Speaking publicly for the first time since being accused of raping Kathryn Mayorga, an American model, in a Las Vegas hotel room in 2009, Ronaldo chose the eve of a reunion with Manchester United to launch a staunch defence of his character and insisted he would not let the accusations affect him.
Ronaldo faces United for only the second time since leaving the club for a then world record £80 million fee in June 2009 - the same month he is alleged to have raped Mayorga - but preparations for the game were overshadowed by the 33 year-old facing down questions over his reputed behaviour.
Wearing a diamond-encrusted watch, ring and earrings, a navy-blue shirt buttoned to the collar underneath a navy blazer and flashing the whitest of smiles, Ronaldo cut as defiant a figure in Old Trafford’s Europa suite as he does on the field as he maintained his innocence.
“I know I am an example. I know, 100 per cent,” he declared. “On the pitch and outside the pitch. So I am always smiling, I am happy man, I’m blessed that I play in a fantastic club, I have a fantastic family, I have four kids, I am healthy. I have everything. So the rest, it doesn’t interfere on me. I’m very, very well.”
Police in Las Vegas have reopened their investigation from 2009 at Mayorga’s request. Mayorga reached an out-of-court settlement with Ronaldo in 2010 involving a £288,000 payment for agreeing never to go public with the allegations, but her lawyers have said they are now seeking to declare the non-disclosure agreement void.
Pressed on the allegations on Monday evening, Ronaldo said: “You didn’t listen to what I say. I am a happy man. We did the statement two weeks ago, if I’m not wrong.
“I am glad, of course, I’m not going to lie in this situation. I’m very happy. My lawyers, they are confident and, of course, I am, too. The most important thing is I enjoy the football, I enjoy my life. The rest, I have people who take care of my life. Of course, the truth is always coming in the first position. So, I’m good.”
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