Cristiano Ronaldo demands the best of himself and those around him, according to Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, but he insists that Ronaldo is not “difficult or complicated.”
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has set numerous records throughout his career and has amassed league titles in England, Spain, and Italy, in addition to winning five Champions League trophies, all as a result of his relentless pursuit of perfection.
Ronaldo has always strived for continuous improvement throughout his extraordinary career.
Mexican forward Hernandez had a brief stint alongside the Portuguese superstar at Real Madrid during the 2014–15 season, a year in which Ronaldo achieved a personal best goal tally of 61.
Hernandez has been in awe of Ronaldo, both during their time together at Santiago Bernabeu and in the years that followed.
Hernandez has told Paramount+ of his time in Spain working alongside one of the very best to have ever played the game: “I always divided it as the first six months being very complicated because I played practically nothing.
“Some unfortunate injuries arose and I was given an opportunity in the second part, which was extraordinary and unique.
Cristiano was phenomenal in the locker room and in his way of being. I don’t think I have met or seen a player who has come out to say that Cristiano is a difficult or complicated person. Cris is Cris. We know his personality and competitiveness, but as a teammate, that is one of the things you cannot take away.”
Ronaldo and Hernandez have ventured beyond European football, with Ronaldo currently playing in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, while Hernandez is in his fourth season with the LA Galaxy in MLS.
Notably, they now find themselves with Lionel Messi as a direct competitor for significant honours in the United States.