Robaird O’Cearbhaill
Hong Kong Correspondent
Cristiano Ronaldo, is one of the two of the world’s top skilled footballers. His career shows multiple championship wins; he has shot the highest number of international goals.
But Ronaldo’s actions and words prove more passion beyond sport. He was brought up in a devout Catholic family. Religion matters to Cristiano Ronaldo and he is grateful for what believes is divine help supporting his football success. His father taught him charity and he is using his fortune to exercise it.
“My father always taught me that when you help other people, then God will give you double. And that’s what has really happened to me. When I have helped other people who are in need, God has helped me more,” he told ESPN in a 2020 interview. In one of his YouTube videos, he added, “Since I started to do it everything became better and better. So I will still carry on doing it.”
“I collect crucifix necklaces.” They “bring me closer to God during games. I am a fantastic footballer but I do believe God gave me the gift.” These insights and more personal revelations, appeared in a very rare interview in the British Daily Mirror of quality and depth because the reporter is a close friend.
His gift is that his dream has come true to be the best at the game. Cristiano Ronaldo only discovered that he could be one of the those at the top, one of those legends who will not be forgotten, when he was in his early twenties.
“It was not until 22 when I was at Manchester United that I started to believe I was the best.” Cristiano Ronaldo later said getting there partly is using imagination. “I see myself as the best footballer in the world. If you don’t believe you are the best, then you will never achieve all that you are capable of.”
He knows well how fortunate his hard work has made him. “I’m living a dream I never want to wake up from.” One reason for the dream is: “Winning – that’s the most important to me. It’s as simple as that.”
But as celebrities know fame comes as a price often in the form of envy. “There are people out there who hate me and who say I’m arrogant, vain, and whatever. That’s all part of my success. I am made to be the best.”
Is Cristiano Ronaldo arrogant or honest about his extraordinary talent and skills? The answer next week, and how he has helped so many people in his charity work and generous sponsorships and donations. His personal life, close family life, and why he is so popular. (Photo: Cristiano Ronaldo / Twitter)
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