Cristiano on Champions League defence: "It's a great challenge"
"We know it's a very difficult competition, but nothing is easy so we'll try. It's possible to win it again," Ronaldo told UEFA ahead Real Madrid's game against Sporting
Cristiano Ronaldo talked to UEFA ahead of Real Madrid's opening Champions League game against Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday, when they begin the defence of their title and aim to win he trophy for the 12th time.
On Sporting...
It's a special match, it's a special team. I wanted to draw Sporting again, because I think they have a good team, they have a good coach, and it will be another special moment in my life.
I've played against Sporting before in the Champions League, against Benfica too, and against Porto. To play Sporting again is a privilege for me.
On Borussia Dortmund and Legia Warszawa ...
They're always difficult teams. We've played Borussia Dortmund in this competition before – and lost. We know they're a very difficult team, especially at their place as they've got fantastic fans.
I've never played [at Legia], and to be honest I don't know much about their team, so it will be a new experience, a nice experience against a team I've never played against. But I hope there won't be any surprises and that we can win both matches.
On title defence...
It's a challenge, it's a great challenge, and I think at Real Madrid we have a chance to win it again. We know it's a very difficult competition, but nothing is easy so we'll try. We'll take it match by match, and first think about the group stage, as in my opinion it's a strong group. We'll see how the competition unfolds. But think positive – that it's possible to win it again.
On an amazing year..
In terms of trophies it was possibly the best year of my career. After winning the Champions League, winning the European Championship with my country capped an extraordinary year for me.
Trophy-wise it was the best, I've never had a better year. The same goes both collectively and individually, because I was top scorer in the Champions League and had a good European Championship, and we were able to win the two biggest trophies. So it really was a top drawer, excellent season for me.