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.’

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