Former Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal has revealed the words Cristiano Ronaldo used to motivate him before some of the club’s biggest Champions League matches, praising the Portuguese superstar’s exceptional goalscoring ability.

According to a report by Madrid Universal on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Carvajal, who now plays for Getafe, reflected on his time alongside Ronaldo at the Santiago Bernabeu and highlighted the forward’s remarkable confidence in front of goal.

In an interview with AS, the Spanish right-back explained that Ronaldo would encourage him to deliver crosses into the penalty area, assuring him that he would be in the perfect position to convert the chances.

“Look, when you get there, you put it anywhere, I'll be right there,” Carvajal recalled Ronaldo telling him.

Carvajal admitted that Ronaldo’s confidence gave him the belief to deliver crosses against any opposition, knowing that the forward would be ready to attack the ball and create a goalscoring opportunity.

He also described his former teammate as “so imposing... a predator in the box,” praising his outstanding positioning, sharp instincts and ability to score during crucial moments.

The 34-year-old defender also expressed confidence that Ronaldo would reach the remarkable milestone of 1,000 career goals, arguing that the Al-Nassr forward deserves the achievement because of his commitment and dedication to football.

“That guy is going to reach 1,000 goals, for sure. And he deserves it. He is the embodiment of discipline, of perseverance,” Carvajal said.

Furthermore, Carvajal urged football fans to appreciate Ronaldo’s extraordinary performances during his prime at Real Madrid rather than judging him mainly by the later stages of his career.

“People tend to remember him from his last years. Anyone who hasn't seen Cristiano here at Real Madrid, especially... he was incredible,” he added.

Carvajal spent the majority of his career at Real Madrid, making 451 appearances and winning six Champions League titles. He shared four of those European triumphs with Ronaldo in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Ronaldo joined Real Madrid from Manchester United in 2009 before moving to Juventus in 2018. During his time in the Spanish capital, he established himself as one of the club’s greatest goalscorers.

Meanwhile, Carvajal recently joined Getafe as a free agent after his contract with Real Madrid expired, signing an agreement that runs until the end of the season.