Even Messi has his critics: Cristiano Ronaldo

Donetsk: Portugal attacker Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted that he is not troubled by the constant pressure to perform for the Seleccao, and pointed out that even Ballon d`Or holder Lionel Messi has his critics.

The Real Madrid man was the subject of scathing attacks after his underwhelming performances against Germany and Denmark in Group B of Euro 2012, but responded well with superb showings against the Netherlands and the Czech Republic. "Even Messi has his critics. You can`t please everyone. But I don`t get angry or frustrated by it," Ronaldo told reporters. "The bigger star you become, the greater pressure there is on you to perform at a level acceptable to get people off your back. "I accept it as a part of being a professional footballer. It takes a bigger man to ignore it and just get on with playing.” "I don`t have an agenda where I set out to appease critics. I just go out and play to the best of my ability." Ronaldo then took time to praise the unity within Paulo Bento`s squad, and said that the Seleccao`s team spirit is the key to their success. "We`re improving and that`s important. There is great unity in our squad, we`ve a good team spirit and that helps," he added. "It`s been difficult to get this far, but we enter this stage with a great deal of optimism no matter who we face in the semi-final. "Our objective now is to reach the final. Why not? There`s greater pressure on other sides in this tournament and we`ve been able to progress without excessive expectations. "No matter what happens now we should all be congratulated." Alex Kohnert/Goal.com