Chicharito: “Cristiano is the best, Messi isn’t as good”

You know some people had their doubts when it was announced you were signing for Madrid…

That’s something you have to accept with this club. Madrid is the best club of the 20th century, recognised by FIFA, but some people dispute that. Only Madrid has 10 European Cups and some people dare to debate whether it’s the best club in the world…

Are you convinced by the steps you’ve taken in your career?

I played at Chivas, the best club in Mexico; I played at Manchester United, the best in England; and I’m going to play at Madrid, the best in the World. I can only think that the glass is half full.

You’re from a footballing family…

Yes, and it’s helped a lot. My grandfather was and so was my father. They taught me that in football you need to know how to wait and to be humble.

You’ve been on the bench a lot, but you don’t seem bitter about it.

Football isn’t a job, it’s a dream. From 18 to 21 I was always on the bench. But I always had a lot of confidence in myself. Nobody trains to sit on the bench. I have big dreams. Ramón Morales, a Mexican footballing legend helped me a lot to see it.

Are you coming to put Benzema on the bench?

I don’t feel any pressure when people compare me with him. I know people will try and make it a rivalry between us. It happened with Rooney, Berbatov and Van Persie at United and it’s normal at the top level. There’s no pressure. I’ve always been competitive and it doesn’t affect me.

And if you fail?

At a club like Madrid there are no excuses, your performances put you in your place. If you have big dream you need to work hard and be at the level of the club. Being professional isn’t just a pretty phrase. You need to do it and show it, so you don’t let the people supporting you down. Starting with your family. I can’t let my parents or my grandparents down.

Are you really so excited?

To play for Real Madrid is the first miracle in my life.

That’s not just putting on an act to look good for the fans…?

People who know me, know that I think like this. I’m going to give blood, sweat and tears for this shirt. It’s clear that one phone call can change your life. That happened to me two weeks ago.

How do you see the debate over Cristiano and Messi? Who’s better?

Cristiano, without a doubt. You’d have to be mad not to think that. He’s the best. Messi is good, but he’s not as good.

Why are you called Chicharito?

Because when I started to play football in Mexico as a lad, people looked at my eyes, like peas, and said “look, a ‘chícharo’, a pea”, and because I was short my grandfather and my father started to call me ‘Chicharito’ (small pea). I love it. It’s an affectionate nickname.

Who are your footballing idols?

I admired Fernando Torres, and Raúl, because of how he moved in the box, but the best of all was Ronaldo, the Brazilian.

Iker or Keylor?

They are two great keepers, and who plays is down to the coach. I think Iker is an icon of Real Madrid, but he’s been treated badly. As a keeper he’s achieved everything. He’s very strong mentally.

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