No matter if you change positions, you’ve always been a natural goalscorer. Your record— not just for Portugal, in Saudi Arabia, but even better after 30. But do you think you’re a better, pure striker now compared to your entire career?
I think I’ve always been a top finisher. One reason I might be more focused on shooting and finishing, as you mentioned, is that as you get older, you lose some things, so you need to improve in other areas. For me, what’s become sharper is my mind.
Because as a professional player, your body slows down, but your brain can find ways to speed up. I adapt, you know. Early in my career, I might not have been a top striker; but after 25, I think I was very similar to how I am now. If you ask my teammates— uh, my friends— they’ll say the same thing.
Maybe now I’m more focused on the instinct of a striker because I can’t cut in from the wings as much anymore.
I’ve watched your recent goals. Anyway, some of your movements in the box— those seemingly easy runs, steps, and connections— this striker’s intuition is more like a talent, right?
I agree, yes. You can learn from experience to better show that intuition; but I think even at my age, there are always areas to improve.
I think that’s where players who think they know everything and don’t want to progress go wrong. Most players decline after 30, but I’m different— I’ve scored more goals.
And many people who talk about football don’t actually understand it at all.
Rooney, your former teammate— some say he hates you. He actually likes you a lot. He calls you a genius. He says your relationship is much better than people think. But he still says Messi is better.
It’s okay, it’s okay.
(Morgan bursts out laughing)
That’s a diplomatic answer.
No, I mean it. I’m not angry. For me, it doesn’t matter. You can choose whatever you want.
Are you on good terms with Wayne? Are you friends?
We were on good terms when we played together. Of course, not the kind of friends— the kind who would come over to my house for dinner or lunch once or twice a week. But we’re on good terms in football, because I don’t have friends who come to my house for lunch or dinner.
What I mean is, we’re on good terms, but the word “friends” means something different to me.
To me, being on good terms is like how Rio Ferdinand is my friend. Yes, I still keep in touch with him.
You know I’m a very social person, so I respect the word “friends.” I get along well with everyone, but the word “friends” is very, very, very meaningful to me.
That’s my take. Hmm, but I have no issues with him.
Trust me, it’s okay. If that’s how it is, whatever he likes— whether it’s players or decisions… uh, it’s not a problem for me. You know, uh, I respect him, I really do.
Uh, especially when we played together, because I think he contributed a lot to Manchester United. We won together, we wanted many things. But it’s okay. And those kind words he said—
He called me a genius. Whatever he likes is fine. No problem at all. For me, everything is good. If I see him, I’ll shake his hand. I’ll give him a hug. It’s not a problem for me.
I don’t have time, you know, to hold grudges against people anymore. It’s okay. I respect everyone.
