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Safe to say that December 2022 is a month that Cristiano Ronaldo would rather forget.
Everything he had envisioned when it came to the World Cup in Qatar went up in smoke, and ended in what was probably the worst moment of his career.
Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival shuts down the streets in Iran
The failure was due to a variety of reasons: his relationship with the national team, the fact it was the first time that Portuguese fans openly criticized him and because he was looking to leave Manchester United for a top club in Europe, which didn't happen.
Cristiano, for the first time, gave in to the pressure. He doubted many things, including whether or not to remain in the national setup, but the Portuguese managed to emerge stronger from one of the worst moments of his sporting life.
The most humble Cristiano
The former Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus player took refuge in his family and became more 'human'. After the World Cup he acknowledged that many times, when you are at the top, you are unaware of reality. Now he is happier and enjoying life without pressure.
His move to Al-Nassr gave him what he needed: the ability to play for pleasure and be happy again at a stage of his career when he isn't the same player he was 10 years ago. Some things haven't changed: he's still working at his best, his physique still holds up and he hasn't lost his eye for goal.
"He is a different person"
Cristiano Ronaldo was one of those players who rarely went to a press conference. He avoided contact with the media. All that has changed: he now comes out to speak at every Portugal training camp, is available in the mixed zones and is affable with the press.
Those closest to him say he is a different person. He is very close to everyone and, on the pitch, he has become a role model. CR7 has understood that the game does not always have to go through him. He is there to help and do what he does best: score goals.
The former Real Madrid player is experiencing something new in countries he had never visited before, such as Iran, where he received a head-of-state welcome for an Asian Champions League match.
Thousands of fans followed his steps from the airport to the hotel via bus. In fact, he had to appear in his window at night in order to ask them to stop partying because he needed to rest. He also showed his most human and affectionate side: he privately met with a disabled child and an artist.
Playing for pleasure
CR7 continues to enjoy himself without as much pressure, and as a result, he is closer to the people. He feels good and wants to move forward without thinking about the distant future.
His main goal is to be 100 percent at Euro 2024, but, those of us who have followed him closely, know that, out of the corner of his eye, he is looking at the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico in 2026.