Cristiano Ronaldo is determined to prove that he is worth the tag of being the world's most expensive footballer.

The former Manchester United winger joined Real Madrid in the summer for a world record transfer fee of €94m but has had to share the limelight with Brazilian maestro, Kaka.

Having scored his first goal from the penalty spot in Madrid's 3-2 win over Deportivo at the weekend, Ronaldo seems to have settled in well.

Speaking to El Pais, he said: "I am at a great club. I will prove to myself, my family, those who love me and those people who hired me, that I am worth it. I can say no more. Just work,"

CR7 was also given the tough question about whether he feels footballers of this era are living a privileged lifestyle with all the big money contracts they are sitting on.

"I respect what is said but don't always share the opinion. There are people who are happy and those who are not," he said. "Everyone has what he deserves."

"I have lived in the real world," he claimed. "In my head I am a normal person. We have a profession that gives us nice things but also gives us responsibilities. We must win all the time, the pressure is great, but as professionals we adapt."

As for being a role model to the younger generation, the Portuguese winger was adamant that he will do his utmost for the cause.

"I try to behave well on and off the field, although that is not always easy for different reasons," he said. "I try to look good, especially for the children. It is important to grow up with good examples. That is a big responsibility for me."