Cristiano Ronaldo: ‘My biggest inspiration has always been myself’

In a new interview, Cristiano Ronaldo opens up about his biggest personal inspiration: himself.

World Cup champion and Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo sat down for a Q&A with Coach magazine this week, and opened up about his biggest personal inspiration: himself.

The Portuguese star offered some interesting insight into his career and thought process in the interview, discussing the "mutual respect" between himself and Lionel Messi, praising former Arsenal and Chelsea defender Ashley Cole, discussing his managers past and present and explaining the unexpected value of his injury during the World Cup final.

But, the final takeaway: Ronaldo’s a self-motivator.

From Coach:

Who was the biggest influence on your career?

I was.

Which team-mate, either at club or international level, has been the biggest inspiration?

My biggest inspiration has always been myself; nobody puts bigger demands on me than me. I said I admired Figo and Rui Costa, but I never wanted to emulate anybody – I have just always focused on being the best me I can.

Read the full interview here.