We are stronger with Mourinho: Ronaldo

Madrid: Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has heaped praise on coach Jose Mourinho, stating his countryman plays a huge part in the team's success.

The Portugal international began working with Mourinho in the summer of 2010, one year after joining the club from Manchester United in a deal worth 80 million pounds.

Under Mourinho, Ronaldo has so far only won the Copa del Rey, but the team look on course to have a good season and are currently leading La Liga.

And the 26-year-old has nothing but praise for his coach, telling TVI: "We are stronger with Jose Mourinho, there is no doubt about that.

"He is the coach that he is. His resume, all that speaks for him. Wherever he has been, he has won things. I am very happy to work with him.

"He is a very good coach, one of the best in the world and what I want the most is to win things with Mourinho."

Madrid's last league title dates back to 2008, while the most recent Champions League trophy in their cabinet is from the 2001-02 season.

Questioned about the club's drought, Ronaldo confessed it is crucial his side claim major pieces of silverware again.

"Real Madrid are the richest club in the world, the team which has won the most Champions Leagues," he noted. "In this case, we know the level is higher and we feel the pressure when we walk in the streets, which is good.

"A club like Real Madrid cannot spend so much time without winning an important competition like the Champions League or La Liga.

"I am confident things will change this year. We are on track, we got off to a good start, now let's see what the future will tell."

Earlier in the week, Ronaldo refused to rule out a move to the Russian Premier League, and he has now gone even further, stating he does not close the door on a move to any club, including Barcelona.

"If I ever change clubs, Barcelona would be a door really, really distant," he noted. "There would be other doors much closer to open.

"But right now I am very happy. As I have said before, if I had to sign a contract with Real Madrid for the rest of my life, I would do it right now."