The Real Madrid player was named as the world’s most marketable footballer last week, beating Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique. He is also the world’s highest paid footballer, taking home an estimated €21million (£17million) every year.
“I don’t know how much money I have,” he said. “It’s not the money that moves me.
“It’s true that at first it did, when I had nothing.”
The Portuguese sportsman grew up in Funchal, Madeira and says that his family’s financial situation was difficult when he was a child.
“Then I wanted to have money for me and my family because I was raised with nothing, we were very poor. I had no toys or presents at Christmas,” he said.
“I shared the room with my brother and two sisters, and my parents slept in the other room.
“It was a small space, but I don’t feel sorry for myself. Now that things are OK, money’s no longer fundamental.”
“Only those who deal with me and play with me really know me,” he told The Sun.
“If I weren’t so strong psychologically, I wouldn’t have been able to play in the clubs I did. I have no doubt about that.”
He admits that, regardless of his impressive character, defeat isn’t something that he handles deftly.
“I don’t like losing and when it happens I cuss for three or four minutes, but it’s over in no time. All it takes is a hug from my mates.”
