Dubai: 'I am 36 but I still enjoy playing football' said Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo on Sunday after receiving the Player of the Century Award in Dubai.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was awarded as the greatest football player from 2001 to 2020 ahead of Lionel Messi.
"To play in the stadium emptied, it's boring in my opinion. I respect, we respect - the players, all that protocol and the health are the most important, of course, but I don't like it, to be honest. I do it because, first of all, I love football. my passion is always football. I play for my family, for my kids, for my friends, for the fans, but I don't like it, to be honest."
"It's so weird to play without... I like it when the people boo Cristiano when I touch the ball they (imitates crowd booing). I like it, but I don't have more, so I changed for that, when I go to other countries and they like other players more than me, they do 'Cristiano, boo', so I am motivated with that. It's not good, but I hope (in) 2021 they can change those rules and see the stadiums full of people because the passion without fans is nothing," Ronaldo added.
The 35-year-old striker has been in great form again this season scoring a total of 44 goals for club and country in 2020.
"As I told you before, it's fantastic. A few weeks ago, they nominate the best 11 ever for Balon d'Or, so, I was there, of course, so I was happy. And now to be nominated with those players that you do mention for me is a great honour. And, you know, to be here at the gala with these amazing players - Iker (Casillas) that I didn't see him (from) a long time ago, that we won many things together; (Robert) Lewandowski he did a fantastic career as well as he scored how many goals, many titles."
"Gerard (Pique) that we played together in Manchester (United) so we had a very fantastic moment since he played there in Manchester because when he left for Barcelona we fight a little bit, but, you know, is part of the job and the rivalry against Madrid and Barcelona, but we still maintain a great relationship. For me, it's nice, you know, I'm 36 soon, but I still enjoy the football," Portugal striker added.
