Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo: I'm worth every penny

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

MADRID — Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo believes he's worth every penny of his record 80 million (C$146 million) pound transfer fee.

"I think that it's a fair figure. If Manchester United and Real Madrid agree to this amount, then there is nothing more to say," Ronaldo said in Saturday's edition of Marca. "The great players cost a lot of money, and if you want them you have to pay it. I'm happy to be the most expensive player in the world."

Ronaldo said that news of his transfer last month brought an "indescribable" feeling and that he would do all he could to prove his worth on the field.

"My objective is to go down in history as one of the best," Ronaldo said. "If I can finish as the best, then perfect. What I want is to be a part of the club of the greatest players in history."

The 24-year-old Portugal international was also looking forward to his presentation on Monday, nearly a week after Kaka was introduced to 50,000 fans. The 80,000-seat Santiago Bernabeu stadium is expected to be at full capacity.

"It doesn't matter if there are more or less people than at Kaka's presentation. The only important thing I want is to be happy on that day," said Ronaldo, who hasn't decided on a shirt number yet with captain Raul Gonzalez already holding his preferred No. 7 jersey.

Madrid president Florentino Perez has spent C$339 million on Ronaldo, Kaka, Lyon striker Karim Benzema and Valencia defender Raul Albiol. Perez's latest "galactico" project isn't finished yet, with more Spanish players promised to arrive while Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery is also a target.

"He's building a great team and changing the club's structures," Ronaldo said. "His ideas are very good and he's revolutionized world football with the amount of money he's spent and the signings he's made."

Ronaldo had only kind words for Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who brought the Portuguese winger to Old Trafford from Sporting in 2003. Ronaldo said he would travel to Manchester in the days after his presentation to show his thanks.

"I owe everything that I've learned to him: the way to think, how to adopt certain decisions in my life. He's been fundamental," Ronaldo said.