China should continue to grow football: Ronaldo
Football megastar Cristiano Ronaldo said Thursday that China should remain ambitious and continue to promote the sport if it wants to be a world powerhouse.
“You should continue to grow – slow or quick does not matter – the most important thing is to grow,” said the 33-year-old Portugal forward, who is on a two-day trip to China.
He added that he was told by friends who used to play in China that the country is doing a lot to promote the sport.
Ronaldo’s national teammate Jose Fonte spent half a season this year playing at Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang.
China did not make it to the 2018 World Cup, and are currently sitting 75th on the FIFA world rankings. Their only World Cup appearance was in 2002.
The country has a national plan to develop itself into a major world football powerhouse by 2050.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner underlined the importance of having children be involved.
“Give more opportunities to the kids – they are the future – give them good pitches in the school,” he said.
“Maybe in the future there will be a Chinese player who can surpass my achievements – although it is very hard, it is possible.”
He noted if one wants to succeed in football, one has to make it part of life and have the will to never give up.
Ronaldo spent nine years with Real Madrid where he scored a record 450 goals, winning four Champions Leagues and two league titles.
The Portugal captain decided to join Serie A’s Juventus this summer for more than 100 million euros for four years and aims to bring more titles to the Italian giants.
“Juve is one of the most important clubs in history,” Ronaldo said. “I am honored to have the opportunity to play there, to achieve something important for the club.”
Juventus are considered Italy’s most successful club, having won the Serie A title 34 times, including the last seven in a row. However, they haven’t won the Champions League since 1996, losing on their past five appearances in the final.
“I will try to make the Italian fans very happy,” Ronaldo said, indicating a Champions League trophy for Juventus was his target.
Speaking of a potential JuventusReal clash in the Champions League, Ronaldo said he will “keep focused” with his new teammates.
Though Ronaldo’s Portugal were eliminated from the last 16 by a 1-2 defeat to Uruguay, his free-kick equalizer in the group stage against Spain drew global plaudits.
“What I was thinking is to have confidence,” he said. “At that big moment you have to believe in yourself.”