'I was born to be the best' - says Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo believes he was "born to be the best" and accepts his own vanity and arrogance have been the driving force behind his success.

The 30-year-old has won the Ballon d'Or three times and is Real Madrid's record goalscorer with 338 strikes in just 323 games.

Ronaldo's opinion of himself. Credit: PA

"There are people who hate me, who say I'm vain, or arrogant, or this or that... that's part of my success," Ronaldo said in an interview to be published in the El Mundo Sunday supplement 'Papel'.

"I was born to be the best. That's the way I am, and if all my achievements in football are down to that, then I wouldn't change a thing.

"I go to bed every night with a clear conscience and sleep perfectly well.

"You can't live obsessing about what other people think about you, if you did, you wouldn't live. Not even God can please everyone."

Ronaldo has been linked with a move back to United before his career finishes but the Portuguese has grand plans for his years in retirement.

"I want to live like a king," he added. "I'm going to enjoy it all even more when I finish my career, when I have the time to do whatever I want".