Cristiano Ronaldo has rejected claims he views himself as a central striker, insisting he enjoys playing with ‘freedom on the pitch’.
The Portuguese superstar has adapted his game over the years, initially starting as a winger in Portugal before transforming in both England and Spain into the player he is today.
“I definitely have not ever viewed myself playing as a striker,” Ronaldo is quoted by Diario AS as telling Chinese media.
“I’m a different player to a decade ago when I started out at Sporting and even when I played for Manchester United…I was an out-and-out winger who took on defenders and crossed.
“As I developed, I started to view the game differently and thought to myself that I have the ability to do more than just that.
“I recognised I had to play closer to the goal as I would have more chances to score and whilst it may seem like I play as a ‘number 9’, I don’t see that – I enjoy having freedom on the pitch.”