Cristiano: "I'd like to become an actor when I retire from football"
The Real Madrid ace was interviewed by Del Piero after receiving his Globe Soccer award and spoke about how he sees his future after football.
Two football giants face to face - Alessandero Del Piero interviewed Cristiano Ronaldo during the Globe Soccer Awards in which the Real Madrid star received the Best Footballer of 2017 award. The results will be aired on Sky Italia next month but the channel gave a sneak preview of the chat between the two players.
Sir Alex and Mendes, key figures in Cristiano's development
Del Piero: “There were a lot of rumours that you might have joined Juventus. I would have loved to have played alongside you, what happened?”
Cristiano: “Quite a few clubs were interested in me, but the man who was key in everywhere I've played is Jorge Mendes. He always advised me on the best path to take. I remember when he told me about Juventus, and that made me feel very happy because Juve is such an extraordinary club but Madrid and Manchester United were also interested. United offered me the best condition and that was a dream for me because I'd dreamt about playing in the Premier League since I was a boy. Manchester United offered me the opportunity to do that all because of Sir Alex Ferguson and Jorge who helped me to go there”.
Film industry awaits Cristiano
Del Piero: “You say you want to continue playing for many years to come but in seven, 10 years' time you will have to bring your playing days to an end. You've got many hobbies outside of football but when the moment to retire comes along, what are you going to do?”.
Cristiano: “Right now I'm focused only on playing, I know that the moment will arrive when I'll have to retire but until that happens, I want to continue enjoying my football. I know that I will have a good life after I retire. I'm not saying that because I have a lot of money, what I mean is that I will try new things. For example, I'd like to give it a go at making films. Then I have my businesses: my hotels, gymnasiums, my sportswear range with Nike... I'd like to learn how to become a businessman; I started planning my future when I was 27-28, quite a while ago. I have a very good team, a lot of people work in my businesses and they help me to build interesting projects. When I quit football it will all depend on me, and also the people who work for me”.
Del Piero: “Winning trophies represents a mission accomplished and you have won a lot. Where do you find the motivation that inspires you to keep bettering yourself year after year?”
"I've got many years left in football" says Cristiano
Cristiano: “Motivation is the key. If you are motived, everything is much easier. I'm sure you know that yourself as you were a footballer too; in this sport, you need to work very hard. All of your ambition, passion... you have to bring together many things. I still feel a great passion for football, I love winning and I feel that I can achieve something more every year. People talk about my age, but sometimes I don't agree with what they say: a lot of young players suffer injuries because they don't look after their bodies. I'm 32, and nearly 33, I know that I'm not a kid anymore. But I feel strong and motivated, in my mind I know I am strong and that, for me, is the difference”.
Del Piero: “Thanks for your time Cristiano, it's been a huge pleasure”.
Cristiano: “Thank you. I would have liked to have played alongside you - I'm sure you would have given me some great passes (laughs)”.
Del Piero: “Of course I would!”
