Former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward Javier Hernandez, popularly known as Chicharito, has dismissed claims that Cristiano Ronaldo’s confidence is a sign of arrogance.
Hernandez joined Manchester United in 2010, a year after Ronaldo left the club for Real Madrid, but later shared the pitch with the Portuguese star during his loan spell at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2014.
Despite public perceptions of Ronaldo’s personality, the Mexican striker said he does not view the five-time Ballon d’Or winner as arrogant, describing his mentality as a constant drive to prove himself.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, Hernandez said Ronaldo’s success comes from his relentless desire to compete and maintain the highest standards.
“I never consider Cristiano to be arrogant. That is a misconception. Cristiano has always been one to swim against the current. He has always felt the need to compete. So when he accomplishes something and you ask, ‘Hey, did you achieve this?’. He responds, ‘Yes, I did.’ ‘Do you believe you are the best?’. ‘Yes’.
“There is no off switch. It is always on. To become the best of the best, you must be at your peak every single moment of your day to withstand the pressures of being the best.”
Ronaldo, who joined Real Madrid in a then-world-record transfer in 2009, became the club’s all-time leading scorer with 451 goals in 438 appearances and won four Champions League titles during his time in Spain.
