Cristiano Ronaldo revelled in a “perfect year” for himself as the Real Madrid star had a message for his critics. “When I don’t give more, it’s because I can’t.”
Ronaldo ended 2016 with a flourish as he scored a hat-trick in Madrid’s Club World Cup triumph over Kashima Antlers, adding to his fourth Ballon d’Or at the start of the week, plus the Champions League and European Championship earlier in the year.
“It was an impressive year, one of dreams,” the forward said after the game.
“I didn’t expect to finish it like this, winning the final and scoring three goals. I’m very happy.
“More is always expected from Cristiano. When I don’t give more, it’s because I can’t.
“It’s been a fulfilling week, the end to a perfect year. Without my teammates, I couldn’t win the individual honours that I’ve won, so I must thank them very much.”
