I’m happy to be the most expensive player: Cristiano Ronaldo

LONDON - Cristiano Ronaldo insists that the $130 million (80 million pounds) Real Madrid paid for him is a “fair price” and he is delighted to be the “most expensive” player in the world.

Ronaldo will put the finishing touches on his move from Manchester United Monday night when he is officially unveiled as the Spanish giants’ latest signing.

It took an astronomical fee to persuade United to part with the FIFA World Player of the Year and Madrid have come in for criticism for spending so much money during a recession. But Ronaldo believes Madrid are justified in paying the fee and that he can live up to the price tag.

“It’s a fair figure. If Manchester United and Real Madrid agree this amount, then there is nothing more to say. The great players cost a lot of money and if you want them you have to pay it. I’m happy to be the most expensive player in the world,” thesun.co.uk quoted him as saying.

“I respect everyone’s opinions but if Real Madrid have paid so much money, it’s because they wanted me and have considered it a fair price. I’m going to try to do everything to play very well and I will show that the money they are paying for me has been a good decision,” added Ronaldo.

Ronaldo’s signing has captured the world’s attention as Madrid finally got their man this summer to end a transfer saga lasting more than two years.

Much will be demanded of Ronaldo and he is confident he can deal with the expectations.

“I’ve been used to having pressure for a long time - in this sense, I’m calm. This price tag isn’t something I’m going to think about when I go out on to the pitch, so it’s not going to affect me,” he said.

“I know that they are going to demand a lot of me to be successful at the club and I know that I’m going to have much more pressure than at Manchester United, because I was there for many years. But it means a new challenge and is going to help me be the best footballer.

“As well as that, Spain is a different league - with different players, a different club - and this is going to motivate me to continue working hard and winning things,” said Ronaldo.