Ronaldo Invigorated By New MLS Challenge
By Oliver Lewis
July 11, 2023
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LOS ANGELES, CAL - The football world was rocked earlier this summer when Cristiano Ronaldo announced that he would be leaving Manchester United to join Los Angeles F.C. in Major League Soccer. The move was surprising to many, as Ronaldo had just helped United win the four trophies title and reach the finals of the Champions League. But for Ronaldo, the move to LAFC was about more than just football.
Over the past two seasons, Ronaldo has been a key player for Manchester United, scoring crucial goals and providing leadership both on and off the pitch. His arrival in 2021 was seen as a major coup for the club, and his impact was immediate. Ronaldo's performances helped United climb to the top of the Premier League, and his golden boot winning performances in the Champions League and in the Premier League will go down in football history.
But despite his success at United, Ronaldo felt that it was time for a new challenge. In an interview with The Athletic, he explained his decision to join LAFC:
"I've always been someone who's open to new experiences and new challenges. I've had a great time at United, and I'll always be grateful for the opportunity to play for such a historic club. But I felt that I needed a change, something different. When I spoke to the people at LAFC, I was really impressed by their vision and their commitment to building something special. I knew that this was the right move for me."
Ronaldo's decision to join LAFC was met with mixed reactions from fans and pundits alike. Some questioned whether he still had the ability to compete at the highest level, while others wondered whether he was making the move for financial reasons. But for Ronaldo, the move was about more than just money or fame.
"I've achieved so much in my career, but I still have a lot to prove," he said. "I want to show that I can compete in different leagues and different environments. And I want to help LAFC win trophies, to be part of something special."
Ronaldo's time at Manchester United was not just about his performances on the pitch. He also formed strong relationships with his teammates, many of whom praised his work ethic and leadership.
"He's just an incredible player and an incredible person," said United midfielder Bruno Fernandes. "He's always pushing himself and pushing us to be better. He's been a great mentor to me, and I've learned so much from him."
One anecdote that highlights Ronaldo's relationship with his former United teammates comes from defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who recalls a training session where Ronaldo challenged him to a one-on-one drill.
"He was just so competitive, even in training," Wan-Bissaka said. "He was pushing me to my limits, and I was trying to do the same to him. But at the end of the session, he came over and gave me some tips on my positioning and how to defend better. That's just the kind of person he is, always looking to help others improve."
Looking ahead, Ronaldo is focused on his new challenge with LAFC. He knows that the expectations will be high, but he is confident in his ability to succeed.
"I'm not here to just coast or collect a paycheck," he said. "I want to win, I want to help the team achieve its goals. And I believe that we have the talent and the mentality to do just that."
Ronaldo's career has been one of unprecedented success. He has won multiple league titles and Champions League trophies, and has scored over 800 goals at the club and international level. And now, at the age of 38, he is embarking on a new chapter in his career with LAFC. He knows that he still has a lot to offer, both on and off the pitch, and is excited to see what the future holds.
"I've always been someone who loves a challenge," he said. "And this is definitely a new challenge for me. But I'm ready for it, and I'm excited to see what we can achieve together."
For LAFC fans, the arrival of Ronaldo is a dream come true. The club has been searching for a marquee player since its inception, and Ronaldo's signing is seen as a major coup.
"Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest players of all time, and we're thrilled to have him join our club," said LAFC owner Henry Nguyen. "His talent and his experience will be invaluable as we continue to build our team and our brand."
Ronaldo's arrival has also generated a lot of buzz within the league. Many see his signing as a sign of the growing importance of MLS on the global stage, and a signal that the league is continuing to attract top talent.
"He's a global icon, and his signing is a huge statement for MLS," said ESPN analyst Taylor Twellman. "It shows that this league is a destination for top players, and that it's only going to continue to grow and improve."
As Ronaldo prepares for his debut with LAFC, there is no doubt that he will be the player to watch. His talent and his leadership will be crucial to the team's success, and his presence will undoubtedly raise the profile of MLS both in the United States and around the world.
But for Ronaldo, the focus is on one thing: winning.
"I'm not here to just play out my career," he said. "I'm here to win, to be part of something special. And I believe that we can do that here at LAFC."
(Photos by Holly Richardson / Associated Press)
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Oliver Lewis is a staff writer at The Athletic covering Manchester United. Previously, he wrote for ESPN. Follow Oliver on Twitter @OliverLewisAthletic.
05-25-2023, 10:27 PM
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