Cristiano Ronaldo insists it is impossible for him to maintain the standards of last season but has vowed to recapture his best form in future.
The Portuguese is expected to be named FIFA World Player of the Year on Monday following his stunning 42-goal performance last season - for which he has already received the prestigious Ballon d'Or.
Summer surgery delayed the 23-year-old's start to 2008-09 and he has been criticised in some quarters for his form since, although he was a major factor in Sunday's thumping 3-0 Barclays Premier League win over Chelsea.
It has been suggested Real Madrid's very public pursuit of Ronaldo during the close season has unsettled the player - but he claims the drop off in his performance level was inevitable after the brilliance of last term.
And he cited the likes of Kaka and Ronaldinho as superstars who have failed to maintain their genius for season after season.
"Tell me one player who had a great season for two, three, four years at the top level? It's impossible, you don't have anyone," he told Sky Sports.
"Last season I think I did brilliant but this season, in my opinion, I'm not bad, I've scored 10 goals up to now (he has nine in 23 matches), I've come in from injury and people are waiting (for me to get) better and better all the time.
"It is not easy but I know I feel in good form and I think Cristiano is coming better and better.
"If not this season, then next season I know I can do as well again."
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Comment 1 - 4 of 4
Ronaldo, I congratulate you on your achievements. There are players who played good football in England but could not come closer to what you achived last season. look at Henry, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Drogba and others who played and are still playing good but will never be world footballer of the year. Jealousy wont do. If you can score from freekicks whilst standing like a pig on heat or anything like that, then its wonderful than being barren on the goal.
From MAN GOT TO BE A MAN.
he showed glimpses of his old self against Chelskey yesterday. doesn't surprise me he hasn't found his best form yet - it's near impossible to do it 2 seasons on the trot.
He takes free-kicks by opening his legs like a pig on heat. What sought of bush act is that?
Ronaldo, has left a record that will take decades to break. I believe u Ronaldo
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