Cristiano Ronaldo: Manchester United Is on the Wrong Path; They Have Potential but Face Structural Issues

The first part of Piers Morgan’s conversation with Cristiano Ronaldo was officially broadcast live tonight. Below is an excerpt from the transcript.

Do you think your life, from that interview three years ago to now, can be described as "insane"?

I wouldn’t use that word, but I agree with what you said— that interview was... hard, honest, and that’s the most important principle I follow when doing interviews.

You were close to joining Arsenal back then, and you even met Wenger. You know who I blame? I blame O’Shea. Because when Sporting CP played Manchester United at the time, you totally outplayed O’Shea, which convinced Ferguson. Is that true?

It’s true, but... it’s just... um, I like Arsenal, and I like everything they’ve won. Like you said, football is all about opportunities. I really was close to joining Arsenal, but in the end, I took the chance to go to Manchester United.

Of course, you know I don’t usually talk about this... Oh, maybe sometimes, but those are just white lies. But the story doesn’t change; that’s how it was.

But you changed my story as an Arsenal fan.

No, Arsenal still wins games and claims trophies.

Do you think they’ll win the Premier League title this season?

Maybe, it’s possible. But the Premier League is always extremely tough... Manchester United definitely can’t do it this season—they’re so far behind in points. I don’t know, maybe Arsenal will, but I don’t believe it.

(Morgan asked Ronaldo to give him some hope, and Ronaldo said: Alright, Arsenal will win the title; Morgan: Thank you!)

Morgan suddenly said: You became a billionaire last week. (Laughs)

That’s not true.

Really?

I became a billionaire many years ago.

I knew you’d say that.

Haha, when I was 39.

Who told you that number?

Come on, I always know how much money I have.

Really?

Not 100% accurate, of course, but roughly. My team helps me do the right things, and financially, I communicate with my partners almost every day. And of course, I keep control of my money, you know that.

What does it feel like to be a billionaire?

Actually, I knew this would happen many years ago, so I was prepared. I’m definitely super happy, because when you have money, you can buy houses, cars, and do whatever you want—something everyone hopes to achieve.

I’m not obsessed with money, you know? Money certainly helps, but when you reach a certain level, it might not be that useful anymore. But people always have desires and want more. One thing I’ve learned is that money is important, but there are other things that matter too.

To answer your question, I’m definitely happy to have money, because it’s part of my life goals: football, winning trophies—Premier League, La Liga, Champions League, Ballon d’Or. But on the financial front, I’m satisfied.