Real Madrid Portuguese tells of jealousy

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates new year with a carol

Cristiano Ronaldo: It's been a dream year

Although Cristiano Ronaldo was considered the best footballer of 2016 by those who took part in the year's Ballon d'Or voting, there are many who rate other players above the Real Madrid star and have even said so to his son Cristiano Junior.

That, however, does not worry the 31-year-old superstar as he trusts his son to handle the fame.

"There are people who sometimes say to him that 'there is another player who is better than your father', but he knows how to deal with that," the Portuguese said in an interview with Egyptian channel ON TV.

"He is a smart boy, like me.

"I often tell him "be yourself and be polite."

"I know that he will go through periods of adversity as there are jealous people out there, but I see him as a happy child."

Asked if he would be pleased to see him follow in his father's footsteps by pursuing a career in football, Ronaldo told the reporter that he would be.

"Of course I would like it if he became a footballer," he admitted.

"I know that it is a challenge and that it isn't easy, but he can be whatever he wants to be as I won't pressure him.

"I might be pushing him a little in the direction of becoming a footballer, but not to be a goalkeeper as I want him to be a forward!"

Discussing his motivations, the forward explained that money is not the only thing that drives him.

"[Money] isn't the most important thing for me," the player said.

"Of course, when you are a footballer, money is important for what you plan to do after your career.

"That is how I view money, as something you need in order to be comfortable for when you retire."

The subject of role models also came up, but the Real icon told the interviewer that he wants to be unique.

"I don't follow anybody and I don't copy anybody, as I don't like to do that," Ronaldo said.

"You need to have your own style.

"I do have lots of role models, not just in sport, but it's tough to pick just one."

Finally, the four-time Ballon d'Or winner looked to the future and discussed his plans for the coming years.

"My goal is to keep going as I am and I have several years left as a footballer," he said.

"For my age I have two enormous contracts [with Real Madrid and Nike] and that motivates me even more to keep working hard, to keep up my level of performance and to keep doing what I love.

"You have to give 100 percent.

"The number of hours you train aren't what is important, but the way you train and your dedication is.

"During the last seven or eight years I think I've been able to maintain my level and I'll work hard to keep it."

Ronaldo and his Real Madrid teammates are next back in action on Wednesday when they host Sevilla in the Copa del Rey.