Former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez has dismissed the long-held perception that Cristiano Ronaldo is arrogant, insisting the Portuguese icon's confidence is often misunderstood.

Although Hernandez joined Manchester United in 2010, a year after Ronaldo completed his then-record move to Real Madrid, the Mexican forward later shared the dressing room with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner during his loan spell at the Santiago Bernabéu in 2014.

Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Chicharito described Ronaldo as a player driven by an unmatched desire to compete and constantly prove himself, rather than someone motivated by arrogance.

“I never consider Cristiano to be arrogant. That is a misconception. Cristiano has always been one to swim against the current. He has always felt the need to compete. So when he accomplishes something and you ask, ‘Hey, did you achieve this?’ He responds, ‘Yes, I did.’ ‘Do you believe you are the best?’ ‘Yes’,” Hernandez said.

The Mexican international explained that Ronaldo's relentless mentality extends beyond the football pitch, with the Portuguese captain maintaining an extraordinary level of focus in every aspect of his life.

“There is no off switch. It is always on. To become the best of the best, you must be at your peak every single moment of your day to withstand the pressures of being the best,” he added.

Ronaldo enjoyed one of the most successful spells in football history during his time at Real Madrid after arriving from Manchester United in 2009. He became the Spanish giants' all-time leading scorer with 451 goals in 438 appearances, winning four UEFA Champions League titles, multiple domestic trophies and several individual honours along the way.

Chicharito's remarks offer a rare insight from a former teammate who witnessed firsthand the mentality that helped transform Ronaldo into one of the greatest footballers of all time.

Opinion:

Chicharito's comments reinforce a debate that has followed Cristiano Ronaldo throughout his career—where is the line between confidence and arrogance? For elite athletes, unwavering self-belief is often essential to reaching the highest level, even if it can sometimes be perceived negatively by outsiders.

Ronaldo's achievements did not happen by chance. His remarkable consistency over two decades is a product of relentless discipline, sacrifice and an unshakable belief in his abilities. While his confidence may not appeal to everyone, former teammates repeatedly describe it as one of the key ingredients behind his extraordinary success.

Ultimately, whether fans admire or criticize Ronaldo's personality, his career speaks for itself. His records, longevity and influence on modern football have earned him a place among the sport's all-time greats, making his mindset just as fascinating as his accomplishments.