by Luca Caioli
Finally the white Audi enters the bowels of the stadium, and Cristiano goes up in the lift to the club’s offices. It’s a day of never-ending presentations. First they show him all the Spanish sports papers – he is on every front cover. Then he signs the first shirt with his name on. In less than an hour, thousands have already been sold in the club shop. The supergalactic marketing machine is already in motion.
Real Madrid general manager Jorge Valdano guides him through the plans for the day, explaining the format of the presentation and pointing out the details through the enormous glass windows which overlook the pitch. Below them, the staff are putting the finishing touches to the stage. At 2pm, the press follow Cristiano to the restaurant at Gate 57, where he meets with Di Stéfano, Eusébio and other club veterans, including Zoco, Santamaría, Pachín and Amancio. Cristiano and Valdano sit at a reserved table with Jorge Mendes, Zé and the club’s historic stars. After taking the final photos and footage, the doors close and the press finally leave the new player in peace.
But it’s only a matter of hours. At 7pm they are back on his tail. After a quick nap at the Mirasierra Suites, Cristiano is ready to continue his intense first day as a Real player. He has changed out of his sporting attire into a beige suit and white open-necked shirt. The fans waiting in the hotel lobby give him a rock-star’s welcome. He shakes hands and signs autographs before getting into the car to go to the stadium. As they approach the Bernabéu, he is amazed to see the long queues of fans patiently waiting for their tickets to the main event.
Once inside the stadium, he has an appointment with Real Madrid TV: makeup, spotlights and a stage draped with Spanish and Real flags. Here come the questions.
‘I suppose this is an incredibly important day in your professional career?’
‘Of course, today is the day I am presented to the club, it’s a very memorable day for me … I am very happy.’
‘In 24 hours’ time you will have achieved one of your greatest dreams,’ continues the interviewer.
‘Absolutely, I have said many times that it was my dream to play at Real. Thank God my dream of playing here has come true. I want to win many titles here, and I am confident that I will do so.’
After a quarter of an hour in Spanish and a quarter of an hour in English (the two languages of the club’s TV channel), it’s time to go. The president is expecting him.
Florentino takes him into the royal box. From behind the glass, they watch as the stands begin to fill up. ‘Is there a match tonight, president?’ quips Cristiano. Florentino smiles. He is delighted to have the most expensive player in his new sticker album.
In the boardroom, they celebrate the signing of the contract which officially ties Cristiano to Real. Seated around the oval table with Pérez and Cristiano are Alfredo, Eusébio and the other club directors. Four folders and four signatures from the president and the player to seal the agreement. The deal is done. Everyone in the room applauds and the moment is immortalised in yet more photos. Florentino gives Cristiano the pen he used to sign the contract, a model of the Bernabéu and a new watch.
It’s time to get kitted up. In the changing room, between Kaká’s number 8 and Sneijder’s number 10, Cristiano takes off his suit. Getting ready is something of a ritual, like a bullfighter before going into the ring. Shorts, socks, boots – right first, then left – and finally, the shirt bearing his name. He smoothes it out and looks in the mirror to make sure everything is in order. ‘White suits you!’ says Florentino.
Now it’s time for a photo shoot for his Real ID card and publicity material. He is photographed with shirts with his name in Chinese, Japanese and Arabic. They throw him a ball and he does tricks, then he poses with a scarf like the perfect model. After the publicity stunts, it’s nearly time to go on stage. He’s getting a bit impatient, so he warms up as if he were about to start a match. He can hear the stadium loudspeakers, the music, the official club song. They ask if he is nervous. ‘No, not now,’ he replies. But the waiting seems infinite and the camera shows otherwise. He sits down, takes off his shoes, puts them back on, stands up, adjusts his unruly hair … until finally he hears Florentino saying: ‘Please welcome, Cristiano Ronaldo!’
The moment has arrived. He walks down the tunnel to the pitch, climbs the steps leading up to the green walkway they have constructed, and makes his way towards the directors, the VIPs, the press, the video cameras and the photographers. He hugs Florentino, Eusébio and Di Stéfano … he turns on the spot, applauding and smiling. ‘Sí, sí, sí … Cristiano ya está aquí,’ chant the 80,000-strong crowd, in a rhyme celebrating his arrival. The president addresses him: ‘My dear Cristiano, from today onwards these are your fans. The same fans who, throughout history, have helped Real reach the height of the footballing world.’ Images of Cristiano’s best moments flash across the gigantic screen, playing in his Man United shirt, smiling, lifting the Champions League trophy, kissing the Ballon d’Or.
‘They will demand 110 per cent from you, but in return you will give them your utmost,’ continues Florentino. ‘Your professionalism, your full dedication to this sport, your undeniable talents have helped you realise one of your greatest dreams. We are absolutely delighted that you have made the decision to play at Real Madrid. Welcome to your Real Madrid.’
The presentation has finished. Now it’s Cristiano’s turn. Hands on hips, with the nine European cups in a row behind him, he has to wait in front of the microphone for the roar of the fans shouting ‘Ronaldo, Ronaldo’ to die down. The Portuguese is very emotional. He can hardly speak. ‘Good evening … I am very happy to be here … ’
He has to stop. The screaming is overwhelming. The cameras pan over the numerous Portuguese flags in the crowd. ‘Today I have fulfilled a dream I have had since I was a kid, to play for Real Madrid … ’ He pauses again. ‘I had no idea that so many people would come out just to see me. This is incredible. Thank you.’
Then, taking the advice of a journalist who interviewed him before the presentation, he decides to surprise the crowds. ‘Now I’m going to count to three and everyone say with me: “Come on Madrid!” One, two, three, come on Madrid!’ The whole of the Bernabéu shouts in unison. With those few words, the entire fan base is putty in his hands.
Next, he delights them by playing tricks with the ball, kicking and heading and generally entertaining them. He signs the ball for a young boy who will undoubtedly be the envy of the 80,000 fans. He gives a shirt to another boy, who immediately puts it on. The fans shout for him to kiss the club crest. He poses with it, before making his way down the green walkway to greet his public. He goes over to the stands, shakes hands, signs footballs, kisses a reporter and waves to the crowds.
After the lap of honour, he goes back up on stage once more to wait for a photo with the directors. Johann Strauss Senior’s Radetzky March is playing in the background. Suddenly, more than a thousand fans take the security guards by surprise, jumping over the fences and storming the walkway to try to hug their idol. The situation starts to get a bit out of hand – he is completely surrounded. With the help of the Real Madrid security staff, he gets off the pitch as fast as he can.
But the coming-out party is not over yet. The world’s press are anxiously awaiting him in the conference room to hear his responses to the first questions on Spanish soil. The press conference table is flanked by a human wall of photographers and cameramen. At 10.17pm Cristiano arrives in the same outfit he wore to sign the contract, accompanied by Valdano and Antonio Galeano, the club’s director of communications. Before anyone can get a word in, they have to wait a long time for all the flashes to subside. Cristiano smiles, sits down and waits for Galeano’s introduction, before bracing himself for the infinite series of questions that follows.
In the final of the Champions League, you complained about playing as a striker. In his first statements as Real manager, Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed that he would like you to play up front. Will that be a problem for you?
‘I have
never said that I didn’t like playing up front. What I said was that I didn’t feel as comfortable there in that match because I hadn’t been playing in that position. If I have the choice, I prefer to play on the wing, but it’s not a problem if I have to play up front. It’s just a question of getting used to it.’
If you had to sum up everything that has happened at your presentation today in a single word, what would it be?
‘Incredible.’
What was going through your mind when you came onto the pitch and saw more than 80,000 people in the stands?
‘It was a fantastic feeling, I really enjoyed it. I had never imagined that the stadium would be so full. It was a dream come true to come out and see it like that … it was amazing. I was also thinking a lot about my family, my father and my mother.’
Are you aware of the fact that you have won people over when you have been pictured at your most emotional, your most fragile, despite the fact that you are known for being someone with a lot of self-confidence?
‘I feel that people have a lot of love for me. I know that I will be under even more pressure here than I was at Man United, but I am still confident. I want to do everything I can to show I am capable of giving 100 per cent, right from the outset.’
Is there any message you would like to share with your former Man United team-mates and your former coach, Sir Alex Ferguson?
‘I would like to thank everyone at the club. I spent six years there, and I have left behind some very good friends and some incredible relationships. I think they understand and respect my decision, they knew it was a goal, a dream of mine to play in Madrid. That’s life. I have a new life now, a new club, and I’m going to give it 100 per cent.’
What was it like meeting Di Stéfano, one of Real Madrid’s most legendary players?
‘That was a very special moment for me because he is one of the club’s most renowned players. It was like meeting Bobby Charlton when I arrived at United. He wished me lots of luck. This whole day has been one of the most incredible days of my life.’
When you dreamt as a child about playing for Real Madrid, did you ever imagine that the club would make such a huge economic investment in you?
‘The club that wants the best players has to pay for them. Real Madrid is making the right choices and I want to help demonstrate that that’s the case.’
When you entered your new dressing room, did you think about what you’ve been through to get here?
‘Yes, because I have always dreamt of playing here, throughout my life. After everything I achieved at Man United I wanted a change, and this club is the greatest in my eyes. So of course you feel something special when you put that shirt on for the first time, when you go out to meet the fans … ’
Here’s the picture of you in front of nine European Cups. Do you dream about breaking the curse of the final sixteen that seems to have been haunting Real Madrid the last few years?
‘I don’t play alone. Yes, I was alone at tonight’s presentation, but during a match I will have ten team-mates, as well as everyone in the dugout. We have a great team and a great coach, all we have to do is approach things calmly, work hard and, of course, focus on winning the Champions League.’
You scored 25 goals with United last season. How many do you think you’ll score in your first season at Real?
‘What I want to do is adapt as quickly as I can because then the goals come naturally. I’m not going to set any targets, I want to score as many goals and give as many assists as possible.’
Did you see all the Portuguese flags in the stands?
‘There were Portuguese flags and Madeiran flags and it made me feel very proud to see them outside my own country.’
Would you have played for Real Madrid under the old management?
‘I don’t know. That’s not really a question I can answer.’
Your new coach is Manuel Pellegrini, what do you know about him?
‘I have heard great things about him and if he is here it’s because he deserves to be here. I have played against [Pellegrini’s former team] Villarreal a number of times and they made things very tricky for us, so that’s the best test. It will be a pleasure to work with him and work hard to win many titles together.’
Are you prepared for the level of pressure you will be under at Real? I’m sure you are aware that Madrid is a city with plenty of nightlife …
‘I work hard to be successful and after that there is time for other things. I haven’t got to where I am today on the philosophy of only working hard and doing nothing else. There is time for everything – for work and enjoyment. But above all for work, and winning individual prizes as well as titles with the club.’
What do you think of Franck Ribéry, who could become your team-mate at Real Madrid?
‘He is a great player, but it’s not up to me to talk about whether a player will transfer or not. My job is to play here and do well, nothing more.’
Ramón Calderón spent two years trying to sign you and failed. Has Florentino been the deciding factor in bringing you here?
‘I have heard a wide variety of claims made by the press. They take a shot in the dark – sometimes they’re right, sometimes they’re wrong. The president made an offer and we signed, that’s it. I’m here and I’m very happy.’
Are you sad to leave behind the number 7 and take up the number 9, the same number that Ronaldo wore?
‘I wanted to wear number 7, but I know that 9 is a special number at this club. I’m concerned about playing well, not about the number. I’m the one that’s playing, not the number on my back.’
Have you had a chance to speak to your friends here, Heinze, Pepe, Di Salvo … ?
‘Everyone has welcomed me, they were all happy for me because they’re very old friends. I hope they stay here because it would help me adapt, although I don’t think it will be a problem for me. I speak a little Spanish and I know that I will make plenty of new friends.’
Is there any Real Madrid player in particular with whom you’ve always dreamt of playing?
‘The dream has always been just to play for Real Madrid – there are great players every year. It’s a privilege to be here and to play with those who are here and those who may join in the future. We have a very strong team and we are going to work hard to win titles. Pellegrini is going to find it difficult to choose which is his favourite trophy … ’
Do you feel that you have arrived at Real after a difficult year?
‘No, because my last year at United was a good one. We won the league and the cup and I think it was the right decision for me to stay there.’
Barcelona have just won the triple. Do you think Real are ready to win all the titles?
‘You have to aim high. We will try our best to win all three, although I would be happy with La Liga and the Champions League. We have to play like an organised team, with a good spirit and a strong formation. Once we have ticked all those boxes there’s still room to dream. If we work hard then of course we could win all the titles.’
Do you carry any resentment towards Barça over that Champions League final that you lost?
‘Revenge is not a word that exists in my vocabulary. Of course I want to play against Barcelona and beat them. It will be fantastic to be a part of it – two big teams, great entertainment for the fans.’
You have traded the Premier League for La Liga after six seasons …
‘La Liga is very different. In the Premier League the play is much quicker, but both are very competitive. In Spain, even the smaller teams always try their best to play great football. I am really looking forward to taking part in La Liga.’
And the referees?
‘In England they are very good. In Spain they are excellent.’
You have never played at the Bernabéu, how did it feel to go out there for the first time?
‘I have never felt anything like it. It was a great first impression. What I really want is to keep working hard and proving to the whole wor
ld that it has been worth all the effort.’
You and Kaká are very different people with very different lifestyles. What kind of relationship do you think you’ll have with him?
‘We’ll get on fine, of course we will. We will be great friends and if you were to ask him I’m sure he would say the same.’
Are you concerned about pressure from the tabloids and the paparazzi?
‘It’s not a problem. When I’m in training I stay very low-key, I prefer to focus on the football. I’m planning to do the same here, to look after myself so that I can stay in good shape for training and matches.’
What do you think of Karim Benzema, another one of your new team-mates?
‘He is a very good player, a great signing. Everyone has high hopes for him because he has done so well in Lyon. He is also new here so we can learn the ropes together.’
What would you say to a kid who dreams of becoming a footballer regarding choosing Real Madrid over Barcelona?
‘Real is very special to me. Barcelona is a great club, but Real is special. In terms of what I would say to a kid, I would tell them to follow their dreams, whichever club that may be.’
Which opponent are you most looking forward to competing against in Spain?
‘I want to play all of them. Of course all footballers love the big matches. The derbies, the Clásico against Barcelona … But I want to play them all and I want to win them all.’
What’s more important: putting on a great show for the fans or winning matches?