Cristiano Ronaldo's incredible transformation upon meeting the Spanish press: friendly, affectionate with Messi and Lamine, and clinging to the 'Carpe Diem' spirit.

It's been many, many years, almost seven, since Cristiano Ronaldo has appeared before the microphones of Spanish journalists, who have quickly mobilized in Munich this morning upon learning that he would be speaking on behalf of Portugal before this Sunday's Nations League final.

Among the journalists, there were many who had met him during his time at Real Madrid, and at this point they still haven't lowered their eyebrows in amazement. Because, if it weren't for the fact that having him 10 meters away clears the air, you could say Cristiano is no longer Cristiano. In the press room at the Allianz Arena, a mature, approachable, humble 40-year-old appeared... Yes, that's all Cristiano is today, who won over everyone, from the first to the last.

He talked about everything. First and foremost, about his inexhaustible? Ambition. "At 40, I have good days and bad days, not just in football, but also in life, with my family . But I always find ways to keep going," explained the Portuguese, who boasts an impressive resume of titles. This phrase is worth emphasizing, then. "You can't always win; it's part of life."

Saying "you can't always win" is obvious, but coming from the people who do it, it's striking. It was the first indication that something had changed in the legend. Then came the tremendous praise for Spain. "They're one of the best teams in the world, with a lot of confidence. Since I started playing, Spain has always been a powerhouse; they've won more than us. You know I have a great affection for Spain; part of my family is Spanish ," said the Portuguese, who also cleared up any doubts about whether or not he would play in the Club World Cup. "There was a lot of contact, but I've practically decided not to play."

It was time, of course, to talk about Lamine , and based on his experience, he analyzed the kid's situation. "Since I started, every time we reach a final it's Cristiano against this one, Cristiano against that one... This isn't the case. The kid is doing things very, very well. What I ask is that they let him grow peacefully , because for the good of football, to enjoy a talent like that for many years, we have to let him grow peacefully." Cristiano, by the way, has a 14-year-old son. "Yes, they look alike. They're both dark-skinned... My children also like Lamine Yamal," he joked.

Would you give him any advice? "I would do it privately, face to face," he summed up before completing the new Cristiano Ronaldo's outlook when asked how many more years he'll be playing. "I've established in my life for years the idea of ​​living in the present and not thinking too much about the future. I don't have many more years, that's clear. I don't know, maybe tomorrow I'll wake up and say: 'I don't feel like playing anymore, I'm fed up...' And I won't play anymore. I don't know."

Finally, his words about Messi drew a lot of attention. "Idiot!" he joked first with the journalist, who was Argentinian of course. "I have a lot of affection for him. I don't think we'll be able to play together anymore, but I have a lot of affection and respect for him for the 15 years we were both in the spotlight. I don't know if he speaks English now, but I remember that he didn't before, and I used to translate for him when they explained to us what the Ballon d'Or galas were going to be like, and we laughed. It was a very nice time." The new Cristiano and his 'Carpe Diem'