๐จ Dani Alves on facing Cristiano Ronaldo in Madrid:
๐ฃ๏ธ โNo one in Barcelona ever liked him, both the club, players management. It wasnโt because of Messi or the rivalry, it was because of the damage he could do in just one moment.โ
๐ฃ๏ธ โThe worst feeling back then was losing the ball and seeing Real Madrid break with Cristiano involved. Once he had space, you knew you were in trouble. He was too direct, too powerful and too ruthless. You could defend perfectly for eighty minutes and heโd still find a way to punish you.โ
๐ฃ๏ธ โItโs difficult to admit but there were moments when you looked at him and thought, โImagine having that kind of beast on your side.โ Every team wants a striker with that mentality, that aggression and that hunger to decide games.โ
๐ฃ๏ธ โRivalries make you dislike players, but they also make you respect them. Cristiano was one of those players you hated facing, because you knew one mistake was enough for him to change the entire game.โ
I donโt think people understand. You can face criticism for what you have done wrong and never be applauded for the good you have done or the progress youโve achieved. But that donโt mean nothing to a true believer. You have to keep moving forward not for anyone but for yourself.