During a recent interview, Manuel Neuer revealed the reason he’s never been afraid of Cristiano Ronaldo. He actually loves facing him.
Manuel Neuer facing Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most exciting aspects of the German goalkeeper’s career. One would think a goalkeeper it afraid of facing the best goal-scorer in football history. But we are talking about one of the most important goalies of the new century, Manuel Neuer is also a force to be reckoned with. That’s why Cristiano Ronaldo always sounds like an exciting challenge for him.
We look at it like the anime called Dragon Ball, when Goku was thoroughly excited to face his toughest opponents. That’s exactly how Manuel Neuer feels every time he faces Cristiano. If you ask us, that has to be one of the highest compliments Ronaldo can get from anybody. Goalkeepers have been his victims for many years and not many of them think this way.
Neuer explains his thought process when facing Ronaldo.
During an interview with Bayern Munich’s 51 Magazine, Manuel Neuer was questioned about Cristiano Ronaldo’s ability to feel no fear when he sees the star coming towards him. It’s a feeling almost no goalie in the world gets, that sheer adrenaline and excitement: “The difference is that I know Cristiano Ronaldo better than many others from our many duels. I’m not saying: ‘Oh, here comes Ronaldo, I must be scared.’
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m not keen on situations like this, I’m primarily thinking of the team, but if I can prove myself, I want to be there. The striker is the first defender, they always say – I think the goalkeeper should be the first attacker these days. The fact that I am practically an energy saver for the team in this way is one of many positive aspects to this side.”
Be sure not to miss out on the latest news about Cristiano Ronaldo
Download our brand new App and follow your favorite players, clubs, and much more
