In the second part of Piers Morgan’s exclusive interview with Cristiano Ronaldo, the conversation turned to the World Cup—
You’re about to achieve an unparalleled feat: 1000 career goals. How do you feel about accomplishing that at next year’s World Cup?
No, I haven’t thought about it. And, maybe my answer will surprise you, because if you ask me, “Is winning the World Cup my dream?” I’ll say:
No, it’s not my dream.
Really?
Yes. Winning the World Cup? No one will change the weight of my name in football. I won’t lie. One thing I’m sure of is to enjoy the present, and I’ve come to realize that the present is what matters. Portugal hasn’t even qualified for the World Cup finals yet.
Enjoy the moment. The present is good. Three days ago, I played a game at the stadium in Hungary. Maybe it was my last game there—who knows?
But I enjoyed my time there. My mom and family came to watch, and it felt great. And some people say if Cristiano wins the World Cup, he’ll be the greatest player. I disagree.
I think I’ve won three titles for Portugal.
You know my opinion. I believe you’re the greatest player in football history.
Thank you.
You also know there’s a fierce debate about whether Messi is the greatest of all time, right? I don’t think Messi is even Argentina’s best player. Maradona was better than him. (Note: This sentence was asked by Morgan)
Before Messi, how many World Cups did Argentina win? How many? I don’t know. Two?
Hmm, I think it was two.
Yes, but that’s normal. These countries used to win major tournaments often. If Brazil wins the World Cup, would they shock the world? No. If Portugal wins, which isn’t impossible, I think the world would be shocked. Yes.
But in my mind, I don’t think that way.
Hmm.
Of course you want to win. Yes. When you play, you always want to win. I’m not… I’m being honest. For me, I won’t change my view on things and football.
Do you think you deserve to be considered the greatest player of all time?
Of course. Oh, to many people, I’m one of the best.
But the greatest?
Peace, because I don’t care now. Really. I’ve seen a lot of things. I’ve watched many interviews. I think if I say it now, people won’t be surprised. The story speaks for itself. They have their opinions.
Some like blonde hair, some like black hair— that’s fine with me. But to change the story, Portugal’s history, to “save” Cristiano, what would a World Cup do? No, it doesn’t make sense to me.
I’ve won, we’ve won three titles for Portugal, and before that, Portugal had never won anything. I’m happy. I’m so happy.
Cristiano, you must want to win the World Cup.
Yes, but it’s not on the same level.
So, I get your point.
I swear on my kids.
But I still think…
Ronaldo interrupted Morgan: I disagree.
Really interesting.
Yes. No, I disagree. Because Portugal has never won the World Cup. Yes. But they can. Yes. We’ll fight for it.
But it shouldn’t define your value as a player.
No. Do we define whether I’m one of the greatest ever by age 14 or 41?
Winning one major tournament, 6 or 7 games—do you think that’s fair? It’s not fair.
