Cristiano Ronaldo has handed Real Madrid a huge boost by returning to training ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.
The Portuguese superstar has missed his team’s last two matches – including last week’s Copa del Rey final victory over Barcelona – with a thigh injury and his participation against Pep Guardiola’s team was in doubt.
But he came through an intense training session without discomfort yesterday morning and, unless he suffers another setback, now appears to be on course to return to action to spearhead his team’s bid for European glory.
Ronaldo, this season’s leading Champions League scorer with 14 goals in eight games, will be relieved to be back in action for one of the biggest games of his Madrid career as Los Blancos seek to go one better than the semi-final exit they have suffered in each of the last three seasons.
Admitting he is always frustrated to miss out on any action, Ronaldo said: “I always want to play because football is my work and the passion of my life.”
Ronaldo also put down his famous work ethic to the enjoyment he derives from playing the game, adding: “The fact that I enjoy playing every game makes it not that difficult to be on top form.
“I always try to improve, to reach my goals and no be defeated. It’s not easy to consistently play at a high level, but with strength and passion I give the best of myself every day.”
Ronaldo also had words of high praise for one of the unsung members of his team’s squad, Luka Modric, who is enjoying an excellent second season at the Bernabeu.
While the majority of headlines are dominated by Ronaldo and fellow forward Gareth Bale, classy Croatian midfielder Modric has become an indispensable member of the midfield after struggling to make a big contribution during his first campaign in Spain.
“I’ve known him for a long time, since we both played in the Premier League,” said Ronaldo.
“And this season he’s playing the best football of his career.”
The Portuguese international also hailed Modric’s quiet and calming influence in the dressing room, adding: “He’s a modest and humble guy and we get on very well.
“Not only is he playing fantastically, but the manner he does it isn’t easy at this club. He’s an excellent footballer and the team values him. He is one of our key players.”
Real fans have dubbed reigning European champions Bayern ‘la bestia negra’ (black beasts) or ‘bete noire’ after a series of key defeats to the German giants, most recently in the 2012 Champions League semi-final, which was decided by a penalty shoot-out in Madrid.
