Ronaldo: Madrid without Cristiano Ronaldo are still favorites for Champions League

Ronaldo Nazario has become an ambassador for Banco Santander on the occasion of their sponsorship of the Champions League, and the Brazilian gave his opinion on the continental competition, including why he still believes that Real Madrid are the favourites.

Are Real Madrid less of a favourite without Cristiano Ronaldo?

"No, no, I still see them as the favourites, Real have won four of the last five Champions Leagues. He was an important player, but it will always be Real Madrid that dominates this competition. Barcelona are the other favourites and Atletico have improved."

Do you understand Cristiano Ronaldo's decision to move to Juve?

"Perfectly. There is no doubt what he wanted. He was looking for a change and he has every right to do so. Real Madrid will always be very grateful to Ronaldo, and I wish him luck in this adventure."

Do you see Bale as taking over the responsibility?

"Hopefully. At Real there will always be people who score goals and they are a team that plays collectively where everyone contributes."

Do you understand why Real Madrid are so obsessed with signing Neymar?

"Nobody from Real Madrid has made their interest clear. All good players are interesting to them, and nine out of ten teams will want Neymar. I don't think there was an attempt to sign him and you can't play with people's emotions. He's not viable and there has been no attempt, but I speak only as a lover of the club."

What do you think of Mariano and can he keep Vinicius out of the side?

"I don't know. The season is long and many games are played. Everyone will have space and time. Vinicius is a young talent who has to grow and evolve."

Do you still think that Neymar is better than Mbappe?

"The World Cup was not a great month for him, but he has much more about him than Mbappe, despite the latter being very good with a lot of speed. PSG have a great team, but to win the Champions League something more is needed."

Is Mbappe the closest player to you in terms of style and ability?

"I don't even remember how I played."

Will Barcelona have problems with their centre-forward?

"Suarez is fine."

Coutinho is growing...

"He has a lot of quality and talent, he's a great player."

What can you tell us about Rodrygo, Real Madrid's new signing?

"He's good, but the market has changed. Young players are sought and not only Real Madrid want them. He cost a lot of money and had to be signed quickly because if Real didn't buy him, another would have."

Have Real changed their strategy?

"After having won the Champions Leagues they have, the change is allowed. It's a risk with youngsters but it's good to try. You don't have to always sign a galactico."

How much would Ronaldo Nazario be worth today?

"No idea. I already had my price. 4,000 million pesetas? It was still pesetas!! (laughs)."

Did Arthur escape?

"I don't recommend anyone to Florentino. He has some very good scouts, among the best in the world. I had nothing to do with Vinicius, they just asked me to be at the presentation."

Have you ever thought about what could have happened if you had not suffered such serious injuries?

"I could think about it but I didn't. I always looked for a reason and I found it very fast. It made me a better person and I don't complain."

What did you think of Zidane's goodbye?

"Surprised as all of Real Madrid were, but we must accept that everyone has their goals and aspirations. From the outside, he's won three Champions Leagues so he wants to explore other goals. I'm fine with that."