Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has hit back at his growing number of critics by insisting that there is more to his game than just scoring goals.
The Portugal international has found the net once this season in seven La Liga appearances for Madrid, who find themselves eight points adrift of pacesetters Barcelona.
Ronaldo has scored at least 25 goals in each of his eight seasons at the Bernabeu, including 48 in 2014-15, but he claims that he should be judged on more than just his goalscoring figures.
"I don't agree with what people are saying about me," he told L'Equipe. "People don't know the difference between playing well, playing okay and not scoring goals. I'm looked at as a goal machine, like a guy who has to score all the time. If that isn't the case, nobody cares if I've played well or not, I'm only judged on scoring.
"I accept the criticism, but I don't agree with it. That's why I avoid reading or hearing what is said about me. But I have no choice but to accept it; I can't control the world. The team? We're playing pretty well; not perfect, but good! I'm happy and I feel good. We dropped some points in the league but, in the Champions League, we're okay.
"It's only the start of the season and there are a lot of matches left to play. You have to stay calm and continue to work, because it's obvious we can do better. Things will change; I'm not worried. Other people are more so than me. I'm in 'delta mode,' if you know what I mean: calm, serene. Two years ago, it was the same situation; last year, the same. And this year, it starts again."
Despite his domestic woes so far this season, Ronaldo still tops the Champions League scoring charts with six goals in four matches - one every 60 minutes.
Daniel Lewis
