Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he wants to wear the club’s number 7 shirt – once worn by legend Raul . The Real Madrid icon left the Bernabeu earlier this week to join German side Schalke 04.

There have been rumors that Ronaldo will inherit the prestigious number 7 shirt. The Portuguese player used to wear the number 7 shirt at Manchester United but had to wear the number 9 shirt at Real because Raul was simply untouchable. Now, Ronaldo has publicly expressed his desire to take over this shirt number.

“I want to wear the number 7 shirt and I believe Raul will be happy if that happens. He knows who I am and he knows my thoughts,” Ronaldo said at a press conference after Real Madrid’s first training session in the United States. The Royal Club is on a tour here to prepare for the new season.

“ Raul has always been an important player for Real Madrid. He has made the decision that best suits his interests. Raul is a great professional and I am convinced that he will continue to play at a very high level.”

Ronaldo also highly appreciated Jose Mourinho ‘s coaching style and believed that Real Madrid will be an attacking team. ” Mourinho is a winner. Real have attacking players, so we will be an attacking team. The priority now is to get back in shape as soon as possible.”

The Portuguese international has not played up to his potential at the 2010 World Cup, and is therefore even more eager to start the new season with confidence in success. “We are very excited and working very hard. We will have to keep this spirit if we want to win titles.

Ronaldo , a former Ballon d’Or winner, is not afraid of rivals Barcelona. “Barca were more consistent than us last year, but Real are not worried. We will play better than them this season. If I didn’t have the belief that we could beat Barca, I would stay at home instead of going on tour like this. All good players are welcome at the Bernabeu and we will welcome them. Real’s summer transfers have been of high quality.”

Ronaldo has impressed the board and fans by cutting short his summer vacation and showing up at the club’s training camp. This shows his hunger for victory. If all Real Madrid players have that spirit, they will be a formidable team next season.