"I feel very strong as an individual, but as a famous footballer I know I am prone to certain things. All the media have a continuous interest for me. It varies from once a year to every day interest"

Ruud van Nistelrooy is sharing his understanding of the one-of-a-kind setting he holds as a famous footballer. He recognizes that he is an individual with his very own toughness and weak points, but that his popularity brings with it a degree of scrutiny that he is not constantly comfortable with. He acknowledges that the media have a continual rate of interest in him, and that this passion can vary from once a year to on a daily basis. This quote reflects the reality of being a renowned footballer, and the need to be aware of the focus that includes it. It likewise reveals that Ruud van Nistelrooy knows the power of the media and the effect it can carry his life. He is conscious of the requirement to preserve an equilibrium between his specific identity and his public identity.