17/11/2005
Ronaldo: "The fans must be an example of how we and the Club are"
He's eager to get on the pitch at
the Santiago Bernabéu this Saturday to show that he is totally recovered
from his injury and help the team as much as possible. Also the Madrid
striker made a call to the fans to behave with respect "as the Club and
we do".
How are you?
I'm eager to play. I've been in hard treatment for 20 days. I've done
three or four training sessions and I'm at the disposal of the coach.
Are you in any pain?
There's still pain, but that's normal. I don't remember having played in
the last few years without some pain. We're going for the three points.
I'm feeling good. The ankle is a difficult thing for a striker, with
changes of direction and swerves. I've been working hard.
Are you one hundred percent?
I will be. We have to be at our best, and if we can be better, then
great.
Ronaldinho is delighted that you're playing.
I'm not so sure they'll be so delighted after the match.
You're eager and motivated.
We don't have to prove anything to anybody. It's just another match
that's worth three points like any other. We shouldn't focus too much on
our rivals. We have the potential to beat anybody. We have to play with
a lot of intelligence and take advantage of any opportunities we have.
How will the fans treat Eto´o?
As he deserves. I don't know how he was treated in Madrid. When he left
he said some things that weren't very intelligent.
Did you think you'd miss the Classic at any point?
I had just the right amount of time to recover, but I always thought I'd
be able to play.
Is it a bit early for you to play a full match?
I don't know if I'll play and how long for. I've done a lot of aerobic
work on the bicycle. The speed side of things hasn't completely
recovered yet.
Barcelona has been improving in recent games.
I don't know and I don't care. We have to play our football.
What do you think of the Golden Ball award for Ronaldinho?
I think it's very good. It's deserved. He's stood out this year and so I
congratulate him.
Etoó later apologised for what happened.
You have to understand the Madrid fans. I've been whistled at many times
and I don't know how they'll receive him.
What do you think of the media's recent talk about the incident?
The fans have to be an example of how the Club and we are.
Who's the favourite?
There are no favourites in matches like this. Any small detail could
decide the game.
Eto´o has said that you're a danger.
I think that before the Classic he's a wavering a bit, but that's normal.
What do you think of the dependence on Ronaldo?
I take the responsibility when I'm on the pitch. This is a team and a
group and we all have the same objective.
Have people been unfair to Luxemburgo this month?
The unfairness came from the fact of us missing a lot of players at the
same time. When you have so many absences it's not easy. He has our
trust and will continue to.
What about Beckham?
I think he'll be there. I saw him at the physio getting massaged. We
have all been injured and hurt. It's a sport with a lot of physical
contact but I think we'll all be there for the game. We all have our
importance.
And this match won't decide anything much anyway.
Exactly. It's a game like any other. We have to get three points at home.
There's been talk about the possibility of signing a left winger.
You have to look at where the comments are coming from. Creating
controversies, in this room, there are some specialists. You shouldn't
put too much importance on things that don't make sense. If it comes
from the Club then you can think about it, otherwise, you should ignore
it. You have to listen to the Club. All these controversies come to an
end as they don't make sense.
You're now Spanish
I'm very happy to be Spanish. I lived for one year in Barcelona and
three here. I'm very happy. Also it leaves the Club the opportunity to
sign another non-European Union player.
What do you think of Cicinho?
He's a very fast offensive winger, with a lot of skill. He's the future
left winger of the national team. If it's true he's been signed then I'm
happy about it.