Cristiano Ronaldo Comments on Self-Esteem, Privacy and Rarely Watching Football

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken about the importance of self-esteem and said, "I look in the mirror and I like what I see, and I like to look at myself, of course."

The 33-year-old also told YouTuber Fred +10 on the Desimpedidos channel (h/t Marca) that he rarely watches football in his spare time but will "make an exception if a friend's team is playing or it's a very important match, a derby for instance."

Ronaldo has a reputation for vanity and arrogance, but he said that self-esteem is an important attribute to possess.

He said: "Apart from being handsome...I think you have to like yourself. Having self-esteem, you have to give yourself value. I'm not going to say I'm a prince, but you have to like yourself. I look in the mirror and I like what I see, and I like to look at myself, of course."

The Portugal captain opened a museum dedicated to his life and career in Funchal, Madeira, in 2013. The initial museum was eventually closed and a bigger one opened at a nearby site in order to keep up with his overwhelming success.

The collection contains the trophies he has won throughout his glittering career, as well as mannequins of the player and a statue of Ronaldo outside. The Guardian offer a glimpse inside the museum:

Ronaldo has also been the subject of a documentary film directed by Anthony Wonke. The film, titled simply Ronaldo, documents his life and career, including interviews with the player and his family and friends.

Spanish football writer Richard Martin is not a fan:

The Real Madrid forward is one of the most successful footballers in the modern era having won league titles in England and Spain. He has also won the UEFA Champions League four times and the Ballon d'Or five times.

However, he does not spend too much time watching the game in his spare time, per the report:

"When I'm at home, I control what I do, and do what I want. I don't usually watch football, it's very rare. I'll make an exception if a friend's team is playing or it's a very important match, a derby for instance. I try to see other things, series, movies and documentaries because you learn a lot. And I like concerts a lot, as well as travelling...to Paris or London."

Ronaldo is coming into some serious form as we approach the decisive part of the season. He has 12 goals and two assists in his last seven outings for Real Madrid. The forward also showed his unselfish side during Real Madrid's 4-0 win over Alaves on Saturday, as noted by UEFA Champions League.

The former Manchester United player's huge success means he is a global celebrity, and he said that can make finding privacy difficult: "Many times it's difficult. You hardly ever go unnoticed, but you can always get some privacy...if a trick is executed well enough."

There is no doubt that Ronaldo enjoys the limelight, and he also has many interests outside football, as noted by ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan:

Ronaldo's vanity and evident ego do not sit well with all supporters and are part of the reason why he is not universally liked. However, there is no disputing he is one of the best players in the modern era and has a trophy collection few can match.