Cristiano Ronaldo, the legend who was never thrown off his goals

A footballer who never lets his team down, a name so famous half the population of the world knows him, a personality so unique and straightforward – that is Cristiano Ronaldo for you.

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro is undoubtedly one of the best footballers of this generation. Growing up, he ignored the poverty he was born into and focussed on football. He always ignored the negative circumstances that surrounded him and instead concentrated on what he loved.

Ronaldo is known to be a perfectionist who strongly believes that practice makes perfect. Here are 20 inspirational quotes from him on life and football:

1. “Why lie? I'm not going to be a hypocrite and say the opposite of what I think, like some others do.”
2. “Talent without working hard is nothing.”
3. “It gives me the happiest feeling in the world. I just love scoring. It doesn't matter if it's a simple goal from close range, a long shot or a dribble around several players, I just love to score all goals.”
4. “To me, being the best means proving it in different countries and championships.”
5. “I prefer other people to make judgments about the way I play and to characterise me, rather me describe myself.”
6. “I want to be remembered as part of the group of the greatest players ever.”
7. “Without football, my life is worth nothing.”
8. “I don’t mind people hating me because it pushes me.”
9. “I see myself as the best footballer in the world. If you don't believe you are the best, then you will never achieve all that you are capable of.”
10. “I never promise anything. I don't promise anything to my mum. I don't promise anything to the supporters.”
11. “I'm living a dream I never want to wake up from.”
12. “I'm not going to change the world. You're not going to change the world. But we can help – we can all help.”
13. “I think sometimes the best training is to rest.”
14. “I'm aware that, whatever the circumstances, there will always be speculation about me.”
15. “There is no harm in dreaming of becoming the world's best player. It is all about trying to be the best. I will keep working hard to achieve it but it is within my capabilities.”
16. “If we can't help our family, who are we going to help?”
17. “I don't have to show anything to anyone. There is nothing to prove.”
18. “Today there are opportunities that no one knows if they will come round again in the future.”
19. “I have my flaws too, but I am a professional who doesn't like to miss or lose.”
20. “To me, being the best means proving it in different countries and championships.”

With all his incredible tricks and goals on the field, Cristiano Ronaldo perfectly exemplifies that nothing is impossible. As he turns 32 today, we wish this phenomenal player a very happy birthday!