Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Old Trafford difficult: Juan Mata
Manchester United midfielder believes Real Madrid star is happy at his new club
Ronaldo's second likeness will be on display at a number of sites across Europe before it will end up at his home PHOTO: REUTERS
Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata believes Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Old Traffordi very difficult since he is happy at his current Spanish club.
Ronaldo played for United between 2003 and 2009 in an illustrious part of his career where he scored 118 goals for the club in 292 games. He also won nine trophies with Sir Alex Ferguson.
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"I think it's difficult for that to happen, in truth," Mata told Goal in an exclusive interview.
"The respect and admiration that the people have for Cristiano (in Manchester) is incredible. You see it at the training ground, at the stadium, with so many photos of when he won all those titles there and did so well on a personal level as well.
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"But it's complicated with him at a club like Real Madrid and happy there, which I think he is. He is a player who makes the difference in any league, obviously. But as it's very complicated at the moment, I prefer to focus on the players who are here, on playing well and achieving the club's objectives."
Mata also commented on the upcoming El Clasico saying English football fans will also be glued to the encounter.
"A Clasico is always a game that is followed very much throughout the world and, obviously, in England too," he said. "English fans follow the Spanish league a lot. And a game like the Clasico is the game, with thousands of fans following it.
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"People in England always speak before, after and during a game. It's similar to what happens in games between Manchester United and Liverpool, or Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal... they are very big games.
"In the Premier League there are very big matches followed on a world level, because there are a lot of derbies"
Ronaldo played for United between 2003 and 2009 in an illustrious part of his career where he scored 118 goals for the club in 292 games. He also won nine trophies with Sir Alex Ferguson.
In my head, I am the best: Ronaldo on comparison with Messi
"I think it's difficult for that to happen, in truth," Mata told Goal in an exclusive interview.
"The respect and admiration that the people have for Cristiano (in Manchester) is incredible. You see it at the training ground, at the stadium, with so many photos of when he won all those titles there and did so well on a personal level as well.
Ronaldo film reveals Ferguson's 50% promise
"But it's complicated with him at a club like Real Madrid and happy there, which I think he is. He is a player who makes the difference in any league, obviously. But as it's very complicated at the moment, I prefer to focus on the players who are here, on playing well and achieving the club's objectives."
Mata also commented on the upcoming El Clasico saying English football fans will also be glued to the encounter.
"A Clasico is always a game that is followed very much throughout the world and, obviously, in England too," he said. "English fans follow the Spanish league a lot. And a game like the Clasico is the game, with thousands of fans following it.
We make each other better players: Ronaldo on Messi
"People in England always speak before, after and during a game. It's similar to what happens in games between Manchester United and Liverpool, or Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal... they are very big games.
"In the Premier League there are very big matches followed on a world level, because there are a lot of derbies"