almost fit again, so I’ll see you all soon. Thank you.”

It’s been nearly two months since Cristiano Ronaldo injured his right ankle on 30 September against Olympique Marseille. The Portuguese star has since received thousands of messages of support from Madridistas from all over the world.

If everything goes according to plan, Cristiano will stop training on his own on Friday to join the rest of the squad.

This week I'll do a test to see if I'm ready

The first question is required. How’s your ankle?

The truth is that I feel great. This week I will do a test to know if I am flat, but the recovery is going very good.

Are you well enough to play next Saturday against Racing?

The most important thing for me is to return when one hundred percent. We’ll see what happens.

In the medical report offered by Real Madrid, after reviewing what happened in Amsterdam two weeks ago, you stated that next Wednesday you would go back to the office of Dr. Van Dijk. Does this initial approach is maintained?

For the moment I do not know. The club’s medical services are going to agree with Dr. Van Dijk. Today or tomorrow they will take the decision and then I abide by what they agree.

Last Saturday you have been seen nervously witnessing the meeting of the selection of Portugal. Are you more nervous playing or when in the stands?

Certainly, when I’m off the field. It is very hard to see my pals down there from the stands and not being able to help. I feel a sense of powerlessness and emotions are really very different from what you have in your lawn. I must admit I suffered a lot watching the game in Portugal.

Finally. What do you think of the criticism that Pellegrini is receiving after removal of the Cup?

Players we’re not involved in that. I said I’m very happy with the coach and I am sure he will take this forward.

Madridistas are already thinking about the 29 November match against Barça at Camp Nou. Will Real Madrid be capable of defeating them there?

Real Madrid always take the pitch with the intention of winning every single game. We must be humble in Barcelona. Our most important match is always our most immediate encounter. We will have to face Racing and Zurich first, so I don’t really like talking about the Clasico at this stage. We must respect our next two opponents as much as we respect Barcelona.

Do you believe the outcome in the Clasico could influence the rest of the season?

It won’t be a decisive match for neither team, but it is obviously important for us to earn a victory at Camp Nou.

Back to training

Cristiano Ronaldo kicked a ball yesterday in training and is now expected to step up his return from an ankle injury that has seen him miss over a month and a half of football forReal Madrid.

The world’s most expensive player reported no ill effects after a light work out with the ball yesterday and could now return in next weekend’s clash with Racing Santander at the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid officials hope to give Ronaldo a twenty-minute run out against Santander next Sunday followed by a longer appearance against FC Zurich in the Champions League.

If Ronaldo gets around 100 minutes of action under his belt in these two matches, it is expected that he will be ready for the mouth watering clash with Barcelona at the end of the month.

Ronaldo is now slightly ahead of schedule in his return and is expected to train with his team mates tomorrow.

Portugal 1:0 Bosnia; Cris was cheering for Portugal in the stands of the Stadium of Light

Money hasn't changed my character

Cristiano Ronaldo, whose ankle injury will keep him out of Portugal’s World Cup play-off with Bosnia-Herzegovina on Saturday, has given a fascinating insight into his career.

The £80million forward says Manchester United will do just fine without him, though he is glad to leave behind Chelsea nemesis Ashley Cole and the Premier League hatchet men who kicked him.

Sportsmail selects extracts from his interview with Russian newspaper Sport Express to promote the Castrol Rankings of the world’s best footballers.

On his toughest opponent and Premier League brutality…

‘Ashley Cole. He’s a very tough, tenacious football player. And others don’t miss an opportunity.
‘In England players are constantly tackling. Everyone tries to kick you. But if you’re in good physical shape and quick enough, then you can dodge it.’There are more injuries, blows, tackles and players are more physical. In general, it’s much more of a battle (in England). Referees don’t protect players as much and aren’t always whistling for fouls.
‘All the same, I still like the English league. That and the Spanish league are the best two national championships in the world.

On United post-Ronaldo…

‘Manchester, without me, are still a great team and always among the leaders. Now they have got through their Champions League group as leaders.
‘United don’t depend on big-name players.’

On differences between Manchester and Madrid…

‘I live in a quiet area in Madrid where nothing much happens.
‘Football is the same, as is the attention from the press and from fans. I like it.
‘The fans are different here (Madrid). At Real, psychological pressure on the players is much more serious than at United. This is good. At many clubs you don’t know the consequence of playing badly.
‘At big clubs, the pressure from the fans is colossal, and Real Madrid are first on the list of big clubs.’

On whether he’s worth £80m…

‘I think even more (he laughs). But the money hasn’t changed my character or the way I play.’

On Wayne Rooney…

‘He’s a great footballer who has been playing in one of the strongest leagues in Europe, so of course he would be able to play in Spain.
‘In the last few years he has shown his level and I believe that in Spain he would show the same quality.
‘We still talk on the phone from time to time, but we don’t talk about him coming to Real.
‘I think it’s better that he stays at United. Rooney is an Englishman and he likes Manchester. The city and the club suit him.

On his change of position…

‘I acted as a winger for many years, now I’m getting used to a central role. Yes, it’s unusual for me and for others. I’m very happy to be in this team.

On what football means to him…

‘First, it is my life. Second, it is a job that I love. Without football, my life is worth nothing.
‘I want to consistently play well and win titles. I’m only at the beginning. My dream is to win titles again, as I did playing for Manchester United.
‘I have practically no private life. I’m already used to this and ready for it. Yes, sometimes it is hard, but it is the choice I made.’

On Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini and their troubles…

‘Any controversy is only people’s opinions. I don’t think the players should be involved in discussing this. The players must work.
‘I’m sure that in the near future we will do better. Give us half a year and you will see a great team.’

On Portugal…

‘We must face the truth. I try to do all that I can, both for club and country, and try to ignore what people say, even the most caustic comments.
‘But some things are impossible. Of course, to win the World Cup is a unique feeling for every player. It is a dream.
‘The problem is that we have a very good team, but not fantastic. No matter what I do, one person can’t win such a title.’

On his country’s World Cup qualification struggle…

‘Well, we are not alone in this. France and Argentina also had difficulty. It suggests that to get to the World Cup is very difficult.
‘It was the same with England two years ago when they stayed at home and didn’t go to the European Championship.
‘Now we have two very important matches (against Bosnia-Herzegovina), which we must win because it is Portugal’s obligation to be in South Africa. I’m going to be there. I’m only thinking of this. Believe me, we will be there.’

On his father…

‘When you lose a person you love so much, surviving the loss is difficult.
‘It happened four years ago and now I am much stronger. I try to carry on and to care more for my family, who I always miss.’

On his critics…

‘Anyone who likes football, loves me.’

No one is more sad than me

The Portuguese midfielder said he will be in the stadium supporting their colleagues against Bosnia.

Cristiano Ronaldo wished he could play the play-offs with the Portugal: “the result was not what I wanted, but it was what I expected. It is a great disappointment not being able to help Portugal, especially in such a crucial moment will be like this play-off to Bosnia,” he told Gestifute.

“Nobody at this moment feels more sad then me because Portugal will always represent one of the greatest pride that I feel as a professional footballer and as a citizen, but I have no choice,” he added.

Cristiano Ronaldo said that on Saturday he will be present at the Stadium of Light to “suffer and vibrate with our selection.” “I’ll be at the stadium to support my teammates. I’m sure keeping it that we have shown the spirit and unity, humility and a sense of mutual support, the quality of our football will overcome all and at the end I will be in the locker room with them, celebrating the first of two steps towards the World Cup. And I have no doubt that we’ll be there! “, ended the Portuguese midfielder.

Cris out of World Cup play-off

Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo will miss the two-legged World Cup playoff against Bosnia, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) said in a statement on Tuesday.

Ronaldo has not recovered from an ankle injury and will not play in the game in Lisbon on Saturday and in Zenica four days later.

"After a clinical evaluation, it was concluded that the player does not meet the physical conditions to join the national squad training for the (Bosnia playoff) matches," the FPF said.

Real Madrid's world record signing suffered the injury in late September which was aggravated in Portugal's 3-0 win over Hungary 10 days later and he has not played since.

Real had said earlier on Tuesday that Ronaldo would travel to Portugal to be examined by national team doctors, after complaining about coach Carlos Queiroz's decision to call him up.

The club said last Friday that Ronaldo needed two more weeks of treatment. Director general Jorge Valdano had said playing him now would be a serious mistake.

Queiroz denied there was a row with Real over whether the winger should play.

"The steps are simple - there is a call up, an evaluation, a decision, and then life goes on," Queiroz told a news conference.

The man in the middle

Cristiano Ronaldo is in the centre of a club v country feud after learning his ankle injury will not need surgery.

The Real Madrid star had feared he would be ruled out for three months, but has in fact been given a chance to making the 'Clasico' against Barcelona on November 29.

Dutch specialist Professor Niek van Dijk has concluded that Ronaldo needs two more weeks of treatment before he can be reassessed in Amsterdam, say the Spanish club.

But Portugal are said to be ready to call-up the former Manchester United star for their two-leg World Cup qualification play-off on November 14 and 18, which has enraged the Spaniards.

Madrid are still smarting after Ronaldo aggravated his ankle injury when deployed for his country against Hungary last month.

Bernabeu sporting director Jorge Valdano said: 'They can call up whoever they want, but Cristiano is on sick leave.

'We would have been the first ones to use him if he's been available in recent games. If we haven't used him, it's for a reason.

'We hope to have no problem in this regard because the medical report is clear.'

However, the president of the Portuguese FA, Gilberto Madail, said: 'Ronaldo wants to play, he will join the squad and will be examined by the medical team.

'The situation is under control as there have been contacts between our coach, the Real Madrid coach, the player and the medical departments.'

Poor Cris out for four more weeks

If 'CR9' is forced to go under the knife, he could be sidelined for up to three months...

Any lingering hopes that Cristiano Ronaldo could make a swift comeback from injury have been dashed with the news that he faces at least another month on the sidelines.

Marca report that the Real Madrid star entered a hospital in Amsterdam by the back door at 14:55 CET and underwent a series of scans under the supervision of ankle expert Dr. Niek van Dijk.

Few details have been made available so far, but the key news is that the 24-year-old will be out for around a month if all goes well in his recovery programme.

Real Madrid released a statement on Wednesday evening, stating that, "there has been no clinical improvement of the bone edema". If the problem persists, Ronaldo could be forced to have surgery.

Manuel Pellegrini will be desperately hoping that this eventuality doesn't occur, as 'CR9' would then be out until well into the new year. Marca believe that Ronaldo would need another two or three months to fully recover from any operation.