Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo said that he isn't bothered by those who criticise him for being overconfident.

"There are people who hate me, who say I'm vain, or arrogant, or this or that," Ronaldo said in an interview to be published in Sunday's El Mundo newspaper in Spain. "That's part of my success. I was born to be the best. That's the way I am, and if all my achievements in football are down to that, then I wouldn't change a thing. I go to bed every night with a clear conscience and sleep perfectly well."

Ronaldo on Wednesday helped ease the pressure on Los Blancos manager Rafa Benitez as his two goals inspired Real Madrid to a 3-1 win over Real Sociedad. He tweeted this message to his fans on Thursday.

"You can't live obsessing about what other people think about you, if you did, you wouldn't live. Not even God can please everyone," Ronaldo said in the interview.

Now almost 31, 2015 has not been Ronaldo's best season, but he does have 25 goals in all competitions this season and is finishing the year with 57 goals in 58 games for club and country. That might be his lowest tally in four calendar years but, without him, Madrid would really be in trouble.