According to a report by Madrid Universal on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, former Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal has revealed what Cristiano Ronaldo used to tell him before the club’s biggest Champions League matches, while praising the Portuguese forward’s exceptional finishing ability.

Carvajal, who now plays for Getafe, recalled Ronaldo’s confidence in front of goal during their time together at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Speaking 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 right position to convert them.

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

The defender admitted that the forward’s confidence gave him the belief to deliver the ball against any opponent, knowing Ronaldo would be ready to attack it.

Carvajal also described his former teammate as “so imposing... a predator in the box”, highlighting the striker’s natural instincts and ability to find scoring opportunities during crucial moments.

The 34-year-old also backed Ronaldo to reach 1,000 career goals, insisting that the Al-Nassr forward deserves to achieve the remarkable milestone because of his 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.

He further urged football fans to remember Ronaldo’s outstanding performances during his time 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 most of his career at Real Madrid, making 451 appearances and winning six Champions League titles. Four of those triumphs came alongside Ronaldo, in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Ronaldo joined Real Madrid from Manchester United in 2009 before moving to Juventus in 2018, having established himself as one of the club’s greatest-ever goalscorers.

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