Ronaldo relishing new challenge

World's most expensive player exited by La Liga

Last updated: 6th July 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Ronaldo relishing new challenge

Ronaldo: Relishing a new challenge

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Real Madrid's newest signing Cristiano Ronaldo is relishing the challenge of playing in Spain's La Liga after six seasons in England.

Ronaldo was paraded by the Liga giants at a packed Santiago Bernabeu after completing his £80million switch from Manchester United upon completing his routine medical.

The 24-year-old believes the Premier League is a lot more taxing physically than Spain, although he is happier the league's smaller teams play a more attacking style which makes for exciting matches.

Ronaldo thoroughly enjoyed his time at Old Trafford, but the Portugal international winger is now just focusing on doing his best for his 'childhood' side.

Physical

"The Premier League is a very tough league. It's physical. You have to be strong and fast. The football is too quick there," he told Real Madrid TV.

"I think here is different. The small teams have quality players as well. They are not scared to play. I think it's a special football here in La Liga.

"I hope to do better than I did in Manchester. I'm looking forward and I'm very confident I can achieve that.

"When you play for a big team there's pressure on your back. I have pressure. It's not a problem. I'm still confident.

"I think I'm at the right club to keep progressing in my career. I'm very focused to do a good job and to show the people that I'm a good player."

Question marks

Question marks have been raised how president Florentino Perez's newly assembled 'galacticos' will gel with variety of individual talent arriving at Santiago Bernabeu this summer.

Along with Ronaldo's arrival the club have also secured Kaka's services, while the capture of talented striker Karim Benzema from Lyon is expected to be finalised.

While Ronaldo admits it will take time for their new signings to learn each other's game he fully expects Real to be challenge champions Barcelona for the Liga crown.

"You have four or five new players. It's very good. I think the president's done a fantastic job to buy these great players," he continued. "I think Real Madrid will be better than last season.

"We have pre-season together. When the league starts we have to be strong. We have to play like a team. This is what we need if we want to win the titles. If you have a good team you have a good chance to win the titles."