Ronaldo happy with pressure

Madrid-bound winger out to adapt quickly and match expectations

By Richard Bailey   Last updated: 24th June 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Ronaldo happy with pressure

Ronaldo: Happy with high expectations

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Cristiano Ronaldo is confident he can quickly adapt to life at Real Madrid and match the fans' high expectations.

The Manchester United winger is close to completing his world record £80million move to Real after undergoing a medical over the weekend.

However the Portuguese star knows that even the Fifa World Player of the Year can struggle to adapt to new surroundings.

After arriving at Old Trafford as a raw 18-year-old in 2003 it took until the former Sporting Lisbon ace's fourth season at the club until he broke the 20-goal a season barrier.

"Football in England is different, it is more physical," he told Sky Sports News.

"No matter how good you are it takes time to adapt to any type of football. I just hope I can get used to it as quickly as possible."

High expectations

Ronaldo is also aware of the weight of expectation that will come with his staggering transfer fee but he insists he is comfortable carrying the burden.

"My career has always consisted of different challenges. At Manchester United it was like that every year," he added.

"This season is different because it is a completely different experience for me and the challenges ahead are different ones.

"The expectations will be very high but I am used to that. I know who I am and I know what I have to do.

"Right now I am relaxing with my family to make sure I am fully rested mentally and physically for my arrival to Real Madrid."

Ronaldo also expressed hope that the fans he was leaving behind in Manchester would understand and respect his decision to join Madrid.

"Real Madrid is a club I have always wanted to play for. I am very grateful for the effort they have made on my behalf," he highlighted.

"I hope the fans of Manchester will understand my decision. It was a mutual decision that quickly came to an agreement and I am very happy about that."