Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly - Cristiano Ronaldo Interview 02/03/09
The official launch of the Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly had one very special guest - mercurial icon Cristiano Ronaldo. The Manchester United and Portugal star was on hand to discuss the latest release before answering questions about football and life...
Looking effortlessly cool in a Nike V for Victory track jacket, the World Player of the Year took to the stage next to a pristine pair of Vapor Superfly boots and relaxed into an oversized white leather chair. Cristiano was speaking one on one with Pedro Pinto infront of an exclusive audience at Old Trafford. Over the two years the Superfly has been in development and as one of the most iconic players in the current game, Cristiano's feedback is vital to the design, build and construction for the Nike gurus. So what does he think of the final result?
CR: I give feedback about what I like best, what makes me feel good and things I m accustomed to. Nike listens to my feedback and they improve the boots each time. This boot is very different to the one I m using and I prefer these to my old boots. The Mercurial Vapor Superfly is much lighter and helps me attack faster. .
And of all the boots out there, why is the Mercurial so special?
CR: Since I was 16 or 17, I ve always played with the Mercurial. These boots are very different to others - they re much lighter, but I think the boots are perfect to play in. It is something very special to play with these boots because they are known for being fast. For people to associate speed with my style of play is flattering.
The previous debut of a new Nike Mercurial boot saw the demolition of Newcastle United and Ronaldo leaving the pitch with the match ball after scoring his first United hat-trick. Now with the imminent release of the Superfly, is this now the best weapon against defenders?
CR: "It helps! With my Skills, movement, goals - of course the boots help. I like the boots, they help a lot, like on the pitch, when I'm dribbling. It's not just because of the boots!"
Of course, it also helps when you have talent as devestating as Cristiano. The ability to bend, smash and manipulate the ball like no other is just one trick from the mercurial star's reportoire. But what is he thinking when waiting to take a free kick?
CR: "Of course I am concerntrating. It is natural for me. When I take the free kick, it is a style I like."
With so many to pick from, which would be his favourite goal?
CR: "Choose one? I can't!"
The conversation flowed to the Champions League, and the recent first leg tie with Inter Milan. How did he feel the performance went - of himself and for the team?
CR: "Honestly I think we surprised them. They weren't expecting us to play the way we did.I don't know whether Inter will be a better team in Manchester. We respect them but in my opinion we have a better chance at Old Trafford because we have a better team.''
What are the main differences between a Premier League game and a Champions League game?
CR: "The atmosphere is different around the games, the pyschological preparation is different. We play Premier League games every weekend, Champions League games only come around once in a while. Winning the Champions League is special - it has the best teams and the best players."
Ronaldo certainly knows about winning. Over the last 6 months the player has been adorned with plenty of accolades, both individual and as part of an all-conquering Manchester United team. But which does he cherish the most?
CR: "It's difficult. I always dreamed of winning a golden ball, golden shoe or being voted the best player in the World. I also aimed to win the Champions League, World Club Cup so I am very happy to win all those awards and titles."
Winning all these titles and awards so young must affect the hunger and desire for more?
CR: "I am still youung, have a long career ahead of me and I want to be part of history. I want more. I strive to keep going at the same rate to win more titles."
Ronaldo also revealed that if circumstances had been different he could have even moved to Inter Milan, before eventually joining the Old Trafford club:
CR: "When I was 17 or 18 there was an interest and they spoke to me about the possibility of going to Inter," added the Portugal international. "I can't remember what they said because it was several seasons ago but it was something that was discussed. Then Manchester United arrived and I came here."
But what might he have been doing had he not become a professional footballer?
CR: "[Laughs] Probably a painter! [Laughs] I don't know!"
Far too soon the one on one session was over, and Ronaldo was whisked away to a chorus of camera shutters and flash bulbs.
All that was left was to contemplate the future - the debut of the Superfly when 76,000 fans pack out Old Trafford on March 11. The world will certainly be watching the clock to see how long it takes Ronaldo to hit the scoresheet with his latest weapon this time.
