This time, the Portuguese superstar who single-handedly angered a nation with his infamous role in England striker Wayne Rooney's red card during their 2006 World Cup clash in Gelsenkirchen offered hope, inspiration and belief.
He is adamant Fabio Capello's team can win the tournament in South Africa.
Cristiano Ronaldo leaned back in his chair in Real Madrid's state-of-the-art training complex and said: "Can England win the World Cup? Why not?
"They have excellent players and an excellent coach. England are very strong. They had a fantastic qualification and, if it is possible, I hope to see them in the final.
"If we play England in the final it will be because Portugal have played a great tournament.
"I think England are very strong but I am not thinking about the possibility of facing Rooney and Ferdinand now, I am just thinking about qualification from our group. But it would be very interesting if I see Rooney and Rio in the final."
Ronaldo's last game for United was in the 2-0 Champions League final defeat to Barcelona last May before his £80million move to Madrid - and he admits he misses wearing the red shirt.
Rooney has become an even greater goalscorer in the Portuguese winger's absence, scoring 23 this season and reaching 100 Premier League goals.
Asked if United were missing him, Ronaldo said: "Some people say yes, some people say no.
"Whenever I have the opportunity I watch United and I think they are doing well - just a point behind leaders Chelsea.
"United have a winning mentality and a fantastic coach in Alex Ferguson.
"He is the best man for the club and he knows everything."
Has Rooney become a better player because he has had to take on a bigger mantle? "No," he says. "Maybe he has scored more goals than last season but I think Rooney is one of the most important players for United and in the Premier League.
"He is a fantastic player but it's not because I left the club that he is doing well. He has always done well."
With United chasing a Premier League and Champions League Double and with England dreaming of World Cup glory, can Rooney win the coveted World Player of the Year award?
"Why not? I think it's possible.
"He has scored a lot of goals and he is the man at Manchester United at the moment and I am really, really happy for him because he has deserved it because he has worked for it. I still speak to him. When I have the opportunity I speak with him, with Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra. We talk about football and everything."
Ronaldo held centre stage on one of the 12 spectacular Astroturf pitches at Real's training complex. On the pitch is where he is happiest, where he is at ease, and where Castrol boffins have analysed every aspect of his game using Prozone and GPS systems.
Among their remarkable findings is that he generates five times more power in his jump than a cheetah in full flight.
Which makes the task of challenging him seem impossible. But that's what fans will soon get the chance to do as he launched Castrol's Challenge Ronaldo event with a demonstration of his skills.
"My football comes naturally to me," he said. "So I don't have to think too hard about how to play." Asked if the attacks on the Sri Lankan cricket team and Togo football team made him worried about being a terrorist target in South Africa, he said: "It was a sad moment for Togo and for all national teams.
"But when we go to South Africa it will not happen any more because the security is great and, to be honest, I am not thinking about that.
"It does make me feel sad because something like this has happened in football. I am more sad rather than worried.
"I remember in 2004 in Portugal and people were critical, saying: Oh, Portugal is not good,' but it was amazing because everyone enjoyed the tournament, everyone was happy there.
"South Africa will be the same. Everyone is friendly there, the country is very beautiful, it has everything to be able to do a good job. There is no problem, I am not worried about it.
"I think it's going to be amazing. I have never been there and I am looking forward to the World Cup. All the players are motivated for this tournament and I think it will be fantastic.
"I am 25 now and I hope to have a great World Cup. But I don't know if now, the present, is the best moment of my career. I just try to do my best.
"Portugal is in the toughest group and it will be very difficult. We have to play Brazil, and the Ivory Coast will be very tough but the first game will be the key of the group.
"If we win the first game against the Ivory Coast, it will be easier."
The Ivory Coast clash will pit Ronaldo against his old Chelsea rival Didier Drogba.
He said: "I think Drogba is the best African player at the moment.
"He is great. He scores very important goals for Chelsea. I think he is the best player."
It has not all been plain sailing for Ronaldo at Real. He has already been sent off twice, Real trail Barcelona by five points, and they have been slammed for not playing spectacular football after splashing millions on new Galacticos last summer.
But Ronaldo hit back: "When we win, we win 2-0, 3-0, 4-0, but people expect more. If the people give me the chance to choose to play brilliantly and draw or even lose, or play badly and win, then I prefer to win.
"We have many different players in the team. I think the team has improved a lot game by game and in my opinion Real Madrid will be one of the best teams in the world."
But Ronaldo believes the Premier League is more exciting.
"In Spain, the players are more technical. They like to play football more than they do in England.
"But in England the players are stronger. They are more physical. The game is more direct. Here, the small teams like to play but in my opinion the Premier League and La Liga are the two best leagues in the world.
"I have less bruises now! But getting kicked is always a problem for the skilful players. I was injured a lot when I played in England. In Spain it is quite similar. I haven't played the whole season here, but I can see a few different things.
"But I think the English League, sometimes, is more exciting. People love football more in England.
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