ronaldo-world

Ronaldo tells Balotelli to focus on his game not his jibes

2011-01-21T02:40:00.000-08:00

Cristiano Ronaldo yesterday told outspoken Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli to focus on his game, not cheap jibes.

Balotelli had claimed Wayne Rooney was 'not the best striker in Manchester' and said City had a better forward line than Barcelona or Real Madrid.

'Mario is a good player, but he has to talk less and play more,' said Real's Ronaldo.

Shut up! Cristiano Ronaldo warned Mario Balotelli his off-field chatter will not help him fulfil his potential, after the Italian's latest blast about Wayne Rooney

'He puts too many other things in front of his profession.'

I'll head back to Milan in two years! Balotelli stuns City with fresh pleaJohnson confident Manchester United will slip up to hand Citizens a trophyThoughts of Super Mario: Rooney's not even the best in Manchester!Man City 4 Leicester 2: Mancini's revolution on target for FA Cup glory

Cristiano Ronaldo on Changing Diapers: It's Not the Best

2011-01-19T16:47:00.001-08:00

Some sides of parenting aren't so sweet.

So says soccer stud Cristiano Ronaldo, 25, who opened up to Spanish sports daily Marca for the first time about six-month-old son Cristiano Jr.

PHOTOS: Check out these adorable A-list babies

"Of course I change the nappies," he says of the tot, whose mother has never been identified. "It's not the thing I like best in the world, but I do it."

The athlete -- who also says that he may wed his girlfriend, Russian underwear model Irina Shayk, 24, "one day" -- adds that he's already looking ahead to his boy's future.

PHOTOS: See which stars are planning to wed

"I would love him to like football for him to be my successor, but we'll see what happens," says the Real Madrid star, who signed a $132 million contract with the team in 2009. "My son will be whatever he wants."

But Ronaldo, who's raising the tot with the help of his mom and two sisters, says he's already shown a love for the sport.

PHOTOS: More super sexy athletes

"My son goes to sleep early, but my mother told me the other day, while we were playing, he was crying without stopping and didn't want to sleep until I scored a goal," he tells the mag. "I scored and five minutes later he was asleep."

Barcelona defender Pique can read Real Madrid ace Ronaldo like a book

2011-01-17T18:04:00.000-08:00

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique says he knows how to read Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.

The pair are former Manchester United teammates.

Pique said: “Now that he is at Real Madrid, I know all of his tricks, because he was my rival every day in practice. However, this does not guarantee anything, because I know that he is a very complete player.

“They say that he is arrogant, but I remember him being friendly and fun. Yes, it is difficult for him to resist the mirror, but he is a good guy.”

Cristiano Ronaldo ready to rule the world

2011-01-15T16:22:00.001-08:00

THE GAME IN SPAIN Having duped us into playing the 2022 World Cup in the middle of the desert in the middle of the football season, FIFA believe nothing is beyond them now.

Maybe that's why one of their bright sparks suggested that Cristiano Ronaldo present Leo Messi with his world player of the year award this week.

France Football wanted Johan Cruyff to make the presentation but having hijacked the prize, FIFA run the show and they wanted glamour.

In the shadows: Cristiano Ronaldo arrives on the red carpet for the Ballon d'Or gala.

Game in Spain: Mourinho reveals new striker is not on the menu at Madrid06/01/11 Pete Jenson's XI for 2011: From Jose to Cesc, La Liga's headline acts...30/12/10 Pete Jenson: Christmas with Mourinho and Valdano... Madrid's odd couple23/12/10 Game in Spain: Qatar sticks in the throat - but Barca have stolen a march16/12/10 Pete Jenson: Barca's golden generation leave Real men in the shade09/12/10 Pete Jenson: Jose can hardly wait to see Pep leave Barcelona02/12/10 Pete Jenson: Ronaldo savours his net gains but Barca is the ultimate goal25/11/10 Pete Jenson: Villarreal are back to stop La Liga looking like the SPL11/11/10 VIEW FULL ARCHIVEDavid Beckham was considered and finally overlooked, and then it was proposed that there would be no better way to celebrate the first 'FIFA Ballon d'Or than having the two most famous players on the planet together on the stage at the moment of the presentation.

Ronaldo arrived late on Monday in the delayed Madrid convey that also conveniently got Jose Mourinho out of what would have been an uncomfortable press conference with three Barcelona players and their coach.

When Ronaldo did finally make it to Zurich headquarters, fearing he would tell them where to put the 7.4kg of solid gold, FIFA had decided not to ask him and instead allowed Pep Guardiola to present his own player with the accolade.

Ronaldo does not want to give Messi the Golden Ball, he wants to take it from him.

Out-mesmerising the Golden Flea might be difficult but obliterating La Liga's goalscoring records is well within his reach.

If he continues scoring at his current rate he will finish this season with 47 goals. That will smash the existing record of 38 for one season in Spain jointly held by Real Madrid's Hugo Sanchez and Athletic Bilbao's Telmo Zarra.

It would probably see him take the Golden Boot for Europe's top domestic scorer, where on 22 goals he currently has a four goal advantage over Messi. And most importantly it would also put him back on the shortlist for the Golden Ball.

Receiving it, not opening the envelope and handing it over to someone else.

Arsenal fans would question a couple of the names on the list but, according to Jose Mourinho, the Gunners have five centre forwards and Real Madrid only have one.

'I was watching Arsenal the other day,' said Mourinho. 'They have Van Persie, Chamakh, Bendtner, Arshavin and one more I can't remember (presumably Theo Walcott) and we only have Karim Benzema.'

Having told him that he could not have a new striker last week, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has since changed his mind and it could even be a former Arsenal man Emmanuel Adebayor who is brought in.

Having operated on Gonzalo Higuain's slipped disc on Tuesday,doctor Richard Fessler confirmed that the player would be out for four months.

That was just as Mourinho (a veteran of John Terry's slow recovery from the same problem) had told the club's medical staff weeks ago.

Consolation: Lionel Messi tries to joke with Jose Mourinho at the awards in Zurich

Adebayor scores points because he can play in the Champions League and he would come on loan allowing Real to send him back in the summer and sign somebody else.

There is only one problem for City keen to offload those £160,000-a-week wages. Real have also sounded out Bayern Munich's Miroslav Klose.

The 32-year-old's contract runs out at the end of the season and although he is Champions-League cup-tied his signing represents less of a risk to dressing room harmony.

The veteran of 55 goals in 103 games for Germany is being seen, at least by Madrid president Perez, as a less volatile option off the pitch and a more dependable one on it.

The Togo striker's one goal so far this season is not helping his case, although he did score perhaps his best goal on Spanish soil two years ago...

Peace broke out in Zurich on Monday when Pep Guardiola sat next to Jose Mourinho at the Ballon d'Or gala and congratulated him - not just on being voted top coach, but on receiving the heartfelt and very public praise from former player Wesley Sneijder.

The Inter midfield was asked about his year as he lined-up on stage in FIFA's team of 2010 and paid tribute to Mourinho who he described as the 'best coach in the world'.

Mourinho choked, Guardiola told him the public display of gratitude was 'worth more than any award', and the two went for canap?together afterwards.

Awesome trio: Andres Iniesta, Messi and Xavi pose ahead of their romp against Betis

Disturbing the peace were the Madrid-based Spanish press, who were outraged that an Argentine had 'stolen' the prize from their World Cup-winning pair Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

There was a thinly-disguised hope that the midfielders might now stop talking to, or even better, passing to, their team-mate.

Cue disappointment when Iniesta flipped a delightful ball over the top of the Betis defence 44 minutes into Wednesday's Cup Quarter-final which landed straight at the feet of Messi, who scored the first goal of his hat-trick in Barca's eighth victory by five goals or more this season.

Messi scoops world player of the year award after heroics with BarcelonaUnited to take on Messi and co in USA as Barca reveal 2011 pre-season plans

Explore more:People: John Terry, David Beckham, Wesley Sneijder, Theo Walcott, Jose Mourinho, Florentino Perez, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Andres Iniesta, Leo Messi, Johan Cruyff, Emmanuel Adebayor, Pep Guardiola Places: Barcelona, Madrid, Germany, Spain, Europe

Agent Jorge Mendes: Cristiano Ronaldo Is The Best Player In The History Of Football

2011-01-13T13:23:00.000-08:00

Football agent Jorge Mendes brands client Cristiano Ronaldo the best player of all time.

Football agent Jorge Mendes has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo is “the greatest player in the history of football”.

In an interview with publication Expresso, Mendes looked back across his career brokering transfer deals, including the switch that took the Portuguese international from Manchester United to Real Madrid in 2009.

The representative, who also has coach Jose Mourinho among his list of clients, believes that Ronaldo’s attributes make him better than the likes of Pele, Diego Maradona, and current rival Lionel Messi.

He remarked: “I think that it is thanks to his speed, his great technique and his power in the air. People will agree with me over time.

“Messi is a great player, I have no doubt. But the strength of will, character and quality distinguish him. He has now been joined by the best coach of all time, too.”

Mendes also offered further praise for Mourinho in the interview, adding: “He is a genius who has everything. In 500 years, we will see no one like him."

Real Madrid star Ronaldo unimpressed by Ballon d’Or snub for Casillas

2011-01-12T15:08:00.000-08:00

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo was left bewildered by the nomination process of this year's FIFA Ballon d'Or.

Ronaldo can't believe Real teammate and Spain captain Iker Casillas was not among the final nominees.

"Casillas is a field player and has the same value as the others," said the former Manchester United star. "I am of the opinion that Iker should be among the three nominees this year.

"He won the World Cup, has done great things ..."

The controversial gong went to Barcelona star Lionel Messi on Monday night.

Messi award ‘an injustice’

2011-01-11T15:10:00.000-08:00

Spanish media show unanimity in recognising that Messi is the best player in the world, but suggest that this is not necessarily what prevails the voting criteria for the Ballon D’Or and that Spain have been denied the recognition they deserve.

One newspaper suggested a discrepancy in the way voters elected Messi the 2010 winner and says that votes for Player of the Year appeared based on goal tally while manager was on achievement:

“Messi has been rewarded for a season in which he helped Barca win the league but was mediocre at the World Cup — a tournament that has been pivotal in raising the profile and rewarding the all-round achievements of Ronaldo or Cannavaro. This trend then suggests maybe Iniesta should have won — he did well in South Africa after an average season.

“Xavi, however, warrants merit in both season and World Cup not to mention the fact he has won every title possible and is Barca’s most capped player. This holds little premium against the power of the goal. Take goals away from Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo and their balance of titles is weak compared to Xavi, Iniesta, Casillas or Sneijder.

“If Mourinho is rewarded but Sneijder is not — something is not right.”

Another paper said Xavi and Iniesta’s snub represents yet another slap in the face for Spanish football from Fifa: “Fifa awarding Lionel Messi the Ballon D’Or award — a player absent in the two biggest events of the year — is a slap in the face for Spanish football. Inter won the Champions League and Spain the World Cup.

“One cannot doubt the talents of the Argentina forward, but 2010 was Spain's year. What did Messi achieve in South Africa? Nothing. What did Xavi and Iniesta achieve? They took Spain to their first World Cup final. If Fabio Cannavaro won it in 2006 why leave us without the award now?

“In a decade that has seen Real and Barca win the Champions League and Spain win the European Championships and World Cup we are still without the Player of the Year award. What an injustice.”

The paper also point out — somewhat uselessly — that had Fifa not abandoned the old voting system — Wesley Sneijder would have been named Player of the Year — which dampens their claims that Spain have been unfairly overlooked.

“Under the old system, that prevailed until last year, Sneijder would have won, Iniesta would have stayed second by just two points, third place would have gone to Xavi while Messi was fourth. “The Dutchman has been the first casualty of the merger of the Golden Ball trophy and Fifa World Player.

“(Blatter) had the chance to once again show his ill-will toward everything Spanish. Only a few days ago he left us without the chance to organise the World Cup by instead opting for Russia and yesterday he left us without a prize that Spanish football deserved.”

Poll Results: Real Madrid Ace Cristiano Ronaldo Voted 2010-11 La Liga Player Of The Season So Far

2011-01-10T15:37:00.000-08:00

Messi was only a few votes behind...

Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo has been voted as 2010-11 La Liga Player of the Season so far.

The vote that ran for the best part of three days was predictably dominated by CR7 and his close rival, Barcelona's Lionel Messi.

It was the Argentine's Blaugrana team-mate Andres Iniesta who came in third with a total of 263 votes. With Ronaldo taking the cake, Messi finished second with a staggering 5427 votes, but it wasn't enough to overtake the Portuguese, who amassed 5501 out of a total of 11,687 votes. Espanyol defender Juan Forlin finished bottom of the poll, picking up just 10 votes.

The full results and the breakdown in percentages can be viewed below.

Congratulations to Cristiano Ronaldo!

Barcelona legend Cruyff: Real Madrid attacker Ronaldo so much slower than Messi

2011-01-06T03:52:00.000-08:00

Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff says Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo is not in the same class as Lionel Messi.

Cruyff believes Ronaldo is much slower in his play than the Argentine.

"The first one (Ronaldo) takes two touches in a second. But, Messi, at the same time, has touched the ball three times. His play, his change of pace, position, are naturally faster.

"For the other (Ronaldo) this is impossible.

"It's not a question of better or worse, it is a matter of size.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is capable of doing many interesting things with his power, but lacks the variety of Messi, who can weigh in at anytime."

Lionel Messi - Cristiano Ronaldo Head To Head: CR7 Races Ahead In Scoring Charts As Leo Is Rested

2011-01-05T04:37:00.000-08:00

In a new weekly series, Goal.com will be compiling the statistical data, expert analysis, and progressive season records on the two best players in the world, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Goal.com unveils the poll results to determine the most memorable moments of 2010 for Messi and Ronaldo.

How They Played This Week

Who came out on top in the recent round of La Liga action?

Lionel Messi - Rested

Messi was given a rest by coach Pep Guardiola in Barcelona's 2-1 win over Levante. The Argentine, who watched the match from the Camp Nou stands, was granted extra days off following his return from his homeland during the Christmas break.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Getafe 2-3 Real Madrid)

Ronaldo took advantage of Messi's match absence to race ahead in the Pichichi race after bagging two more goals.

He opened the scoring from the spot, converting his 11th minute penalty to given Madrid the lead with a powerful shot. He netted his second just before the hour mark with the scores finely balanced at 2-1 in favour of Los Blancos when he got to the end of a Karim Benzema through ball to toe-poke his shot past Jordi Codina.

In the closing stages of the game, Ronaldo created several goalscoring chances for his team-mates, namely Benzema, Kaka and Mesut Oezil.

Goal.com Player Ratings Comment: Smashed home the opening penalty. Scored an easy second. Won his battle with Miguel Torres, though he went missing during the latter part of the first half.

Individual Match Stats

Lionel Messi
(Rested)
Cristiano Ronaldo
(vs Getafe)
Goals N/A 2
Shots (On Target) N/A 8 (3)
Assists N/A 0
Passes (Completed)N/A 36 (26)
Balls Lost N/A 10
Balls Recovered N/A 2
Fouls Suffered N/A 3
Goal.com Rating N/A 7.5

Real Madrid ace Ronaldo hits double in victory over Getafe

2011-01-04T04:13:00.000-08:00

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo kicked off 2011 with a brace in victory over Getafe last night.

Ronaldo, who took his tally to 25 goals for the season with his hat-trick in Madrid's 8-0 Copa del Rey win over Levante just before Christmas, opened the scoring from the penalty spot early on before Mesut Ozil doubled the advantage soon after.

Dani Parejo pulled a goal back for Getafe with a brilliant strike in the 29th minute but Ronaldo restored Madrid's two-goal lead just before the hour-mark.

Madrid faced a nervy end to the match after first being reduced to 10 men when Alvaro Arbeloa picked up a second booking before then seeing Juan Albin pull another goal back for Getafe.

But Jose Mourinho's men held on to make it 11 wins in their last 12 competitive matches, with the only setback being their 5-0 mauling at the hands of Barcelona.

Kaka entered the fray late on in his first appearance for Real this season.

Mother of Ronaldo's baby 'wants to see son'

2011-01-02T14:07:00.000-08:00

The mother of Cristiano Ronaldo's son apparently wants to go back on a deal that gave him full custody of the child.

The anonymous woman is a British student who now wants to return her reported £10m payoff in exchange for contact with the boy, reports the Sunday Mirror.

A source said: "She's often calling him late at night. She cried down the phone to him and pleads with him. He shouldn't even be in contact with her, but they have got into a twisted sort of routine.

"She even calls him after matches to congratulate him on how he played, hoping that one day she can appeal to his better nature, but he simply leads her on and teases her about Cristiano Jr."

The woman has apparently signed a watertight contract which forbids her from telling anyone, including family members, that she is the child's mother.

"She feels like she has sold her soul," the source added. "She has this millionaire lifestyle, but can never tell her friends and family the truth about what has happened - and that makes her incredibly lonely."

Ronaldo's girl is the real deal

2010-12-30T12:32:00.000-08:00

CRISTIANO RONALDO's girlfriend IRINA SHAYK looks rear-ly something in her smalls.

The Russian, 24, who has been dating the £200,000-a-week Real Madrid ace, 25, since May, was posing for a La Senza lingerie shoot.

Model Irina has admitted in the past: "I think the power of seduction is within every woman, but I feel more sexy wearing lingerie."

Roberto Mancini tells homesick Mario Balotelli to learn from Cristiano Ronaldo and become a Manchester City superstar

2010-12-28T13:28:00.000-08:00

Roberto Mancini has confirmed that Mario Balotelli's problems at Manchester City are due to a failure to settle in England.

Sportsmail revealed today that City's 20-year-old striker has told friends that he is chronically homesick and wants to return to his home country.

City are determined that coach Mancini can use his close personal bond with Balotelli to bring the £24million striker out of his shell, starting with this afternoon's game against Aston Villa in which the former Inter Milan man was handed a start.

But Mancini told Italian paper Gazzetta Dello Sport: 'He has to understand this country and this football before he can give his best.

'Mario is working on it and knows he has to do more for himself as well as for the team. When he assimilates this concept and makes use of his superior qualities, he'll become an important player.

'He can be decisive in every game, with any team. My assistant Brian Kidd has told me that Cristiano Ronaldo had Mario's same problems when he arrived at United and needed time to adjust.

'Mario is learning. Even a World Cup winner like (David) Silva struggled at the beginning. Silva has managed to, and now he's playing great.'

Balotelli has picked up five cards - four yellow and one red - in his 10 games for City and has scored the same number of goals. At times he has baffled City's staff and fans with his behaviour.

Dropped for the Boxing Day win at Newcastle, it is far from certain that he will start when City face Aston Villa at home in the Barclays Premier League on Tuesday afternoon.

One certain starter, though, is captain Carlos Tevez and Mancini claimed that the dispute over the South American's future is now over.

'That's the result of a fine work by our club,' he said. 'All sorted, crisis ended. He's one of the best strikers in the world, besides beeing a good person, with a really exceptional heart.

'Many clubs like Carlos, but he has a contract with City until 2014.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1342185/Mario-Balotelli-learn-Cristiano-Ronaldo-says-Roberto-Mancini.html#ixzz19RbdBR9t

Jose Mourinho denies rift with Real Madrid director after Cristiano Ronaldo inspires 8-0 Copa del Rey win

2010-12-27T12:54:00.000-08:00

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, fresh from an 8-0 Copa del Rey win over Levante in which Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema scored hat-tricks, has denied a breakdown in his relationship with director Jorge Valdano amid claims of tension between them.

Mourinho complained at the weekend that the club were not doing enough to support his criticism of referees he believed favoured opposing sides and Spanish media later said he and Valdano were at loggerheads over the issue.

“I can deny that the personal relationship is bad,” said Mourinho, who insists he intends to see out the four years of his contract with the La Liga giants.

“I have no personal problems with anyone. That’s the most important thing.”

Valdano for his part said the media reaction to Mourinho’s comments about referees had been exaggerated and it was “a small thing”.

“We all have a certain type of personality and you have to accept that,” the Argentine added.

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo: The Most Overrated Player In History

2010-12-26T15:53:00.000-08:00

Before I begin this article, I am going to preface it with a brief statement on my soccer history.

Soccer has and will always retain a special place in my heart.

My love for soccer transcends that of an average fan and has developed into something akin to an obsession. Rationality, for me, triumphs over emotions and that is why I have found it difficult to support the same team for a long time.

In the past nine years, I have supported Chelsea, Manchester United, Barcelona FC, AC Milan and currently Bayern Munich.

Trophies are also immaterial to me and only a good display of soccer artistry quenches my thirst. This in turn helps me to make rational decisions on most footballing matters, since I am not bogged down by any form of fanaticism.

Case in point—ask any Arsenal supporter who the best midfielder in the world is and the reply would probably be Samir Nasri or Cesc Fàbregas. This is an article for another day, but I highly doubt that Nasri is better than someone like Nuri Şahin (who is one of the most technically gifted players I have ever seen).

In order to further ensure my neutrality, I attempt every Saturday and Sunday to watch every single game involving players I deem to be world class.

For example, last season I watched almost every single Bayern, AC Milan and Inter Milan game after the January break. I also watched a decent amount of Barcelona, Manchester United, Arsenal and Real Madrid games. In the Champions League, I watched every significant matchup.

It is fair to say that if you name any great player, I can tell you somewhat accurately his abilities without “guessing” or making a biased statement.

So please bear with me through this article as I state my case.

Sorry for boring you with my banter. I will now discuss what brought you all here—Cristiano Ronaldo. Often described by some as the “golden” boy of soccer. FIFA World Player of the year in 2008. Ballon D’or recipient in 2008. Fif Pro winner.

Most expensive player in history, valued at $100 million dollars by Real Madrid when they bought him in 2009.

Quickly though, who exactly is Cristiano Ronaldo?

A player who, at 18, cemented his place in Manchester United, taking over from the equally overrated David Beckham. Check.

A player who can probably boast of having the largest fan base, which spans your average soccer joe, all the way to your typical fawning female. Check.
Imagesronaldo_crop_340x234

A player who has won his fair share of trophies. Check.

A very handsome player. Check.

A player privileged to play under the likes of Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho. Check.

The most overrated player in history.

Double check.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines the adjective overrated as—to have a higher opinion of (someone or something) than is deserved.

This is exactly everything Cristiano embodies.

He is talented, no doubt. However, due to some superficial factors and an abundance of people I fondly describe as "nut huggers," his abilities have been grossly overstated.

To begin my analysis of him, I will begin by first of all refuting the so called cons of Cristiano, i.e. everything a typical die hard fan of his would tell you in order to convince you of his god-like abilities.

Case One: Cristiano has won the FIFA World Player of the Year award, which is the most prestigious award any footballer could win.

This is something I hear almost every time I deign it fit to argue about Cristiano.

First off, the FIFA World Player of the Year is as prestigious as the Golden Bin award. No self respecting soccer fan can actually tell me that the award is a just representation of soccer skills.

An award voted for by captains and coaches of National teams simply cannot be taken seriously.

Basically, FIFA is telling me that the coach of a country like Nigeria, who probably only watches matches involving Nigerian soccer prospects, is fit to tell me who the best player in the world is.

I highly doubt so.

In order to increase the validity of the award, FIFA should select a broader sample of individuals to choose the best player.

This year’s award finally exposed the numerous errors evident in the selection process for this award. If you honestly believe that Andrés Iniesta deserved a place in the final three ahead of Wesley Sneijder, please do me a favor and stop reading this article.

Case Two: In 2008, Cristiano scored 31 goals in the best league in the world—the Premier League.

Another often heard statement. I personally find this statement almost as laughable as the U.S. soccer team, especially because I find the “best league in the world” tag that has been attached to the Premier League highly intriguing.
107745071_crop_340x234 Denis Doyle/Getty Images

This tag is a by-product of the influential English media, who somehow manage to control majority of the news materials we get. The same English media that touted a team consisting of the likes of Heskey, Ledley King, Gareth Barry, Crouch and Milner as possible challengers for the World Cup.

The same media that constantly calls any English player who can kick the ball more than two yards a world class player, i.e. David Beckham, Peter Crouch, Frank Lampard, etc.

Well, comparing the Premier League to the La Liga and Serie A is once again an article for another day.

All I can say for now is that of the top 10 most prolific scorers in Champions League history, only three plied their trade in England. Out of the 40 teams that have contested the last 20 Champions League Finals, only seven have been English teams.

The German league, which has fewer representatives, has only two less than that.

Also, the English league's sole period of dominance in the Champions league—‘07 to ‘08—came after a turbulent period for the Serie A—the Calciopoli scandal.

The oft-disregarded UEFA Cup also has similar statistics. Out of the last 26 finalists, only four were English teams.
Is Cristiano Ronaldo Overrated?
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Is Cristiano Ronaldo Overrated?
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Yes
22.8%
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Total votes: 557

Cristiano scored 31 goals in the league, which I confess is a fantastic tally. However, the manner in which he did it is something I will discuss later on.

Furthermore, Wayne Rooney did the exact same thing two seasons later. This reduces how much weight I place on this particular achievement of Cristiano.

Case Three: Cristiano is the most expensive player ever.

Zlatan Ibrahimović is the second most expensive player ever. I am not knocking Zlatan, but the fact that he is second shows how irrelevant transfer fees are when it comes to judging a player’s ability.

This is coming from a fan of AC Milan.

Case Four: Cristiano is the most skillful player alive.

Another statement I have heard on numerous occasions. If you count jumping over the ball 10 times with no end product skillful, then maybe he is. Robinho does the exact same thing and I don’t see him getting accolades for his stupidity like Cristiano does.

The day I see Cristiano score an individually brilliant goal, like Robben’s at Fiorentina or Messi’s at Getafe, is the day I will accept that he is even remotely skillful.

With that being said and done, I will now attempt to explain why I personally think Cristiano is overrated.

Reason One: Cristiano lacks the ability to change a game.

This, in my own opinion, is Ronaldo’s biggest problem. He lacks the most important skill any world-class player should have and that is the ability to turn things around when the going gets tough.

How many games has Ronaldo disappeared in when the going gets tough? In fact, the more important question should be: how many games against world-class defenders has Ronaldo excelled in?

Well, to the best of my knowledge, none.

I can, however, state games against such defenses that Ronaldo has failed to excel in.

Every single Portugal game in a major competition immediately springs to mind, especially Portugal vs. Spain (2010 World Cup) and Portugal vs. Germany (Euro 2008). The El Clasico (’09 and ’10). Manchester United vs. Barcelona(Champions League Final). Real Madrid vs. Valencia and Sevilla.

In the Champions League, only 10 of his 27 goals have come during the competitive knockout stages.

Yet, he has no qualms with scoring hat-tricks against the likes of Athletic Bilbao, Mallorca, Newcastle and co. There’s a word for that: bully.

Reason Two: Cristiano scores way too many simple goals and can’t assist one to save his life.

This in itself is tied to reason one. In the ‘07-‘08 season, Ronaldo scored 42 goals in all competitions. This seems impressive, until you breakdown the type of goals that constituted his tally.

Nine were simple tap-ins, six of them were penalties, five were free kicks and eight were headers that arose due to defensive frailties. The rest were against teams of no consequence.

Coincidence, right?

Last season, Ronaldo scored 33 goals in all competitions. Four were penalties, nine were simple tap-ins and six were free kicks. The rest, as usual, came against teams of no consequence.

Also, he has managed only 25 assists in the past three and a half seasons. Comparatively, Messi managed 25 assists in one and a half seasons.

In my own opinion, a “complete” player like Ronaldo should be able to help the same teammates who assisted him in getting nine simple tap-ins.

P.S. This article was initially meant to be about Cristiano Ronaldo and why he can’t be compared to Messi or Robben, but I decided otherwise because I knew that an all out three-way battle between Bayern, Real Madrid and Barcelona fanatics would ensue.

Ronaldo hat trick as Real Madrid routs Levante 8-0

2010-12-23T02:45:00.000-08:00

MADRID – Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema had three goals each to lead Real Madrid to an 8-0 rout of Levante on Wednesday night in the first leg of the fifth round of Spain's Copa del Rey.

Ronaldo scored in the 45th, 72nd and 74th minutes, raising his season total to 25 goals in 24 matches in all competitions for Madrid this season.

Benzema connected in the sixth, 32nd and 70th minutes, and Mesut Oezil and Pedro Leon also scored. The second leg of the total-goals series is at Levante on Jan. 5.

Also, Simao Sabrosa's 33rd-minute penalty kick gave Atletico Madrid a 1-0 win over Espanyol as both teams finished a man short.

Atletico president Enrique Cerezo recently said Simao will soon be transferred to Turkey's Besiktas, and the Portuguese winger received a standing ovation from the crowd at Vicente Calderon stadium when he was substituted late.

Koffi Romaric scored twice in Sevilla's 5-3 win over Malaga, Jose Ulloa had a hat trick to give Almeria a 4-3 win over Mallorca, and Getafe beat second-division Real Betis 2-1.

Cristiano Ronaldo Included In Real Madrid Squad For Copa Del Rey Clash With Levante Despite Fever

2010-12-21T16:14:00.000-08:00

Ronaldo is in Madrid's squad for the Round of 16 clash against Levante...

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has decided to include Cristiano Ronaldo in his 20-man squad for Wednesday's Copa del Rey encounter with Levante.

The Portugal international withdrew from Tuesday morning's training session complaining of fever and although there is a considerable degree of doubt whether he can recover in time for tomorrow's first-leg clash, he has been named in the squad.

Wing-back Marcelo and midfielder Xabi Alonso have also been included after serving one-match suspensions against Sevilla in the Primera Division at the weekend.

Alvaro Arbeloa is suspended while Kaka, Fernando Gago, Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Canales, Sami Khedira and Jerzy Dudek are unavailable because of injury.

The squad list in full:

Goalkeepers: Casillas, Adan, Pacheco.

Defenders: Pepe, Albiol, Marcelo, Carvalho, Garay, Mateos.

Midfielders: Xabi Alonso, Lass, Diarra, Granero, Oezil, Di Maria, Pedro Leon, Juanfran.

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, Morata.

Everyone At Real Madrid Hates Cristiano Ronaldo

2010-12-20T03:00:00.001-08:00

The next few times Cristiano Ronaldo scores a goal and starts doing his "I'm great, me!" celebration shtick, look closely. What's wrong with the picture? Oh yeah, that's it.

NO ONE ELSE IS CELEBRATING WITH HIM.

According to Spain's most popular football radio show, El Larguero, that's because, astonishingly, none of his Real Madrid teammates actually like him.

In fact, Iker Casillas hates him — and in his case, it's all to do with his famously sexy girlfriend Sara Carbonero.

Apparently relations between Casillas and Ronaldo have been strained ever since Carbonero described CRon as being "very selfish" on a Spanish chat show.

The jinking winger was allegedly so offended he took it up directly with the Casillas, who was forced to make an apology on Sara's behalf.

The situation wasn't helped when, two days later, club president Florentino Perez called a meeting hours prior a game, solely to put on a special screening of Carbonero's announcement for everyone who might not have watched it first time round — ostensibly in a cackhanded attempt at convincing Ronaldo not to worry about it.

In addition, it's being claimed the 25-year-old Portuguese doesn't believe his teammates offer enough support when he receives stick from fans. El Larguero say Cristiano reckons he should be as loved at Real as Messi is at Barcelona … and is amazed the rest of his colleagues don't feel the same way.

Apparently CR7 only has three friends at the Bernabeu: Pepe, the Brazilian defender with a penchant for using opponents as human dancefloors; Marcelo; and new boy Angel di Maria, who obviously hasn't been around Ronny long enough to realise what a **** he is.

Via Marca

Barcelona's Dani Alves: Cristiano Ronaldo Is Too Arrogant To Be The World's Best Player

2010-12-14T15:19:00.000-08:00

Barcelona full-back Dani Alves brands Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo 'a little bit arrogant'.

Barcelona defender Dani Alves believes that Real Madrid attacker Cristiano Ronaldo is too arrogant to be considered the best player in the world.

The Brazilian full-back discussed the Portuguese international in an interview with A Bola, stating that although he has no doubts about Ronaldo’s abilities as a footballer, there are some elements about his personality that need work.

Alves remarked: “To be the best player in the world, you cannot just play well, you must also be liked by other people, and I understand that his attitude ends up hurting, a little, the great player that he really is.

“I do not doubt that Cristiano is one of the best players in the world today, and he has many skills, but at the same time he also has flaws. I think that the best player in the world should be quiet, humble, and friendly. Lionel Messi is all of these things, while Cristiano often lacks some of these qualities.”

The former Sevilla full-back also spoke of his current contract negotiations with the Blaugrana, adding: “My priority is Barcelona, but I cannot close any doors. I feel happy, but both sides have to agree first.”

Premier League - Liverpool 'could have signed Ronaldo'

2010-12-06T03:44:00.000-08:00

Gerard Houllier has admitted that he turned down the chance to sign Cristiano Ronaldo when he was Liverpool manager back in 2003.

The Frenchman, who will return to Anfield for the first time as an opposing manager with his Aston Villa side on Monday night, said that Ronaldo's wage demands and the fact that he already had Harry Kewell were behind his decision to not sign the Portuguese winger.

Ronaldo, then with Sporting Lisbon, instead signed for rivals Manchester United for £12.24 million and after six hugely successful seasons at Old Trafford, he moved to Real Madrid for a world record fee of £80m.

"I saw him (Ronaldo) in the Toulon U21 tournament and we went for him, but we had a wage scale and we weren't paying the sort of salary he wanted," Houllier is quoted as saying in the Daily Telegraph.

"Then Manchester United played a friendly against Sporting Lisbon and all their boys said to Sir Alex Ferguson, 'You have to sign him'. But I agreed with not breaking the wage structure. I thought it would cause problems in our dressing room.

"I know some of the signings were not as sharp as they could have been. Maybe we would have won the title with Ronaldo, but we had Harry Kewell, who was outstanding at the time and was very hungry but got a bad injury. After that, he never had the same confidence, the same appetite."

A year after he rejected the chance to sign Ronaldo, Houllier left Liverpool by mutual consent. He said he was hopeful of a good reaction from the Anfield crowd on his return.

"It will be interesting to see what the Liverpool crowd is like," he said,

"I trust them to be good. After all, I didn’t go afterwards to Everton or Manchester United."

Lionel Messi And Cristiano Ronaldo To Face Off In February As Argentina Take On Portugal

2010-12-02T14:36:00.000-08:00

Argentina will meet Portugal in a friendly match scheduled to be played in the Emirates Stadium on February 9th...

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will get another chance to prove who is the best player in the world, as the Barcelona and Real Madrid superstars line up against each other for the first time wearing their international jerseys.

The Argentine FA announced on their website that the Albiceleste and Portugal would play a friendly on February 9, 2011, in London's Emirates Stadium. The game will be the first encounter between the two countries since 1972, when Portugal defeated Argentina 3-1 in Brazil.

Aside from Portugal the AFA have also lined up matches against the United States and Costa Rica away from home. The Seleccion will be in Seattle on March 26, before flying to Central America for a game which will inaugurate Costa Rica's new national stadium three days later.

Cristiano Ronaldo pushes Pep Guardiola during El Clasico

2010-12-01T14:46:00.000-08:00

Barcelona coach plays down confrontation with Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo during 5-0 thrashing of Jose Mourinho's side at the Nou Camp.

"These things happen on the pitch." - Pep Guardiola.

"I was caught close to the action and although it was unpleasant, these things happen. In these games there is much tension." - Andres Iniesta.

One suspects that if Barcelona had been on the receiving end of a beating in El Clasico, rather than the other way around, Cristiano Ronaldo's push on the Catalans' coach Pep Guardiola would not have been so easily dismissed. That said, it was easy for Barcelona to magnanimously swat the issue aside once a 5-0 thrashing had been completed at Camp Nou.

The coming together between C-Ron and Pep was one of the major flashpoints during a match packed with controversial moments. The incident unnecessarily bubbled up towards the end of the first half as Ronaldo went to collect possession from Guardiola after the ball had been kicked out for a Real Madrid throw-in. Rather than simply hand the ball to Ronaldo, Guardiola intentionally turfed the ball just to the side of the Portuguese forward. Not liking that one bit, Ronaldo then lost his cool and pushed the Barca boss in an obvious act of aggression.

Cue the brawl.

Furious at seeing their coach man-handled, Iniesta and then the rest of the Barcelona team immediately set upon Ronaldo to protest against his over-the-top reaction. Losing control though was not just a problem for Los Blancos, with Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes charging 50 yards out of his goal to foolishly give Ronaldo a piece of his mind.

After several minutes of pushing and shoving, matters finally simmered down. The result was that both Ronaldo and Valdes collected bookings, while Guardiola, perhaps surprisingly for his part in the whole flare-up, got off with a reprimand.

Footage of the coming together between Cristiano Ronaldo and Pep Guardiola can be seen below:

Ronaldo downplays duel with Messi in 'clasico'

2010-11-28T03:04:00.000-08:00

Cristiano Ronaldo believes any attempt to reduce the "clasico" match between Real Madrid and Barcelona on Monday night to a personal duel with Lionel Messi would be "foolishness."

The Portugal forward leads Messi by one goal in the Spanish league scoring list heading into the matchup at Camp Nou featuring the top two teams and the past two FIFA players of the year.

Ronaldo has 14 league goals to 13 for Messi, who has 25 in 20 appearances for club and country this season. Ronaldo has 20 in 22.

"To talk about a duel between me and Messi is foolishness," Ronaldo said Saturday from the Spanish club's training ground. "It's a duel between the two best teams in Spain. Messi, like me, will try to do his most to help his team win.

"I'm just another player in this team. Things are working out well, as much for me as the team, but I don't feel any more pressure than the rest. We all have our responsibilities."

Ronaldo has never scored against Barcelona in five meetings, while Messi has seven goals in eight matches against Madrid. Messi has scored in nine consecutive games for Barcelona, 10 in a row including his goal for Argentina that beat Brazil.

"I'm not obsessed with goals. I don't obsess about scoring against Barca," Ronaldo said. "I want to score against everybody, not just Barca, and I try to do my best against everyone. Sure it would be special, but my motivation is the same with all."

The highly anticipated match will be the first between the teams since Jose Mourinho took charge of Madrid, which has no trophies in the past two seasons compared to eight for Barcelona.

Madrid leads the league after 12 games, one point ahead of Barcelona.

If Cristiano Ronaldo wants to play at the highest level, he will need to return to Manchester United

2010-10-12T03:18:00.000-07:00

A lot of players at Manchester United tend to go two ways when leaving Old Trafford. They either do not make it at the club and get sold to a club for whom a former United player now manages, or they feel that to be right at the top they need to join Spanish club Real Madrid. Most that head in the direction of Madrid are normally wrong, in a four year period a Real Madrid player may end up with one or two trophies, five or six managers, and a good six months warming the bench.

Such is the fluctuation of business at Real Madrid these days that one could really see Cristiano Ronaldo returning to Old Trafford for another bite of the apple. The former United winger started well over there, but soon got injured and is now on the wrong end of some poor form. The Spanish fans are far less forgiving than us British, suffer poor form, play badly for a few weeks and they forget who you are. It’s happened with Kaka, Ronaldo (The Brazilian), Van Nistelrooy and probably many others.

In fact the only players that the fans ever remained truly loyal to were that of Raul and Roberto Carlos, anyone else was just part and parcel of the same game that you would never get at Manchester United. Cristiano Ronaldo is still young at 25, his best form possibly yet to come but he needs to be at a club that can offer stability and not a club which will offload you as soon as the next footballing star from Brazil is spotted on a beach in Rio.

Manchester United has everything a top class footballer needs, Ronaldo will not be enjoying the press taking part in every training session and he certainly won’t be enjoying the white flags every time Real Madrid drop two or three points. The grass is not always greener on the other side but we can say this, the grass is definitely greener at Old Trafford than it is at the Bernabeu.

Cristiano Ronaldo in his underwear: Real Madrid star models for Armani

2010-02-06T11:31:00.000-08:00

Cristiano Ronaldo has swapped his hotpants for something even skimpier in the new campaign for Emporio Armani Underwear.

The Real Madrid footballer has replaced David Beckham as the face - and body - of the Italian brand.

Never the modest type, Ronaldo appears to have embraced his new modelling career with gusto, striking a series of moody poses and showing off a six-pack which would make Becks green with envy.

The 24-year-old reportedly maintains his chiseled abs by performing 3,000 sit-ups a day.

Giorgio Armani was full of praise for the "sexy" sportsman.

"Cristiano is a great-looking young man with the perfect physique of an athlete," Armani said.

"For me, he is the essence of youth - spontaneous, exciting and a real maverick. It is for his energy that I have chosen Cristiano to become the new face of Armani Jeans and Emporio Armani Underwear - for his youthful, exciting, and, yes, sexy attitude."

In the ad for Armani Jeans, also in moody black and white, Ronaldo can barely keep the jeans on.

He said: "Giorgio Armani is a legend in the fashion world and I have long been a fan of his work. I am very pleased with the pictures we have done together - they are certainly striking and are full of attitude and a spirit I can relate to."

The footballer's fashion sense is legendary and was the cause of much hilarity when he was at Manchester United.

His style crimes included metallic hotpants and a love of baby pink. When he was ridiculed for wearing tiny shorts and tucking a pink flower behind his ear last summer, he retorted: "I don't know why people are so interested in what I wear on holiday. Men wear pink these days. OK, not many men were flowers, but it's good to be different."

Ronaldo joins Megan Fox, the Transformers actress, unveiled this week as the female face of Emporio Armani.

Ex-Real Madrid president Sanz slates Florentino, Ronaldo: Like Tarzan in shorts!

2010-01-22T04:29:00.000-08:00

Former Real Madrid Lorenzo Sanz has lashed out at Florentino Perez's current regime.

Sanz slammed the massive spending by Florentino during the summer market.

"Under me, Real became a great team at a much lower cost than what is done now. In my day we paid 5,500 million pesetas for Anelka, but we sold him for 6,000 the following year. The figures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka are dizzy. No player is worth that money," Sanz told terra.es.

"I read on the cover of a newspaper that Cristiano would generate 80 million euros a year at Madrid. This is something no-one can believe. Either we are all fools or Ronaldo is an idiot.

"Ronaldo is shown in the media like Tarzan in shorts!

"He must get up in he morning, see himself on the front pages of the newspapers, and believe he is Superman or God."

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo Says Insults Go In One Ear And Out The Other

2010-01-08T15:02:00.000-08:00

The most expensive signing in football has said that the pressure does not really bother him...

After reportedly being subjected to persistent and unrelenting harassment by the Osasuna fans in last weekend's match at the Reyno de Navarra, Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo has played down talk that the verbal abuse is getting under his skin.

Subjected to insults such as "Cristiano, die!" in his first visit to Pamplona, Ronaldo has faced hostile, even intimidating atmospheres away from the Bernabeu.

CR9 experienced similar insults in the match against Barcelona at the Camp Nou, along with a laser pointed directly into his eyes, and missed a golden opportunity to score with just Victor Valdes at his mercy. Similarly, on Sunday, Ronaldo was unable to silence the crowd, exhibiting a number of poor touches and blasting a free kick dreadfully wayward into the stands.

However, the Portuguese phenom has been quick to dispel the notion that the insults are affecting his performance, saying they "go in one ear and out the other", as reported by Spanish sports daily Marca.

The winger also spoke of the huge amount of attention he is garnering as the new face of Real Madrid, commenting: "this has both its positives and its negatives. When we do things well, they applaud us a lot more, but when we do not go out and do what we want, we feel more pressure. Being received with whistles and insults is nothing new for me. After the 2006 World Cup (in which he slotted home a penalty to dump England out of the World Cup) this happened to me in every stadium in England and I ended up being chosen as the best player in the league. It doesn't affect me."

In an interview with the magazine So Foot before signing for Real Madrid, the Portuguese also spoke of this theme. "It does not really matter to me if they insult me...in fact I like it. I love seeing hate in their eyes and seeing the insults. It's not really important. The truth is that many people hate me, but there are many more who like me. I only feel poorly when I play poorly."

Shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo looms large over Manchester United’s young pretenders

2009-08-31T18:36:00.000-07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson warns his young forwards that they have some way to go before they can replace the departed Portuguese striker

Even as his team prepare to raise the curtain on the new top-flight season tomorrow, Sir Alex Ferguson remains misty-eyed about the star performer who has left the building.

Other big-name players have departed the Old Trafford stage with barely a pat on the back from Ferguson down the years, but the Manchester United manager continues to shower bouquets on Cristiano Ronaldo.

The context yesterday, before the Community Shield match against Chelsea at Wembley tomorrow, was the size of the task facing Wayne Rooney, in particular, as he looks to lead United into the post-Ronaldo era. For all the varying qualities of Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Owen, Antonio Valencia and others, Rooney appears the most obvious talisman for the new-look United, but Ferguson appeared hesitant at best yesterday when asked whether the England forward was ready to emulate Ronaldo, now at Real Madrid, in making the jump towards the highest echelons.

It was put to Ferguson that three years ago Ronaldo and Rooney were synonymous, two young players, 21 and 20, with immense potential and that, whereas the Englishman has gradually attained or come close to world-class status, his Portuguese team-mate went stratospheric.

Greatness should not be measured in terms of goals alone, but, having scored as many Premier League goals (13) in his first two seasons at United as Ronaldo managed in his first three, Rooney, like everyone else in the English game, was left in Ronaldo’s wake from the start of the 2006-07 campaign, managing 38 goals in 83 league starts as opposed to his team-mate’s incredible haul of 66 in 93.

When Ferguson described Ronaldo recently as “without question the best player in this world of ours — streets ahead of Lionel Messi, streets ahead of Kaká”, it went without saying that he was saying that Real’s £80 million man was streets ahead of anyone he left behind at Old Trafford. That extends to Valencia, who was signed from Wigan Athletic as the closest thing to a direct replacement for the Portugal forward, but Ferguson is expecting big things from the Ecuadorean, a more orthodox threat on the right wing, as well as a great leap forward from Rooney and others.

Ferguson talked of having “bought potential” in the shape of Valencia, a player who, having turned 24 this week, is only six months younger than Ronaldo. He talked, too, of the rich potential of Rooney, Nani, Danny Welbeck and, in particular, Federico Macheda, the 17-year-old Italian forward who, he said, “is going to give me real problems. For his age, he’s exceptional. He’s going to be a top, top player.”

No one at Old Trafford, it seems, though, can yet bear comparison to Ronaldo. “Wayne is a totally different type of player to Ronaldo,” Ferguson said. “I don’t think you can compare them. Ronaldo is lightning quick, he has two good feet, he is magnificent in the air, and what is there left to say about his goalscoring record?

“For any player, whether it is Rooney, Macheda, Welbeck or Nani, all the forwards, they all have to say, ‘Well, this guy was exceptional.’ And the only way any player can achieve an improvement is through practice on the training field, having the desire to improve themselves in every training session. People in our game misread what a training session means. It’s not just to fill your morning or keep you out of the house. It is to improve yourselves as footballers.

“We are lucky that some of the players we have had here, and have at the moment, have that desire to improve all the time. It’s only through training sessions that players can improve.”

What is clear is Ferguson’s belief that Ronaldo rose to greatness through hard work and that nobody, whether it is Rooney, Macheda, Berbatov or Nani, can expect to emulate their former team-mate without total commitment on the training ground.

The other main factor in United’s success in the past three seasons has been a solid defence, but their resources will be stretched as the new campaign begins. Edwin van der Sar is out for ten weeks with a broken finger, while Nemanja Vidic will join Gary Neville and Rafael Da Silva in sitting out the Barclays Premier League opener against Birmingham City next weekend.

Ben Foster is expected to start in goal for United tomorrow, with Rio Ferdinand marshalling John O’Shea, Jonny Evans and Fabio Da Silva in a makeshift back four that Chelsea, under new management yet again, will be eager to exploit.

Who will buy Cristiano Ronaldo's Manchester house?

2009-08-30T08:06:00.000-07:00

Newly-rich Manchester City stars are queuing up to buy Cristiano Ronaldo's house, despite the obvious threat of it falling down.

View Larger Map

Though Ronaldo paid only £3.5million for the sevenbedroom Cheshire mansion, there are reports that new City defender Kolo Toure has already offered £5.5m for it - which suggests that Ronnie is leaving some of his ex-girlfriends there.

How could Ronaldo's house have gone up £2m in value during a recession? Mine's gone down £2m - and I only paid £80k for it.

Alex Ferguson lives only a mile away from Ron's pad, which gave the United boss the opportunity to keep a watchful eye on his star player's nocturnal activities - at least until someone stole his binoculars.

Ronnie's former Old Trafford teammate Carlos Tevez has also lodged a bid but is naturally disturbed by the number of mirrors in the house, most with love-bites on them.

Emmanuel Adebayor and Gareth Barry have also made offers for the house, while Stephen Ireland has offered to paint it.

Which player will buy Ronnie's house (Hills): Evens E Adebayor, 4-1 K Toure, C Tevez, 5-1 G Barry, 8-1 Man United player, 16-1 J Lescott, 50-1 J Terry.

Agent commits Man Utd's Ronaldo to £125M Real Madrid contract

2009-02-01T03:48:00.000-08:00

There are new claims in Spain that Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has committed to a pre-contract with Real Madrid.

Sport reported yesterday that Jorge Mendes, the Manchester United forward’s agent, has signed a long-term agreement with Real Madrid worth about £91 million. The deal reportedly includes a penalty clause that would force Ronaldo and his agent to pay Real €20 million (about £18 million) if he does not appear at the Bernabéu at the start of next season.

Whether such a “penalty clause” would be enforceable is another matter.

The Times says a further wrinkle is that this supposed contract was signed with Ramón Calderón, who resigned as president of Real two weeks ago. Whether it would be valid now is anyone’s guess.

Ronaldo delight at reaching 100 goals

2008-11-16T07:42:00.000-08:00

Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken of his pride at hitting a century of goals for Manchester United.

Ronaldo has actually reached 101 after scoring twice in yesterday's 5-0 hammering of Stoke at Old Trafford.

With the rumblings of summer discontent and dreams of a move to Real Madrid set aside for now at least, the Portugal winger is committed to helping United defend their Premier League and Champions League trophies.

And, after six seasons with the Red Devils, he has enough knowledge to recognise the significance of his latest milestone.

'I feel very proud,' said Ronaldo. 'One hundred goals is a great achievement. I have 101 for this club now. This is my sixth season here so I think that is fantastic.'

After scoring 43 times last term, Ronaldo has reached nine this year, a remarkable effort given his season did not start until mid-September after an ankle operation.

( Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored 101 goals for Manchester United )

And, after six seasons with the Red Devils, he has enough knowledge to recognise the significance of his latest milestone.

'I feel very proud,' said Ronaldo. 'One hundred goals is a great achievement. I have 101 for this club now. This is my sixth season here so I think that is fantastic.'

After scoring 43 times last term, Ronaldo has reached nine this year, a remarkable effort given his season did not start until mid-September after an ankle operation.

As Alex Ferguson pointed out, none of the previous seven had been a free-kick.

Typically, Ronaldo scored two to make amends, the first swerving viciously past Thomas Sorensen even if the Stoke 'keeper should still have done better.

Ronaldo's second effort completed United's biggest win of the season so far and allowed them to leapfrog back above Arsenal after the Gunners` shock home defeat to Aston Villa.

'It is always important to win games,' said the Portugal international. 'Last week we lost at Arsenal and we wanted to change that. Everyone tried to do their best and in the end I thought we did very well. We are third in the table now and we need to go on like that.'

Aside from boosting their goal difference, United know the win sent out a signal they do not intend to fall any further behind present pacesetters Chelsea and Liverpool no matter what obstacles are put in their path.

Even without a quartet of injured stars, including Gary Neville, who is out for a fortnight with a groin injury, and Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney, who will both miss England's friendly with Germany in Berlin on Wednesday, United never looked like buckling under Stoke's aerial bombardment.

The hosts were helped by Rory Delap's inability to launch his usual bullet throws due to a combination of a wet surface and the steep slope that runs round Old Trafford about two feet from the touchline.

Once Michael Carrick found the net just before the interval, it was merely a question of how many Ferguson's team would score to mark his half a century in the game.

'It was a nice strike,' said Carrick of his tenth United goal. 'I managed to turn and get half a yard and just hit through the back of the ball. It's something I would like to do more of because it would be good to get a few goals.'

If Carrick has a tenth of Ronaldo's United total, Danny Welbeck has a tenth of Carrick's after scoring his first goal for the club he supported as a boy.

The 17-year-old was still on the bench when record signing Dimitar Berbatov extended the home side's lead four minutes after the restart.

But with victory assured, Ferguson decided to give Welbeck his Premier League debut. And the Longsight-born striker duly obliged, playing a one-two with Manucho before finding the net with an unstoppable 20-yard shot.

'We see it every day in training because Danny is so talented,' said Carrick.

'It is nice for him to produce it on the big stage. His temperament is spot-on so he won't get carried away. He has got a good chance of achieving big things here.'

Local lad Welbeck admitted: 'It is amazing really. For someone coming from Manchester, to come on and score in front of the Stretford End on my debut. It is what every young boy would dream of.

'I have thought about it ever since I started playing football and I can't imagine any better feeling.'

Welbeck wasted no time in watching a replay once he got back into the home dressing room after United's biggest win of the season.

And he has assured the Old Trafford faithful he will not be getting too big for his boots.

'I have seen it quite a few times on video analysis already,' he smiled. 'But it has just made me hungry for more. There is no better experience than to play with top class players every week. I just want to improve as much as I can.

'I am sure I will keep my feet on the ground. I am quite level-headed anyway, so I will just take it in my stride.'

Ferguson will try to patch up his wounded stars ahead of next weekend's trip to Aston Villa, while hoping his fit ones return that way.

Aside from a meeting between Nemanja Vidic's Serbia and Dimitar Berbatov's Bulgaria, of particular concern to Ferguson is Brazil's encounter with Portugal in Brasilia when Ronaldo, Nani and Anderson will be involved.

'God knows what time they will get back from that,' groaned Ferguson, who will not expect to see the trio until Friday morning at the earliest.

Cristiano Ronaldo dives in for Manchester United pay rise deal - but does he deserve it?

2008-11-15T07:44:00.000-08:00

Cristiano Ronaldo's agent has further risked upsetting Manchester United fans by angling for a pay rise.

Ronaldo, who earns £120,000 a week, has slowly been coming back to his best form after a summer spent recovering from ankle surgery and trying to engineer a move to Real Madrid.

Now the winger has stunned United by suggesting he should be given a new contract.

'It is normal that a footballer wants a deal to go with his status and one that matches his performances,' a source close to Ronaldo's agent said.

United could face disciplinary action from UEFA after Celtic fans complained of 'sectarian abuse' during last week's Champions League match in Glasgow.

Manchester United hold their nerve

2008-11-02T07:01:00.000-08:00

THIS game was both a thrashing and a thriller. At least 80% of the action involved Manchester United making monkeys of the Tigers of Hull, the chasm between the sides seeming as wide as if the visitors were still in League Two. Sir Alex Ferguson was not exaggerating when he suggested it could have finished with the score-board reading 10-1. So how did it end with Cristiano Ronaldo back in his own penalty are, hacking clear, and the nerves of home fans in threads? “We got ourselves in an embarrassing situation,” said Ferguson. He spoke in his “football? bloody hell!” tone of voice.

United were like Monty Brewster in the film Brewster’s Millions, a man who tires of being super-rich and tries to give his fortune away. It was difficult when doing the player ratings for this match to know whether to give Dimitar Berbatov, Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney eights and nines out of ten, or twos and threes. The gilded trio conjured attacking football that was exquisite in conception, vivid in hue and yet their finishing was of the most artisan standard.

That even goes for Ronaldo, who despite getting his 98th and 99th goals wearing the United No 7 jersey squandered double the number of chances he scored. It certainly goes for Rooney, who became the symbol of United’s mounting annoyance as, with the opposition roaring back from 4-1 to 4-3, there was a sudden threat that their wastefulness would have serious consequences. Hull came back to beat Arsenal and won at Tottenham and Newcastle through their adventurousness and, despite this first away defeat of the season, Phil Brown’s team remain irrepressible. “When the score goes to 4-1 you tend to close your eyes but you’ve got to give the players a lot of credit,” Brown said. “The towel never goes in at this club.”

Spirit aside, the ingredients that made Hull’s comeback possible included an inspired substitution by Brown, whose introduction of Bernard Mendy suddenly stretched their opponents down the left flank, a prodigious performance from their goalkeeper, Boaz Myhill, and some defending by United which was suitably horrific given it was the day after Halloween. Ferguson also believed Mike Dean was a factor and had to be restrained by Gary Neville from confronting the official at full-time.

Ferguson felt Dean should have given Michael Turner, already booked, a second yellow card for felling Michael Carrick as United’s midfielder was about to go through on goal, and that Dean was wrong to give the penalty which allowed Geovanni to make it 4-3 when Rio Ferdinand blocked off Mendy with his arm. Ferguson seemed wrong about the Ferdinand incident, correct regarding the Carrick one.

Just as against Chelsea in midweek, Hull were blitzed by an early goal. Beautiful combination play by United saw Gary Neville chip forward to Ronaldo, Ronaldo find Berbatov with a volley using the back of his heel and Berbatov return the ball to the Portuguese with a volley of his own. Ronaldo swivelled on the pass and drilled a perfect shot past Myhill from 18 yards.

Berbatov was chief veterinarian as, for 69 minutes, the Tigers were declawed and muzzled. His causal genius was evident in a succession of moments, least of all when a gorgeously weighted pass allowed Carrick to advance, drive at Paul McShane and hit a lovely left-footer across Myhill and in off the far post.

Another sumptuous move preceded this. Berbatov had got the ball from Ronaldo and Ronaldo from Rooney. It was a counter-attack that began with Vidic hitting a long pass from United’s six-yard box.

United’s third goal dismayed Brown, who prides himself on his team’s acumen at set-pieces. It was so simple, a corner from Rooney and a header by Ronaldo that pinged past Myhill off McShane. Early in the second half Hull conceded again from a corner by Rooney. Ferdinand drew defenders with a near-post run and Vidic, arriving untracked, finished on the volley.

United had already been careless with their finishing on other occasions, notably when Ronaldo smashed wide when teed up by Berbatov, but seemed in minimal danger. It was 4-1, Hull’s goal, a first-half equaliser, coming when Daniel Cousin got across Patrice Evra to score with a perfect glancing header from Andy Dawson’s equally faultless set-piece delivery. But then the madness started.

Rooney miscontrolled a Carrick pass to waste an opportunity to make it 5-1 and Evra lost his senses when caught under a high ball with Mendy closing. His confused header - it was unclear whether the intention was clearance or back pass – plopped up and Mendy lobbed Edwin van der Sar. Racing back to goal, Vidic dived to hook away the ball but not before it crossed the line.

Rooney (twice), Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez all missed easy chances before, amazingly, Geovanni scored his penalty and United found themselves clinging on for the last nine minutes. Rooney blew his bald top, was booked for a high tackle on Turner and fortunate Dean ignored his subsequent show of dissent.

“You’ve got to credit Hull but not taking our chances is the annoying thing. We had 10 or 1 clear chances [in fact I counted 13 not including the goals]. Fritter them away and you almost end up embarrassed,” Ferguson said.

MAN UNITED:Van der Sar 6, Neville 6, Ferdinand 5, Vidic 7, Evra 4, Ronaldo 7, Carrick 7 (Giggs 72min), Anderson 7 (O’Shea 88min), Nani 6 (Tevez 64min), Berbatov 8, Rooney 6.

HULL: Myhill 8, McShane 6, Turner 6, Zayatte 6, Dawson 6, Marney 5, Hughes 5 (Mendy 59min), Boateng 6 (Folan 86min), Geovanni 7, King 6 (Halmosi 63min), Cousin 7

Manchester United Exclusive Pack

2008-10-14T12:36:00.001-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo would like to play for Real

2008-06-07T14:16:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo would like to play for Real Madrid if the Spanish club is indeed willing to open up its bank account.

"Yes, I would like to play for Real Madrid," Ronaldo told Brazil's Terra Web site on Thursday. "But only if it is true that they are willing to spend with me and with Manchester United the amount they are saying they are. But it's not up to me."

The star winger did not elaborate.

Ronaldo had been silent about his future since Portugal arrived in Neuchatel for this month's European Championship. He said recently that he would soon announce his plans for the future, but apparently changed his mind after arriving in Switzerland.

"It's important to a send a message," he said, according to Terra. "Starting today, I don't talk about this subject with absolutely no one. I will only talk about this after the Euros."

The world's media have been speculating on Ronaldo's future for months, with Madrid reportedly willing to pay a world record transfer fee for the favorite to win FIFA's 2008 World Player of the Year award.

Bernd Schuster remains confident of Cristiano Ronaldo signing

2008-05-27T16:59:00.000-07:00

The future of Cristiano Ronaldo seems no closer to a resolution, after Bernd Schuster, the Real Madrid coach, spoke with alarming certainty on the player's arrival in Spain.

Schuster was speaking to calm supporters' fears that the signing of the Manchester United player could herald the return of the "Galacticos'. And despite Ronaldo insisting he wants to stay in England, the Madrid coach said that while his arrival would not cause a problem for the team, he might find it hard to adjust to life in Spain.

When asked if signing Ronaldo would cause problems in the team, the German coach replied: "Not at all. Here he'd line up alongside world champions like (Fabio) Cannavaro, important players like Raul, Guti, (Ruud) Van Nistelrooy, Pepe, (Gabriel) Heinze. In this Madrid side the kid wouldn't create any problems. I only see it causing a problem for him."

However, Schuster hinted the levels of media intrusion in Spain would be different to what he was used to in England, and likened the impact his signing would have to that of David Beckham's arrival from Manchester United in 2003.

"The media explosion [would be a problem]," Schuster added. "For the fans this signing would be an amazing explosion similar to what happened here when Beckham arrived. This isn't England, and that change will affect him. We have to be clever about this and sort this problem out for the kid.

"Cristiano would help us in a lot of ways, without a doubt, but we can't stop with just him," he explained. "He'll be expensive and we'll have to pay a lot of money, but we need more players because he won't be enough.

Despite the continuing speculation to the contrary, Cristiano Ronaldo insists that he is happy at Manchester United and "would love to continue" at Old Trafford.

While not denying that it remains "a dream" to play in Spain, Ronaldo reiterated his desire to stay at Old Trafford in an interview with Portuguese newspaper Publico yesterday. Despite this the speculation continues unabated with Schuster, insisting the player had grown during his time in England.

"He's a player who enjoys his football with the group," he said. "The English way has been a perfect education for a player with such exceptional individual talent. There he has learned to enjoy his football as a complete professional. This means we would get a Cristiano who would arrive here with his lessons learned."

Cristiano Ronaldo says he's happy to stay at Manchester United

2008-05-13T11:42:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo has told Manchester United fans he's not interested in a move to Real Madrid right now, even if the Spanish club bids 100 million pounds for him.

"I'm at the right club, playing with the right players and I learn things all the time," Ronaldo told United's TV channel MUTV. "That's what's great about being at United. I improve all the time and I want to improve every season. I think I'm a better player now than five years ago."

Ronaldo joined United from Sporting Lisbon and has said he might one day be interested in moving to Spanish soccer, and that his mother had told him she hoped he would play for Madrid. Reports in Spain suggested that Madrid would consider bidding 100 million pounds for the Portuguese winger.

Ronaldo has scored 41 league and cup goals for Manchester United this season, helping the Red Devils win the Premier League for the second season in a row and reach the Champions League final against Chelsea in Moscow on May 21.

"This season has been a great one for me," he said. "I've scored a lot of goals, the team have played very well and we're champions. It's amazing."

Cristiano Ronaldo Pictures

2008-05-05T14:24:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Pictures

2008-04-28T13:25:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo needs help in best season

2008-04-27T07:14:00.000-07:00

It would be an affront to everything uplifting in football if Chelsea stole the Premier League title from Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson's side score more goals, stir more souls, and parade the Player of the Year in Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portuguese flier has a busy weekend in London. Kings Road, 12.45pm today, to face Petr Cech and 10 men in blue. Park Lane, 6.45pm tomorrow, to face Gordon Taylor and 1,000 men in black-tie as he collects the PFA Player of the Year honours. Not one Chelsea icon made the six-strong shortlist, although Cech and Joe Cole deserved a nod. Ronaldo will win by a landslide. His midweek penalty miss at Barcelona had some critics merrily uncorking bottles of schadenfreude. What myopic nonsense. The wearer of United's magical No 7 shirt has brought such joy to the season that he fully merits all the champagne corks fizzing towards the ceiling of the Grosvenor House ballroom.

The one hope at lunchtime today is that Ronaldo finds a touch of space, a yard on Ashley Cole, to showcase his talent. The world is watching: 203 countries tune in and 611 million homes across the globe enjoy access to live coverage. Industry insiders predict the numbers could soar close to the 1 billion viewer mark because of a kick-off time delighting the Far-East market (accidentally, the Premier League insisted yesterday).

So, as midnight looms in Tokyo, a hush will descend on football-obsessed drinking holes like Castillo, Gaspanic and Geronimo's as ex-pats and locals focus on Ronaldo's joust with Cech and the Coles. Similar scenes will be played out in South Korea and India. The afternoon entertainment is also sorted in South Africa, where Ronaldo's club are deified, where even a former United goalkeeper, Gary Bailey, presents coverage.

United seize the imagination of so many hundreds of millions, from Salford to Soweto and Seoul, because of stars like Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney. When asked this week to name the planet's most accomplished performers, Fabio Capello placed Ronaldo and Rooney on a par with Lionel Messi, Kaka, Alexandre Pato and Cesc Fabregas. The Italian's loyalty to AC Milan partly explains mention of San Siro's promising Pato and the slightly out-of-sorts Kaka. Fabregas has lent real creativity to Arsenal's season, while Messi, for all his injury travails, will worry United when Barcelona visit Old Trafford on Tuesday. With a respectful glance towards Rooney and the rest, Ronaldo warrants top billing on Capello's list of luminaries.

Today's collision with Chelsea may highlight one flaw in United's shining armour. Ronaldo, prolific and impressive, and Rooney, particularly, need an attacking accomplice to make their match-day fun complete. The word from within Old Trafford is that substantial transfer funds will be available to Ferguson this summer, although the United manager will be expected to generate some of the revenue by selling. If Ferguson cuts his losses on Louis Saha, everyone on the Stretford End will pray for investment in a fit, hungry, line-leading centre-forward to be supported by Rooney through the middle and Ronaldo from the flanks. The obvious contender is Karim Benzema, the dynamic Lyon striker who terrorised Ferguson's old club, Rangers, in the Champions League. Benzema, though, is expected to end up at Real Madrid, and United cannot compete with Castile's spending power.

If Lyon were to conduct business with anyone in the Premier League it would be with Chelsea, who possess the wealth and the relationship, having done past deals for the likes of Michael Essien, a real threat to United today. Chelsea already boast two out-and-out centre-forwards in Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka, although Drogba should move in the summer.

If Drogba puts in a real marauding shift in Chelsea's attack this lunchtime, those United fans who returned from Barcelona in midweek moaning about the lack of a top-class target man will wince again. Ferguson used a winger, Ronaldo, as the forward outlet. Rooney voiced sympathy for the isolated Portuguese, saying: "It was difficult up front on his own." Rooney was positioned out wide - hardly ideal for an attacker who does his best work in the hole.

Someone not a million miles from the England dressing room remarked: "If Fabio played Rooney on the wing, you would slaughter him." With Carlos Tevez dropping deep, Ferguson's defensive system was designed to frustrate Barcelona. The strategy brought a decent 0-0 scoreline. Job done.

United will put on a more assertive face at the Bridge today, and when Barcelona glide into town on Tuesday. Scoring has not been a problem this season, but United are over-reliant on 38-goal Ronaldo, who inflicts most damage from deep. United require someone like Fernando Torres, wedded to Liverpool, or Emmanuel Adebayor, welded to Arsenal. Their rivals have target men, so why not United?

Over the past four years, Ferguson's policy has been to purchase tyros like Ronaldo, Anderson and Nani, but the time may come when he needs an established performer. Dimitar Berbatov's agent keeps indicating his client may leave Tottenham, and the striker could form an advanced station for United attacks, bringing Rooney and Ronaldo into play. Whatever decision Ferguson makes, stick or cash-splashing twist, his emphasis will be on entertainment, and that is why United should be champions, and should be cherished.

Soccerade signs Man United’s Cristiano Ronaldo as face of brand

2008-04-20T03:42:00.000-07:00

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has been taken on by specialist sports drink Soccerade to act as worldwide ambassador for the ambitious brand.

The fleet-footed footballer, who is now the fourth highest paid player in the world (and arguably the most recognisable), has been recruited to give the brand an edge against some of the more established names in the competitive sports drink sector.

He will now be used in launch advertising and promotional campaigns for major European markets, although it is reported that he may be consigned to the subs bench in countries where he is deemed to be slightly less popular. In this scenario high profile local players will step on to the Soccerade team.

The brand, which is said to have been specifically formulated for footballers, is owned by Icelandic firm Leppin.

Soccerade launches in Portugal in May, with a UK appearance expected later in the year.

Interview here:

http://www.youtube.com/swf/l.swf?video_id=S9NOH8frAMc&rel=1&eurl=http%3A//www.cr17.com/index.php/topic%2C10766.0.html&iurl=http%3A//i.ytimg.com/vi/S9NOH8frAMc/default.jpg&t=OEgsToPDskIQIkTzS_NR4AsiaQu9gCVq&hl=en

Torres: Cristiano Ronaldo carries Man Utd

2008-04-18T11:27:00.000-07:00

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has said that the key to beating Manchester United is by stopping their winger Cristiano Ronaldo.

Torres, 24, who is in his first season at the Anfield club, told the Sun: "I watch Ronaldo every weekend and he is massively impressive.

"He carries United on his back in some matches."

The Spaniard was speaking ahead of next week's Champions League semi-finals when United will face Barcelona.

Torres knows from personal experience just how good the 38-goal United player is following the Portuguese winger's goal in Liverpool's 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford last month.

He said: "Barca have no idea how spectacular Ronaldo is or how far ahead of every other player in the world he is right now.

"But if they keep the ball away from him Barca will get to the Champions League final.

"United suffer against teams who keep possession of the ball."

Torres also warned Liverpool fans not to expect such an exciting tie as against Arsenal when his side face Avram Grant's Chelsea.

He said: "It won't be as colourful as the amazing game against Arsenal.

"It will be a really tactical and strategic game.

"Just one tiny detail, one mistake or set-play will decide our semi-final."

No amount of money can buy Cristiano Ronaldo, claims Carlos Queiroz

2008-04-15T13:17:00.000-07:00

Carlos Queiroz, the Manchester United assistant manager, insists "no amount of money" will force them to sell Cristiano Ronaldo.

Queiroz has warned Real Madrid, the club he managed for a season, that even a bid of £97 million would not be enough to prize the Premier League's top goalscorer away from Old Trafford. However, Madrid appear determined to tempt the 23-year-old back to the continent and have continually been linked with a summer move for the player.

Although Queiroz insists even a world-record transfer fee would not tempt the Premier League champions into selling their best player.

"We would not sell him for €120million," Queiroz said. "You can offer all the money in the world, but there is no amount that can buy him."

Cristiano Ronaldo lands fan in hospital after breaking wrist with shot

2008-04-13T08:14:00.000-07:00

Ronaldo's supershot breaks a fan's arm

Hotshot footballer Cristiano Ronaldo let fly with a volley so hard he broke the wrist of a fan in the stands.

The Man United star - currently in talks over a new £150,000-a-week contract - landed unlucky Fred Harrison in hospital after accidentally smashing the ball straight at him.

And Fred, who was trying to protect his face and glasses from the mishit, reckons he had a lucky escape. He revealed: "If he had hit me in the face he would have knocked me out."

The 68-year-old Middlesbrough fan was hit as he sat three rows from the front at the club's Riverside Stadium during last Sunday's 2-2 Premiership draw.

Fred, a grandad of six from Hartlepool, was at the game with his 40-year-old son Kevin, who joked as soon as they sat down: "We're in the line of fire here, dad!" Said Fred: "I didn't think he'd proved right so quickly.

It was only the fifth minute. As soon as it left Ronaldo's foot I could see where it was going - at me!

"It was a great save - I don't think our keeper Mark Schwarzer could have matched it," he joked.

Fred said that he didn't even think about the pain because it was such a good match. And despite his wife Edith's concern, he didn't have his injury checked until Tuesday.

Doctors at the University Hospital of Hartlepool then confirmed his wrist was broken. Fred said: "They all found it quite amusing and I guess it isn't something that happens every day.

"I hold no grudges against Ronaldo. He is an amazing player, probably the best in the last decade. If I was going to get hit by anyone's shot I am glad it was Ronaldo's and not a player I don't like."

A Boro spokesman said: "We've no idea how fast the ball was travelling but everyone appreciates how well Ronaldo can strike a ball."

Boro have sent Fred a signed shirt to help cheer him up while he waits to have his cast off in four weeks.

Meanwhile, if 23-year-old Ronaldo's new contract is signed it will net him £40million over five years - making him the highest paid footballer in Britain.

Cristiano Ronaldo favored to win PFA player of the year

2008-04-12T11:41:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo is the hot favorite to be named the PFA player of the year by his fellow English soccer professionals and also pick up the young player award.

The Manchester United winger has scored 37 league and cup goals this season, some of them from audacious dribbles and long-range free kicks and headers. They have helped Man United, the defending champions, go top of the Premier League and reach the semifinals of the Champions League.

"The boy's intelligent and sensible enough to realize what football's about,'' United manager Alex Ferguson said Friday. "Success can affect people, there's no question about that, you see it time and time again, but the great quality is to keep your ability and to keep your feet on the ground.

"Yes, he will go and express himself in a way that's extravagant at times, but that's a measure of his courage, his real ability, which we'd never in any way attempt to stop him doing. We want players like that.''

The Portuguese international is one of six nominations for the Professional Footballers' Association's player of the year award. The others are Liverpool's Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, Arsenal's Emmanual Adebayor and Cesc Fabregas and Portsmouth goalkeeper David James, whose saves helped Pompey reach the FA Cup final for the first time since 1939.

Ronaldo, Torres and Adebayor are also among the nominations for the young player award, along with Aston Villa's Gabriel Adebayor and Ashley Young and Manchester City's Micah Richards.

The winners of both awards will be announced April 27.

Humble Roma boss Spalletti apologises for Ronaldo attacks

2008-04-08T14:02:00.000-07:00

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti has apologised for comments the Italian club made about Cristiano Ronaldo in the wake of Manchester United's 2-0 Champions League win in the Olympic Stadium last week.

Roma midfielder David Pizarro and club director Bruno Conti both accused Ronaldo of showboating in last week's game.

But speaking at Old Trafford ahead of Wednesday's return leg at Old Trafford, Spalletti said: "Some of the things said by our club after the game were perhaps said in the heat of the moment, because we had the bitter taste of defeat in our mouths.

"Our comments had the bitterness of defeat in them.

"We were disappointed after that game.

"Sometimes we may say things that we normally would not. That is what happened.

" Cristiano Ronaldo is an excellent player. It is something that he has shown through his game.

"He is a very exuberant player and a very fair player. He is a very correct player. Thats what he does on the pitch."

Rome must score at least twice to have a chance of stopping United reaching the last four.

Spalletti added: "It would be presumptious of me to come here and say that we were going to impose ourselves on United and do this or do that.

"It is important to be humble. Humility is a very important quality.

"We need to work hard against a team like United, a team that has players who are prepared to give everything for their team.

"If I sat here and said what we were going to do to them it might provoke them and then it could rebound on us.

"But I believe my players are capable of overturning any score.

"I know them very well and they can do this. Anything can happen. I look at Sir Alex Ferguson. He is a wonderful example for all managers."

Cristiano Ronaldo's new Spanish love revealed

2008-04-07T13:57:00.000-07:00

Soccer ace Cristiano Ronaldo has lost his heart to a Spanish model, it has been revealed.

The Manchester United star is besotted with sultry 24-year-old model Nereida Gallardo.

The 23-year-old footballer met the Spaniard in a nightclub in Majorca in January.

During a match between Man U and Aston Villa last weekend, Ronaldo was seen blowing kisses to Nereida as she watched him score.

A friend of the Portuguese winger confirmed the news to 'News of the World'.

"A player asked Cristiano about the kisses he'd been blowing and he admitted he's got a new girl. Ronny's pretty smitten," the Daily Telegraph quoted the friend, as telling the News of the World.

I Want to Party Like 1999!

2008-04-06T03:34:00.000-07:00

CRISTIANO Ronaldo wants to swap armchair admiration of United's 1999 stars for the Champions League winner's podium in Moscow.

In 49 days the tournament's leading goalscorer hopes to be the TV star who will inspire future generations of Reds.

Ronaldo has spent the last five years watching re-runs of United's European Cup success in Barcelona and dreaming of replicating the Nou Camp triumph. Now he aims to turn the dreams into reality.

"I have watched the 1999 final many, many times on television. It is something I want to do as well," he said.

"It is a great competition and, therefore, such a great experience to win it. Every one of the lads wants to win not just the Champions League but also the Premier League.

"And we know we have a good chance, because we are in such a good position at the moment.

"This is a fantastic club with great players. We have the experience. We have the team.

"The lads know that if we carry on like this, we have a good chance to win the Champions League. But we have to take it game to game and, if we do that, we will be OK.

Confident

"I think the team improves every year. In fact, at the moment the team is brilliant. Everyone is confident. We are experiencing a good moment. We are playing nice football and with such maturity.

"If we carry on like we did in Rome, with the next game at home and at 2-0, we have a great situation.

"Maybe we are the best team at the moment. But, we must not forget you have Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona.

"Even so, we are in a very good position right now.

"To win 2-0 at a big club like Roma is a very, very good result. It is amazing to go home with that kind of result behind you.

"But it is not good if we think it is all over. We have a great chance but we still have to play well at Old Trafford."

Ronaldo was still sat in front of his armchair on his return from Italy - watching his goal against Roma.

The 23-year-old put United ahead in the first half with a thumping header but was flattened in the process.

"I don't know much about the goal because I went down injured and was in pain so I didn't enjoy it.

"I will watch it against but the lads have told me it was brilliant," he added.

Ok i added the header myself! LoL

Yeah it would be amazing if we can win the Champion's League again, even getting to a final would be a achievement since we havn't got to one since 1999... It's such a shame a club of United's size and statue has only won the CL twice in our history... United have a great squad team and squad now who have a great chance to add to that hopefully, we are in a great position... but like Cristiano said before, it's not how you start the season that's the most important but how you finish it, and we need to stay focused on each game and not get complacent and i'm sure we can do it!

Cristiano Ronaldo: I'll be Champions League king

2008-04-04T13:31:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed his burning desire to lead Manchester United to Champions League glory this season and emulate the club's European Cupwinning heroes of 1968 and 1999.

Sir Alex Ferguson has repeatedly claimed, with some justification, that a club of United's history, stature and vast resources should have more than two European Cups to their name.

And after inspiring United to a 2-0 win at Roma - which all but secured their semi-final place - Ronaldo echoed his manager, declaring his aim to deliver the continent's greatest club prize to Old Trafford for a third time.

Ronaldo was 14 and an aspiring youth player with Sporting Lisbon back in 1999 when United last won the Champions League to clinch the unprecedented Treble.
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And watching re-runs of the Sir Alex Ferguson has repeatedly claimed, with some justification, that a club of United's history, stature and vast resources should have more than two European Cups to their name.

And after inspiring United to a 2-0 win at Roma - which all but secured their semi-final place - Ronaldo echoed his manager, declaring his aim to deliver the continent's greatest club prize to Old Trafford for a third time.

Ronaldo was 14 and an aspiring youth player with Sporting Lisbon back in 1999 when United last won the Champions League to clinch the unprecedented Treble.

And watching re-runs of the dramatic 2-1 win over Bayern Munich on United's television station MUTV has given Ronaldo all the inspiration he needs to lift the famous trophy himself.

"Many times on television I've watched United winning the Champions League in 1999," said Ronaldo. "It looked incredible and it's something I want to do as well.

"I was only young at the time, but since then I have watched the match time and time again on TV at my home in Manchester and thought about winning it myself.

"I agree with the manager that United should have won it more than twice. This is a fantastic club with great players and great fans. It's the biggest club in the world.

"We have the players to win the European Cup this year, we have the experience and we have the team. So we must have a great chance.

"It's a fantastic competition and it would be such a great experience to win it. Every one of the lads wants to win the Champions League and go down in history at United."

On current form, with their swashbuckling attack led by Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, and their formidable defence marshalled by Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, United are arguably the best side in Europe.

Certainly, they are hitting their peak at just the right time, when the big prizes loom into view and the true test of a team's ability to handle the unique pressure of winning more than one trophy is applied.

Such is the confidence flooding through United's players right now, Ronaldo felt sufficiently emboldened to claim that there is no better team in Europe than Fergie's men when they are in full flow.

"Maybe we are the best team in Europe at the moment," said Ronaldo. "But we must not forget Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Barcelona are still in the tournament.

"Even so, we are in a very good position right now. To win 2-0 at a big team like Roma is a very, very good result and puts us almost in the semi-finals. And the lads know that if we carry on like this we have a great chance of winning the Champions League."

After netting his 36th goal of the season in Rome's Olympic Stadium on Tuesday night, Ronaldo looks certain to become only the third player in United's history to reach the 40-goal mark in a single campaign.

With six games left in the Premier League and potentially another four in Europe if United go all the way to the final in Moscow, it is hard to see Ronaldo failing to break the 40-goal barrier.

But rather than reflect on personal glory, Ronaldo praised the collective strength of United's side, who have come a long way since they failed to make it out of the group stage in December 2005. "I think the team has improved every year since then," he said.

"At the moment the team is brilliant, everyone is so confident. I feel the team is more mature and I'm more mature, too.

"If we can carry on like this in Europe, we'll be in a great situation.

I'm very happy to score important goals, but you must remember it's my team-mates who give me the passes.

"We know that there is a big difference between the Champions League and the Premier League. But the way we are playing right now, we feel we can win both of them."

Manchester United Training and Arriving in Rome 31.3.2008

2008-04-01T06:04:00.000-07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson claims Cristiano Ronaldo is now as good as Maradona and George Best

2008-03-31T14:17:00.000-07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson last night paid Cristiano Ronaldo the ultimate tribute by claiming he is now as good as football legends Maradona and George Best.

Ronaldo has enhanced his reputation as the No.1 player in the world with 34 goals this season, drawing comparisons with Manchester United legend Best.

And now United boss Fergie has gone a step further by claiming Ronaldo is as good at running with the ball as Argentina legend Maradona, ranked alongside Pele as the greatest player of all-time.

"Ronaldo's speed is amazing," said Fergie. "He's so quick. His speed with the ball is the real asset he has.
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"He's probably just as quick running with the ball as he is without it.

There have been a few players like that in the past. Maradona ran at great speed with the ball at his feet and Ronaldo is similar.

"That's the thing that bemuses defenders. When a player like Ronaldo is running at them at such speed, it makes life very difficult for them."

Although Fergie had resisted comparing Ronaldo to Best, for fear it would place unnecessary pressure on the 23-year-old, the United boss conceded he can now see remarkable similarities.

"There are certainly similarities between them," said Fergie. "When George played as a winger I don't think he ever stayed still. He roamed from side to side - he played on the right, left and through the middle.

"I've looked at George's goals and a lot of Cristiano's are similar. He started from wide positions before cutting inside.

"It's the same with Ronaldo. If he's taking a corner from the left-hand side or maybe takes a run into the centre of the park and the game breaks down, he often just carries on wandering over there.

"I have absolutely no control over that, none at all, but I don't worry, because that's the great thing about expression and individuality.

"It doesn't concern me because whoever is on the other side immediately switches over. Whether it's Ryan Giggs, Nani, Ji-Sung Park, whoever."

Ronaldo has already broken Best's 40-year-old record of 32 goals for a United winger and is aiming to hit the 40-mark before the season is out.

Despite beating Best's tally, Ronaldo is still some way off United's individual record for goals scored in a single season, set by Denis Law 44 years ago, when he scored 46 times.

"Denis was a fantastic player, my hero, but I didn't know about that record," said Fergie. "That even beats my record when I was playing. I scored 45 in 51 games for Dunfermline back in 1965-66."

Meanwhile, Ronaldo's pal Anderson admits he cannot stop smiling during his 'dream' first season at United.

The Brazilian has started nearly half of United's games since his £17million move from Porto last summer.

And this week the attacking midfielder won his fourth full cap in the Brazil team which beat Sweden at the Emirates.

He said: "I am only 19 and I didn't expect to be playing so much - this first season has gone like a dream for me.

"I am very happy because when I arrived at Manchester United they gave me great support after I spent about eight months injured with a broken leg at Porto.

"It was a wonderful beginning to start playing and play well and this is reflected in the way I feel now. I am very confident and very relaxed. I hope we go on to win the title and the Champions League."

Why David Beckham can never be England's Cristiano Ronaldo

2008-03-28T12:14:00.000-07:00

Fabio Capello believes that David Beckham can be England's answer to Cristiano Ronaldo. There is one problem with this. He can't. It is one thing to attempt to recreate Wayne Rooney in the image of Fernando Torres because there are so few alternatives and, given time, it might work. Recasting Beckham as Ronaldo, however, is to fly in the face of reason. Even were Beckham at his peak it would be a fantastic suggestion.

Their styles are so different as to be almost beyond compare. If Capello had Franck Ribéry, of France, at his disposal, perhaps yes, he could dream. He does not, though, and this departure from reality is worrying. The arrival of a flint-hearted Italian pragmatist was intended to apply a swift dose of reality to English football, the bucket of cold water in the face that would awaken our game to its foibles and failings. Instead, Capello is already sounding like his predecessors. Mired in delusion; whistling to keep his spirits up.

The game against France on Wednesday suggested that there is little future for Beckham at international level in a starting role. It was not that he had a poor game in comparison with his team-mates or looked out of place in an England team who kept the ball albeit without purpose or impetus, more that he compounded certain weaknesses in the team and did not offer so much in other areas.

This England team lack pace and desperately need one wide player who will change that. Nobody wants to hear it, but the instincts of Steve McClaren were correct. When he left Beckham out after the World Cup in 2006 it was because he felt the team were sluggish and, with the player restored, so were the old problems.

So while it is true that a succession of replacements, including Aaron Lennon, Shaun Wright-Phillips and David Bentley, are yet to make the same impact as Beckham in his pomp, that does not mean the logic in seeking a youthful replacement is flawed. In Paris, with two holding midfield players shoring up the central area, England desperately needed a flying machine, a wide player with the legs to join Rooney or the courage to play high. Beckham is not that player any more.

Pace was never his strength, as he admits, but he had a phenomenal energy level that allowed him to take up a position deep in the opposition half yet still return to protect his full back. That has gone. Always diligent, Beckham's fretting about being caught out of position has negated one of his remaining attributes, his potential to deliver from dangerous areas. He should not be abandoned because his experience, the tidiness of his passing and the expertise of his dead balls can still be of use, particularly in tight matches, under pressure, but it is time to admit that he is a substitute, not a starter, if England are to move forward.

Capello was right to pick him because an assessment needed to be made against strong opposition, but his later comparison to Ronaldo was puzzling, unless he was attempting rare diplomacy. To put Beckham in the same bracket as a right-sided midfield player who has scored 34 goals this season, not including international games, to go with his 28 last year, is to overstate his potential influence by a distance of here to Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Colorado. Capello used Rooney, his striker, and Steven Gerrard, his support striker, in the positions they occupy for their clubs, but when it was pointed out that England did not have a Ronaldo to complement Rooney, or a Torres to complement Gerrard, his response was mystifying.

“Rooney played where he is playing for Manchester United, Gerrard where he is playing for Liverpool,” he said. “And I have Beckham who can be our Ronaldo, and Rooney can be our Torres. And I believe they are both good players. We didn't create enough chances from the wings and then we didn't go into the centre. That is one of the things I told the players. We didn't shoot on goal from the centre. We tried two times only in the first half.”

So, apart from the wings and the centre, the rest was OK. Perhaps the likeness of Beckham and Ronaldo referred only to their ability from free kicks. The question was clear, though, because it mentioned a supporting role to Rooney. It is unfathomable, therefore, that Capello appears unconcerned by how little connection was apparent between the Manchester United man and his midfield. If Capello is to have two sitting central players, the flanks need vibrancy if his team are not to become static. Ronaldo's game is about getting beyond his man, either from wide positions to cross or by running off him to link up with the forwards. This is the type of player England missed on Wednesday and Beckham cannot be that man, no matter how much he desires to be.

The word is that much of Capello's preparation so far has been devoted to defence. As he inherited a team that had conceded three goals at home to Croatia and failed to qualify for a leading tournament because it could not hold on for a point, this is no surprise and the closing down in midfield has certainly improved. But during the forthcoming internationals against the United States and Trinidad & Tobago, having had more time to work with his players, it must be seen that Capello's England can also introduce an element of risk.

Gerrard, Rooney and Joe Cole do not look slow for their clubs. Not Linford Christie, any of them, but considerably faster than was visible in the Stade de France. So is this loss of pace between the ears? Is England's midfield so mindful of its defensive duties that it poses little forward threat?

If Capello is to persevere with any idea from his first two matches it is surely the one that a successful England is a brave England, as stated before the Wembley game with Switzerland, and that England's future requires an injection of pace, a message delivered by his initial fancy for Gabriel Agbonlahor. Theo Walcott, like Capello's England, may be a work in progress at Arsenal, but nurturing his promise has surely to be a better option than hoping Beckham finds rapidity he never had, at the age of 32.

Soccer: Portugal's Ronaldo named Red Cross ambassador for UEFA 2008

2008-03-27T02:47:00.000-07:00

Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo has been named ambassador for the 2008 UEFA European Football Championship Score for the Red Cross online fundraising campaign that kicks of Wednesday.

A series of friendly football matches were due to take place across Europe on Wednesday. Before the matches, many national football teams, together with their National Red Cross Societies, were due to express their support for the Score for the Red Cross campaign.

UEFA will also donate 4,000 euros to the ICRC for each goal scored during the 2008 UEFA Cup.

Internet users will be able to help their favourite side win the title of "Most Humanitarian Team" by purchasing virtual goals on www.scorefortheredcross.org. They will have the chance to win attractive prizes including tickets to UEFA EURO 2008 games. The winning team will be announced on 6 July.

The Score for the Red Cross campaign, jointly organised by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), will benefit landmine victims in Afghanistan by providing them with artificial limbs, physiotherapy and vocational training.

"Landmine victims need determination and a lot of encouragement on the road to recovery. I have a lot of respect for them and I want to support them," said Ronaldo.

"The great thing about this campaign is that everyone is a winner when it comes to giving and receiving," said Ronaldo.

"The website offers football fans a chance to have fun, while making a difference. What could be better than that?"

Cristiano Ronaldo began playing football at an early age and was discovered by the Sporting Clube de Portugal at the age of 11.

How do you stop Cristiano Ronaldo?

2008-03-26T03:34:00.000-07:00

How do you stop Cristiano Ronaldo? How do you stop the apparently unstoppable? The guy is a genius. I love watching him play, the way he glides almost effortlessly past opponents. Scoring 34 goals from the wing is not bad, either. But it is time for managers to say: “No more.” If you give him freedom, he will murder you. And that is what he has been doing, time and again. Surely it is time to man-mark him, to get in his face, to shadow his every move.

I am amazed that no one has tried this tactic. OK, it is negative, it goes against every grain of the beautiful game. Accuse me of being a spoilsport and I will plead guilty. But something has to be done. Otherwise, rivals may as well pack up and go home before kick-off. All hail the magnificent Portuguese, we are not worthy.

Ronaldo may even rise above this, shrug off his marker - the irritant gnat - and make a mockery of my theory. Maybe he is even better than we think he is; maybe there is no way to blunt his effervescence. Perhaps he is unstoppable. But let us see how he likes a stalking horse alongside him.

Years ago, the Italians turned it into an art form. Pick out the dangerman, attach your limpet, watch him squirm in frustration. Only recently, Carlo Ancelotti, the AC Milan coach, complained of such treatment meted out to Kaká, the brilliant Brazilian. With a one-on-one tracker, his influence waned. It can be done.

In my playing days, we used to call them “Nobbers”. And there's plenty about today who could do the job. Abou Diaby at Arsenal, Papa Bouba Diop at Fulham, John Obi Mikel at Chelsea, Lassana Diarra at Portsmouth. Rangy, athletic and lively lads who would be up for their up-close-and-personal assignment.

When I was at Gillingham we had a cup game against Tottenham Hotspur. Keith Peacock, our manager, said that he had no plans of using the man-to-man option on Glenn Hoddle. I thought: “Hang on a minute, I'm not sure about this. Is this wise?” Hoddle sprayed the ball everywhere, he ran the show, he ruined us. And we lost 4-2.

When Ronaldo gets the ball, he is off and running. Unpredictable, uncatchable. Head up, glancing around for available team-mates, weaving his magic. Yet cut out his possession at source, suffocate his free spirit and sow doubt into his mind, and you have a chance. A slight chance.

I hate to advocate this. Ronaldo is maturing into one of the most exciting players on the planet. Long may he prosper. But for every shimmy and shake of his hips, there must be a solution. At least give it a go. Bring on the Nobber.

njured Ronaldo pull out of Portugal squad

2008-03-24T15:05:00.000-07:00

LISBON - Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani have been ruled out of Portugal's Euro 2008 warm-up with Greece in Duesseldorf, Germany on Wednesday due to injuries, the Portuguese Football Federation said on Monday.

Ronaldo and Nani, who both scored in United's 3-0 win over Liverpool on Sunday, are suffering from leg muscle problems, the federation said on its Web site .

"We proposed to coach that the players be released from the squad and he accepted," squad doctor Henrique Jones was quoted as saying. No replacements were named.

Portugal are in Group A with Czech Republic, co-hosts Switzerland and Turkey in the Euro 2008 finals in June.

How Cristiano Ronaldo works free-kick magic

2008-03-23T02:14:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo's free-kick technique has been revealed: he is so obsessed with learning to put effect on the ball that he even practises it playing table-tennis.

Leonel Pontes, who was youth coach at Ronaldo's former club Sporting Lisbon, recalls: "He'd say, 'look boss, if you hit it this way with the bat, the ball gains this effect. This is how to do it'.

"There was no beating him at table tennis, even when he was 13 or 14. He was the same at football. He was able to say that if you touch the ball in a certain way, it would gain that direction.

"He always wanted to be the best, the strongest, the one who scored the most goals, did the best dribbles. He was terrible for challenges."

According to Pontes, Ronaldo, 23, was disappointed to be named only third best footballer in the world in Fifa's awards, but that will spur him on: "From the moment he was named third, it's a challenge. Ambitious people need challenges. At the age of 11 we saw that he had potential. His own team-mates, when he arrived, noticed the difference. They said that Cristiano played a lot. When he was a youth player the senior players asked if he could train with them.

"He's reached an unbelievable level and it's extraordinary what he's done so far. Most players who have achieved stardom did so later. For example, Luis Figo's performances grew, he reached his best level at the age of 25/26, received the Balon D'or at the age of 28 and was the best in the world at 29."

"There was no beating him at table tennis, even when he was 13 or 14. He was the same at football. He was able to say that if you touch the ball in a certain way, it would gain that direction.

"He always wanted to be the best, the strongest, the one who scored the most goals, did the best dribbles. He was terrible for challenges."

According to Pontes, Ronaldo, 23, was disappointed to be named only third best footballer in the world in Fifa's awards, but that will spur him on: "From the moment he was named third, it's a challenge. Ambitious people need challenges. At the age of 11 we saw that he had potential. His own team-mates, when he arrived, noticed the difference. They said that Cristiano played a lot. When he was a youth player the senior players asked if he could train with them.

"He's reached an unbelievable level and it's extraordinary what he's done so far. Most players who have achieved stardom did so later. For example, Luis Figo's performances grew, he reached his best level at the age of 25/26, received the Balon D'or at the age of 28 and was the best in the world at 29."

* Ferguson tells his players to show referees respect

He said: "I only think about maintaining the consistency of my performances."

Cristiano Ronaldo the world's best player?

2008-03-20T10:52:00.001-07:00

One man might not make a team, but Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo seems hell bent on single-handedly retaining Manchester United's Premier League crown this season.

His latest two-goal salvo against Bolton last night not only saw United move three points clear at the top of the table but took his goal tally to 33 in all competitions for the season.

The Portuguese winger, who was made captain for Bolton's visit, has eclipsed George Best's 40-year-old record of 32 goals from a United winger in a season, and he shows no signs of letting up in his mission to score 30 league goals this term.

Ronaldo is one goal off equalling Ruud Van Nistelrooy's 24-goal league haul and has eight remaining Premier League matches left in order to set a new club record starting with the contest against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.

While United have not struggled in front of goal this season - they have scored 86 in all competitions - Ronaldo is the only United player to have scored in their last four matches, scoring the match winners in United's triumphs over Lyon in the second leg of the Champions League and their 1-0 win over Derby.

Ronaldo's latest goal heroics, which included another trademark freekick, has seen him lavished with praise from rival managers with Bolton manager Gary Megson leading the tributes to the 23-year-old.

"The second goal was genius," said Megson of Ronaldo's 30-yard free-kick. "I honestly don't know how he does it. Even my lads were talking about it."

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp echoed Megson's view when he said: "The kid's a genius.

"He's built like the Incredible Hulk with skill like you've never seen. He's a special talent. Kaká is a brilliant player but I wouldn’t swap him for Ronaldo - a wide player who will get you 20-odd goals a season."

Despite another star performance, Ronaldo was keen to attribute United's victory, which moved them ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea in the race for the title, down to a strong team effort.

He said: "It is not just about my work and my goals, my team-mates help me a lot in my career. At the moment I feel very good about my form.

"The team is the most important thing. When you win and when you score it is great. I feel very happy."

Ronaldo's goal exploits

Goals 33
Premier League 24
FA Cup 3
Champions League 6

Feats & Streaks
Doubles 9
Hat-Tricks 1
Free-kicks 5
Longest scoring streak 6
Longest streak without scoring 4
# Ronaldo has had more shots on goal (104) and more shots on target (59) in the league than any other player this season.
# He has scored five goals against Newcastle, the most against any team this season.
# His longest streak without scoring this season is four games, his first four of the season.

Alex Ferguson fears thugs will drive Cristiano Ronaldo to Spain

2008-03-16T08:53:00.000-07:00

Sir Alex Ferguson fears Cristiano Ronaldo could be kicked out of English football by ruthless hard men.

Fergie's fury about the treatment meted out to his Portuguese winger in Manchester United's FA Cup quarter-final defeat by Portsmouth last week has not subsided.

And Ronaldo's confession that he is now running scared of football's tough guys has intensified fears that the 23-year-old will look to escape Old Trafford for Barcelona or Real Madrid this summer.

Ferguson said: "I just hope that what is going on doesn't drive him out of our game."
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"Some of the tackles that Cristiano has to put up with are a big concern for us.

"He could look at it and say he will get more protection in Europe - that's what happens, there's no doubt about it.

"We are faced with is trying to encourage Cristiano and assure him all the benefits of being a Manchester United player are good. That's vital."

"Some of the treatment he got against Portsmouth drives you mad."

Portsmouth assistant manager Tony Adams said: "It is rubbish to say we had made Ronaldo a target."

Cristiano Ronaldo scores late winner for Man United in 1-0 win over Derby

2008-03-15T13:08:00.000-07:00

LONDON - Cristiano Ronaldo scored a late winner for Manchester United in a 1-0 win over bottom club Derby in the Premier League on Saturday.
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Chelsea kept pace by beating Sunderland by the same margin.

United now has 67 points - one more than Arsenal, which plays Birmingham later Saturday - after dominating the match at Pride Park. John Terry scored for Chelsea, giving it 64 points.

Liverpool rallied for a 2-1 win over Reading after Fernando Torres scored the winner for his 20th league goal of the season. In other matches Saturday, it was: Portsmouth 2, Aston Villa 0; Sunderland 0, Chelsea 1; and West Ham 2, Blackburn 1.

United had numerous chances in the first half - Ryan Giggs sent a header into the arms of Derby goalkeeper Roy Carroll and sent another two shots wide, Ronaldo curled a chance wide and struck the post and Wayne Rooney had a shot saved.

Derby forced United goalkeeper Ben Foster into two saves near the end of the half, stopping shots from Mile Sterjovski and Kenny Miller. It was Foster's first start since he joined the club in July 2005 because Edwin van der Sar was sidelined with a groin injury and second-choice Tomasz Kuszczak was suspended.

Carroll, who played at United between 2001 and 2005, stopped Ronaldo's free kick and a header in the space of a minute in the second half and the Portuguese winger then sent a free kick wide before he finally scored in the 76th minute. He took a cross from Rooney and volleyed the ball past Carroll for his 22nd league goal and 31st overall this season.

Derby, which is almost certain to be relegated, now hasn't won in the league in 24 matches.

Ronaldo: Refs don't protect us

2008-03-09T05:39:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo feels he is not given enough protection from referees and fears suffering a serious injury.

The United winger was denied a clear penalty against Portsmouth in the FA Cup quarter final defeat at Old Trafford. That incident, coupled with persistent fouling throughout the game, has heightened a long-felt opinion that the Portuguese winger is not protected by referees.

"It's very frustrating, the referee today was unbelievable," he told MUTV. "He didn't want to give the penalty, he didn't want to give yellow cards - sometimes I'm very disappointed.

"The refs don't protect the skilful players. I think about the Arsenal player (Eduardo) and I'm scared sometimes to do skills because some players do unbelievable fouls and the ref protects the defender, not the skilled player! It's very disappointing and I'm thinking a lot about changing my game because this is happening. When referees don't give penalties and don't give yellow cards or reds, it's difficult to play like that."

Sir Alex Ferguson was aghast that referee Martin Atkinson did not award a penalty for Sylvain Distin's bodycheck on Ronaldo in the seventh minute, as was Ronaldo.

"He (Distin) didn't try to take the ball," added Ronny. "He came straight to me. It's difficult to play football when this happens. It's a joke."

And it wasn't just refereeing decisions that disappointed the 22-year-old. His frustration of losing a tie United dominated was clearly evident.

"We lost today, everyone is disappointed because we were the best team," he said. "We created ten chances while Portsmouth created just one. It's frustrating to lose like that.

"We controlled the game all the time in the first half and the second half. But we didn't score. When you score, you win the games but we didn't score. I think we played well, we created many chances, Carrick had one cleared off the line, Patrice hit the post... this happens in football. We had a great chance to win the FA Cup but we need to think now about the Premier League and the Champions League. These are the priorities."

Betting: Ronaldo's goals

2008-02-28T08:42:00.001-08:00

Betfred have opened a market on how many Premier League goals Cristiano Ronaldo will score this season after the United winger edged closer to all sorts of records with his double against Newcastle.

The Portuguese star now has 21 league goals and he's 11/2 to bag exactly 33 and surpass Dennis Viollet's club record of 32 set in 1959/60. He's 12/1 to end the season with 34 and equal the Premier League record held by Andrew Cole (1993/94) and Alan Shearer (1994/95) - and both achieved their tallies over 42 games instead of the present 38.

To claim the outright record for himself by amassing 35 or more league goals this season, Ronaldo is a 25/1 shot.

Fred Done, a lifelong Reds fan and boss of Betfred, United’s official betting partner, said: “It’s one of the more pleasant ways of losing money but Ronaldo has cost me a fortune this season because punters just keep piling on him to score. I thought I would try to claw a bit back by opening this market.

“If he's to equal or better Dennis Viollet’s record he'll need to average a goal a game from now on. It won't be easy - United still have to play Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool - but the other games include Fulham, Derby and Wigan.”

Astrologer analyses Ronaldo

2008-02-23T09:49:00.000-08:00

Rough translation:

Ronaldo analyzed for Cristina Candeias (Astrologa) Cristiano Ronaldo was born the 5 of February of 1985, to the 10,20 of the morning, in the Hospital of the Funchal, the Wood. One day, hour and private place itself and that the zodiac received with deference, as observed Cristina Candeias, appraised astróloga Portuguese. "the sky conspired so that it is who is", analyzed the specialist, who before the coordinates mentioned above made the map astral, "intemporal", of the madeirense, international prodigy, reference of the Manchester United, to the 23 years. "Cristiano Ronaldo is of the solar sign Aquarium and has as ascending Sheep. It is a good linking.

The element air is understood well with the fire, is two very good polarities. We can exactly say that, before this conjuncture, it it is a force of the nature ", explained to the Maisfutebol. "the map astral represents the B.I. of the soul, having in account that has only the date, the hour and the place and each person is born necessarily in the date, hour and place where the planets are in mathematical tunning with karma individual of the person. It is not to toa that each person is born in the day where is born. E, obviously, has the factor luck in its subject [ map ], that it goes to follow it all the life ", clarified Cristina Candeias. The destiny of Cristiano Ronaldo, in that to the career it respects, is far of being melodicamente sad. He is glad, ambitious and successful. "It has the signs all married with the houses. This only happens in ten percent of the people. Is strengthened energy, therefore it has the sign of the money in the house of the money, of the love in the one of amor¿Also the Amália Rodrigues had Neptuno in the Way it Sky, relative to the career. Neptuno represents the myth. E Amália was and will be always a myth ", analyzed.

Success guaranteed in 2008 This time and the next one goes to mark, decisively, the resume of the extremity, in the interpretation of Cristina Candeias. "At this moment Saturn it is to pass for the house of the work, what it means that in two years goes to consolidate the career. It started in the Summer of 2007 and draws out until the o Summer of 2009. 2008 go to be of concretion." Bocadinho lacked to one thus the Cristiano Ronaldo, the third better player of the world for the FIFA, after Kaká (Milan) and Messi (Barcelona). The Portuguese of the Manchester United did not like to have been in the last place of the pódio, he public did not hide it in the images in direct that they had run the globe and the explanation could not be simpler. To be good, either to play, to train or to invent new tricks, is a permanent challenge. "It denotes great stubbornness and inflexibilidade in that it respects to the mental part. It does not like to be opposed in work questions and it does not like to lose. This is not necessarily sinónimo of humildade lack, only one characteristic of its personality ", examined the astróloga. "the ascending Sheep [ of Cristiano Ronaldo and that it represents the physical body ] likes to be leader, is enterprising and everything to that where it enters is for earning. It has a competitive spirit very accented ", added.

Sensible yes and ingenuous also "Cristiano Ronaldo makes look like, in my opinion, to be a person of few smiles. But naivety is endowed with a sensitivity very great e also. He is much friend of its friend and can inclusively be harmed in prol of these. It lacks a certain malice to it, even for not seeing itself involved in definitive histories ", commented Cristina Candeias. The guilt is of the goddess of the love and, for the porting side, still well that thus it happens. "it does not see badly and it believes surplus in the others. But Vénus is also the goddess of the luck and who has in the ascendant means it a protecção very great ", concluded.

P.S.- Here's a little something I found about Aquariums:

100 reasons to love an Aquarius:

1. He is comfortable in the publicity light.
2. Admiring him doesn’t make him vain.
3. He has a strong character.
4. No high ideal is out of reach for him.
5. His heart desires freedom.
6. For him sex is not so important.
7. He immediately understands what’s important.
8. He doesn’t like writing, he prefers reading.
9. His kiss is usually followed by more.
10. He’s a mind-reader.
11. He looks so beautiful.
12. He’s quick to answer back.
13. He’s sweeter than chocolate.
14. His will has no restraints.
15. He knows what it means to be “proper”
16. He’s democratic.
17. His voice stands out.
18. He’s hopelessly impatient.
19. He’s conscientious.
20. There’s only one truth: his…
21. He acts dignified, even with his enemies.
22. He never betrays his ideas.
23. He keeps his promises.
24. Based on his zodiac symbol, he “brings water to the trough, without getting wet”.
25. He goes to extremes.
26. He’s faithful to his obligations.
27. His heart desires justice.
28. He always exercises at the right time.
29. He never forgets anything.
30. In his car, his back seats fold over.
31. His car has a comfortable trunk.
32. He keeps his calm in desperate situations.
33. He fights to defend the weak.
34. He ponders deeply.
35. He doesn’t lose his self-discipline.
36. He’s solid even in difficult moments.
37. He loves children.
38. Tears don’t get to him.
39. Sometimes he shields himself behind irony.
40. He improvises with grace.
41. He doesn’t need too many explanations about everything.
42. No one pays beautiful compliments like he does.
43. He can dress everyday in the same way and still look appealing.
44. He’s someone you can be proud of.
45. He has ethics.
46. He can detect innuendos.
47. He only takes the time to preoccupy himself with people that understand him.
48. He’s quick to find solutions to problems.
49. His laughter comes from the heart.
50. He’s not afraid of authority.
51. He’d rather know for a fact than assume.
52. He’s a searcher.
53. He likes the arts and anything inspiring.
54. He might say things he doesn’t mean but make them sound important.
55. He avoids saying “I love you”. It’d be too easy…
56. Even the smallest touch can cause him great emotions.
57. Sometimes he doesn’t feel comfortable offering just flowers to his loved one.
58. He’s not a hypocrite.
59. He’ll take the chance to even drive a silver car.
60. He maintains his interest for life.
61. For him, hope dies last.
62. He often acts in a different way than he feels.
63. He won’t demand something that he himself can’t give.
64. His silence is filled with words.
65. He doesn’t show jealousy.
66. He’s not a quitter.
67. He dives strongly in some things, but not to something that’s a dead-end.
68. Even his clumsiness is adorable.
69. He’s a man of his words.
70. He gives you courage.
71. He likes having free time.
72. His interest is always sincere.
73. He always has good ideas.
74. He often doesn’t recognize his own feelings.
75. Sometimes it seems like he’s frozen inside, but he maintains his laugh.
76. He wants to change everything except himself.
77. Even after 16 years of marriage, he hasn’t become boring.
78. He never hides his mood.
79. He knows how adorable he is.
80. He looks sexy even when he’s wearing eccentric clothes.
81. He sets targets.
82. He rarely goes back on his word.
83. He can’t be pressured.
84. You never know if he just came in, or went away.
85. He takes his dreams seriously.
86. He’s so emotional.
87. He has a good logic.
88. His energy never goes down.
89. He sees a lot even with just one look.
90. If he were a star in the sky, he’d be the brightest of all.
91. He’s so masculine.
92. His intelligence is disarming.
93. He likes to go to extremes.
94. Sometimes he’s content with being with himself.
95. He’s a child of winter.
96. He’s inspiring.
97. His laugh is strong enough to warm up a cold day.
98. You can’t hold a grudge to him for too long.
99. He himself is not perfect either.
100. He’s a wonderful friend.

Man United star Cristiano Ronaldo: I am the best player in the world

2008-02-08T10:16:00.000-08:00

Cristiano Ronaldo has declared himself the best player in the world and claimed he does not need any awards to prove it.

The Manchester United star lost out to AC Milan's Brazilian playmaker Kaka in the battle to be crowned European Footballer of the Year and FIFA World Player of the Year.

Kaka beat Ronaldo and Barcelona's Lionel Messi by a landslide to claim both awards but the United winger, who has maintained his sparkling form this season with 27 goals in 29 matches, reckons he is the unofficial No.1.

"I don't need to demonstrate that I am the No.1 in the world," said Ronaldo. "Over the nine months of the season the work you do will show who really is the best. If I am named the best in the world, it won't be a surprise to me.
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"I'm 23 now and I never believed I would find myself in such a privileged position in the world of football, playing at the highest level for a club of United's standing.

"But now I am fully prepared for the biggest challenges that lie ahead for me as a player. I want to win everything - the Premier League, the Champions League and Euro 2008, because I am very ambitious."

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has already endorsed Ronaldo's claim to be the best player in the world on current form and has hailed as "amazing" his star player's goal-scoring form for the second season running.

Ronaldo notched 23 goals last term and has already surpassed that with a third of the campaign remaining, something Fergie believes makes him worthy of the title of world's best player. Ronaldo is already closing in on George Best's record 32-goal tally for a United winger in a season, set in 1967-68, a feat which saw the Old Trafford legend crowned European Footballer of the Year.

With Ronaldo only five goals shy of that tally and with 14 games left for United in the Premier League, in addition to Champions League and FA Cup duties, the Portuguese has every chance of beating the total of Best (left) and setting a new record.

Ronaldo has improved on his goal return every year since he joined United in the summer of 2003 as a virtual unknown at the age of 18. He managed six goals in his first season, nine the next and 12 the season after that.

But it was last term when Ronaldo turned on the style to scoop every gong going, including the PFA Player of the Year and Footballer of the Year awards, which he looks set to retain.

Despite his success at United and deserved status as their most influential player, Ronaldo has repeated his desire to one day play in Spain - and also revealed his admiration for Italian football.

"I am certain over my desire to play in Spain at some stage," said Ronaldo.

"But that is not significant at the moment. I love playing for United and I am very happy in England. Italy is another league that is very attractive to me."

Despite being one of the most fouled players in the Premier League, Ronaldo insisted he is not deliberately targeted by opponents.

"I suffer many kicks, but I don't think that my rivals have a desire to injure me," said Ronaldo, who was 23 on Tuesday.

"My birthday was special," he added. "I was on international duty with the Portugal squad and without my family, but I was with good companions so I was content."

Ronaldo's £4m Mansion United

2008-02-05T14:58:00.000-08:00

CRISTIANO Ronaldo has celebrated becoming the Premier League’s highest-paid star by buying this £4million pad.

Downmarket ... family home on Madeira

Left behind ... hotshot’s previous home

Decadent digs ... Ronaldo’s swish new pad

The Man Utd winger, 23 today, is set to sign a £44million contract to keep him at Old Trafford until 2014 — earning him £7million A YEAR.

And he has wasted no time moving into the fabulous five-bedroom mansion, which boasts an indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, gym, cinema room and media suite.

Portuguese international Ronaldo, raised in a tin shack on Madeira, paid £3,895,000 for the property, with three floors and majestic countryside views.

The Alderley Edge house is close to team-mate Rio Ferdinand and just two miles from Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ronaldo was keen to leave behind the home in Woodford, Cheshire, where he romped with vice girls last year.

A source said: “This new place is absolutely awesome.”

The secrets behind Cristiano Ronaldo's wonder free kick

2008-02-03T05:46:00.000-08:00

Secrets of what Fergie says is Prem's greatest free-kick

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed the mental and physical regime he follows that has helped the Manchester United winger to become the best free-kick taker in the world.

The Portuguese star's stunning 30-yard set-piece in United's 2-0 triumph over Portsmouth on Wednesday was described by Sir Alex Ferguson as the finest in Premier League history and one of the best he had ever seen.

Ronaldo refused to reveal the secret trick that enables him to hit the ball at such a ferocious pace, while still ensuring it dips enough to hit the target, but he did explain the meticulous routine that leads up to his showstoppers.

The 22-year-old ace, who has now scored 27 goals from 28 matches this season, said: "The secret? I will not reveal it, for I would be giving a trump card to my opponents.

"I can state only the success or failure at the moment of taking the free-kick is directly related to the position of the body, the way one runs towards the ball and the way one positions one's feet. At that moment, I think only about which side of the net I'm going to aim for.

"I look at the ball, I look at the net and I say to myself 'take the kick, Ronaldo', then I shoot. Sometimes it ends well, sometimes not so well.

"At United we have Ryan Giggs - who is very good at taking free-kicks - Wayne Rooney and me. In the Portuguese national team, besides myself, there is Simao, Deco and Petit.

"It all depends on where the foul was committed and the area of the field where that particular player excels in their own direct free-kicks."

Fergie raved: "I've seen a lot of stuff written about how Cristiano's free-kicks are all to do with the way he places the ball or strikes it on the valve, but the bottom line is the boy practises and practises.

"He's always out there at the end of training, banging balls in after the session has ended."

United defender Nemanja Vidic also reckons Ronaldo's dedication is the reason for his spectacular strikes and remarkable goal-haul.

He said: "Ronnie's free-kick was unbelievable, the best goal I've seen in a game I've been playing in. He practises free-kicks all the time in training and stays behind when everyone else has gone.

"Not just free-kicks, he practises dribbling, crossing, shooting, everything. If you work as hard as he does, you get your rewards."

Ronaldo has already beaten his 25-goal haul from last season and has his sights set on beating George Best's total of 32, set 40 years ago, which remains a record for a United winger.

Ferguson was no doubt joking when he said he would hand Ronaldo a pay rise if his star player - who has 19 Premier League goals so far this term - made it to the 30-mark. But with 14 games to go in the title race and Ronaldo scoring at the rate of at least one goal a game, he has every chance of reaching that milestone.

"The goals I have scored are a consequence of the confidence I have," said Ronaldo. "The fact I am able to get into the penalty area more frequently, can be put down to my development."

THE BALL

Nike's Total 90 Aerow II Hi-Vis ball has a six-Wing carbon latex bladder which the manufacturers claim "reverberates energy when struck, propelling it off the foot at a faster rate." It is believed Ronaldo kicks the valve of the ball which sends air rushing through it, altering its movement in the air.

King of the continent

2008-02-02T06:01:00.000-08:00

Cristiano Ronaldo's scoring spree has not only shot him to the top of the Barclays Premier League's goals chart, he's also leading the way in the continent's top five leagues.

The United number 7's haul of 19 goals in 20 league games is unmatched in England, Italy, France, Spain or Germany. In Italy, the in-form striker is David Trezeguet of Juventus with 15 goals in Serie A, while Karim Benzema of Lyon - United's next Champions League opponents - is top scorer in France's Ligue 1, also with 15 goals.

Luis Fabiano of Seville and Real Zaragoza's Diego Milito are both in the running for Spain's Pichichi trophy, awarded to La Liga's top goalscorer, both with 14 goals.

In Germany's Bundesliga, four players are locked on nine goals - Bayern Munich's Luca Toni and Miroslav Klose, Diego of Werder Bremen and Rafael van der Vaart of Hamburg.

Ronaldo's main challenger for the European Golden Boot is Ajax's Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, top scorer in Holland with 20 goals. However, it's Ronaldo's goal haul that has got everyone talking across the continent. No wonder Sir Alex is convinced the Portuguese winger is about to rewrite the record books.

"His goals invite comparison with George Best who became United's highest-scoring winger when he hit 32 goals in the 1967/68 season on his way to being voted European Footballer of the Year," commented the United boss in his Portsmouth programme notes.

"Considering he is scoring at the rate of almost a goal a game, I certainly won't be betting against him joining Best in the record books!"

Now with 27 goals in all competitions, neither will anyone else.

30 goals to be Ronaldough!

2008-01-29T13:39:00.000-08:00

30 goals to be Ronaldough!

ALEX FERGUSON has told Cristiano Ronaldo he is up for a pay rise — if he hits 30 league goals!

Ronaldo is already one of United’s top earners on £90,000 a week.

And Manchester United manager Ferguson might have only been joking.

But the Portuguese superstar could just hold him to it if he can achieve what the boss thinks is impossible.

Ronaldo has already bagged 25 goals from 27 appearances this season — after an FA Cup double against Spurs on Sunday — and 17 of those have come in the Premier League.

Ferguson said: “With Ronaldo having scored 25 goals already there is the potential for him to score 30 this season, without question. He’s not that far off and has a strong chance.

“I’m not sure that he is capable of scoring 30 league goals, though. I think that is a different matter entirely.

“Achieving that would be more difficult and it’s a big ask — but if he does manage it, I’ll pay him more money!”

Ferguson is not putting any of his own cash on the table after losing last season’s bet that Ronaldo would not get 20 goals in all competitions.

The United chief added: “I had a bet with him last season and I lost, so there was no bet this time around. I’m making sure I keep my money.

“When this season started, people were asking whether Ronaldo could get 23 goals as he did last season. I said ‘why not?’ because the boy is such an exceptional talent.”

His team-mates believe the 22-year-old wing wonder can only improve.

Owen Hargreaves said: “Cristiano can do even better. He just wants to be the best and you can see that in him.

“There is no doubt, he will get there — if he is not there now. It has got to the point now where you would be surprised if he didn't score.” (wow, i see it comeing..."What he didn't score? So he was shite or what?!" Roll Eyes )

Sunday’s 3-1 victory was another step towards a repeat of the 1999 Treble — although they now host Arsenal in the FA Cup fifth round.

United, who are top of the League and in the last 16 of the Champions League, will be looking for revenge after the Gunners beat them on penalties in the 2005 final.

Hargreaves added: “Hopefully we will get to Wembley, I’ve never played there.”

Fergie sets new challenge for Ronaldo

2008-01-27T03:08:00.000-08:00

Manchester manager says Ronaldo won't make 30.

Alex Ferguson has made a new bet with Cristiano Ronaldo. The Manchester manager has challenged Ronaldo to score 30 goals in the Premier League this season. Last season Ferguson lost his bet.

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 23 goals so far this season, 17 of which in the Premier League. But Alex Ferguson has bet that his star player won't make it to 30 by the end of the season. That's 13 goals he'll have to score in 15 games.

As to the wager, so far neither coach nor player have been forthcoming, although last season it is well known that Fergie had to cough up 600 euros. On that occasion he had bet Ronaldo he wouldn't score 15 goals all season and lost.

After losing Ferguson told SIC he hadn't wanted to pay up but he was already working on a tougher bet this season to get his money back.

Cristiano Ronaldo is the top scoring player in all of Europe this season. He closed his tally in 2007 as the best goalscorer in Europe, having scored 60 goals in 35 games, at the service of Manchester United and Portugal.

Ronaldo Enjoying United Life

2008-01-25T12:08:00.000-08:00

Cristiano Ronaldo has thanked his Manchester United team-mates for the "great passes" that have helped him score 23 goals this season.

Ronaldo could overtake his best ever seasonal goals tally for the club on Sunday against Tottenham in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

And with four months of the campaign still to run, Sir Alex Ferguson has tipped the Portugal international to hit the 30 mark.

Ronaldo said: "I am enjoying my career at the moment as we are playing some nice football. But I need to say thanks to my team-mates. They help me a lot.

"They give me great passes and give me confidence. I appreciate that. Maybe I score more goals than my colleagues but they also help the team."

Ronaldo, most recently on target in the 2-0 Premier League victory against Reading, admits he is in shock at topping the scoring charts.

"I am very happy to be leading the way but it is more important the team wins," said Ronaldo, who has scored 17 league goals, two ahead of Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor.

"To be honest I am a bit surprised to have already equalled my total of 23 from last season.

"Now I want to improve, so I will continue to work hard in the hope of getting more goals."

United go into the Tottenham game on the back of four straight wins and four clean sheets.

Ferguson's side are a potent blend of attacking flair and defensive solidity and, despite a punishing schedule since before Christmas, the players are not wilting.

In fact it is quite the opposite, according to Ronaldo.

He added: "We have a good fitness coach. I feel good, I feel strong.

"The games are tough, especially as we have Arsenal and Chelsea around us at the top of the league.

"We need to be strong, both physically and mentally. At this moment the lads are very fit."

Paul Scholes is poised to make his comeback from a knee operation in the fourth-round tie while Gary Neville is due to start training on Saturday following a long-standing ankle problem.

Scholes, 33, could be named as substitute at Old Trafford after a three-month absence.

He last played in October and is back on the scene with United chasing success on three fronts - Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup.

Ferguson said: "Paul was starting training today at a competitive level. His rehabilitation has gone really well.

"It is just a question of how well he comes through the session but he could be on the bench. He will bring experience at an important part of the season.

"We have 15 league games left and hopefully a few more European ties as well.

"We are very buoyed by Paul coming back, he is like a new signing for us."

Ferguson believes the squad are refreshed after a four-day visit to Saudi Arabia, where they played in a testimonial match.

They arrived back last night and he said: "I enjoyed the trip. The banter was terrific and there was a good camaraderie between the players.

"With it being a nice climate out there, we has some good training sessions. It went okay for us."

Ferguson expects Tottenham to be fired up following the 5-1 victory against fierce rivals Arsenal which secured their place in the Carling Cup final and a match with Chelsea.

"They will be really buoyed by that result," he added.

"Maybe it wasn't the strongest Arsenal team but you still have to do your job. I don't think they can complain."

It's good he recognizes his team-mates, i said it before you need the team all helping each other, and it has so far, even the new players have settled in well.

Hes been modest about his goals, hes also had to finish his chances too and some of them have been great goals, so credit to him mostly hes having another amazing season.

Cristiano is settled into a very good team who know him well, why he would want to leave is beyond me (if he does).

Let's hope he continues this way.

Al Hilal 3 Man Utd 2: CRISTIANO RONALDO opened up his box of magic tricks

2008-01-22T13:54:00.000-08:00

Al Hilal 3 Man Utd 2

CRISTIANO RONALDO opened up his box of magic tricks and wowed the Kingdom of Saud.

He was greeted by 65,000 in the King Fahd Stadium as if he was one of their own.

The Portuguese star responded like he always does — by entertaining those who have come to enjoy the beautiful game.

Here last night, Ronaldo continued his quest for world domination.

They went mad in Seoul, Macau and Guangzhou in the summer.

Now he has been a hit on United’s first trip to the Middle East.

While he has learned to simplify his game to an extent at home, nights like this are for flicks and tricks.

The defenders were bamboozled, the crowd amazed. A volleyed backheel brought a gasp.

Then a blistering burst of pace set up the equaliser after Al Hilal had taken a surprise lead through Yasser Al Gahtane on 19 minutes.

Ronaldo skipped between two opponents on halfway, leaving them skidding into each other.

Then he picked out a diagonal pass for Carlos Tevez, who clipped a shot back across the keeper.

Ronaldo then gave United the lead on 33 minutes, with a glancing header from Nani’s corner.

This game was to honour the retirement of 163-cap Saudi Arabia legend Sami Al Jaber — so it was only right the man should score, netting a penalty after being clipped by Rio Ferdinand.

With Ronaldo replaced at half-time, United lost much of their potency and went behind to Bader Al Khoraeshe’s overhead kick, before Danny Welbeck, 17, missed a last-minute penalty.

Boss Alex Ferguson said: “It was a good open match and we are delighted for Sami to get a crowd like that.”

----

GRAEME MURTY has got his Ronaldo shirt back.

The Reading captain swapped tops with him after Saturday’s 2-0 loss to United.

Furious Murty then had it swiped from the home dressing room.

But the shirt has been returned after what appears to be a prank by team-mates. LoL LoL LoL

Giggs Hails Ronaldo

2008-01-20T02:31:00.000-08:00

RYAN Giggs believes Cristiano Ronaldo is better than any winger he has played with - and he can only get better.

The veteran has seen a few superstar wide men come and go in his time at Manchester United.

But he says the Portuguese superstar has already eclipsed Andrei Kanchelskis, Lee Sharpe and David Beckham.

"He's at the top," he said when asked where he ranks Ronaldo in the list of players he has featured with. "Because of his performances and his goalscoring record.

"And he can get better and better. He's only young but he's playing really well for us.

"His goalscoring form is brilliant for us. It's unbelievable for a midfielder to score that amount of goals. He just contributes to the team whether scoring or making goals."

With 16 goals, Ronaldo is already just one behind the record Premier League total for a midfielder, the mark he set last season.

Giggs is stunned his team-mate has already become what he believes is the best player in the world and is ready to pass on all his advice to bring on the 22-year-old.

Improvement

"I think he's willing to learn off other players and the coaches and management," he added. "The improvement he's had since he came from Sporting has been so quick. I don't think anyone thought he would be, in my view, the best player in the world at the moment.

"Players usually peak in their late 20s so it's encouraging he's playing so well.

"Your all round game can improve, no matter how good you are or how old you are so I think he can improve even more."

And team-mate Nemanja Vidic endorses Giggs' view.

"We are very strong with him in our side," he said.

Meanwhile, Irish firebrand Stephen Hunt believes United will underestimate Reading at their peril.

The Royals missed an FA Cup trip to Old Trafford after losing to Spurs in a third round replay on Tuesday.

But having drawn at the Theatre of Dreams on the opening day of the season, Steve Coppell's side are looking to go one better.

Target

"They won't take us lightly," insisted Hunt, a recent target for Sunderland boss Roy Keane.

"After the results last year and the draw up at their place in August we look forward to it.

"It is a tough game for us, but we are the home team and have to have a go."

Hunt admits Reading are finding life tougher in the top flight this term after going close to a Uefa Cup spot last term.

"Last year we had the privilege of enjoying ourselves, and that was a real bonus," said Hunt.

"It is up to the players to respond to the pressure, and you have to thrive on the pressure.

"We are good enough to stay up, for sure, but it is all about how we deal with the pressure."

Awww it's really nice of Giggsy to say that (i agree), Cristiano can keep learning alot from him as-long as hes at United.

Cristiano Ronaldo Statistics

2008-01-16T14:03:00.000-08:00

Full Name:

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro

Date of Birth: February 5, 1985 (1985-02-05)

Height: 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)

Place of Birth: Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

Weight: 82.9kg

Youth Football Clubs:

CF Andorinha
CD Nacional
Sporting Clube de Portugal

Proffesional Football Career Stats -

Clubs:

Sporting Clube de Portugal (2001-2003) -

Appearences: 26 -

14 starts, 12 appearences as substitute,

Goals:

3

Cards:

Yellow Cards: 1

Red Cards: 0

Manchester United (2003 - present) -

Appearences: 215 -

174 starts, 41 appearences as a substitute

Goals:

72 (51 in the English Premier League, 10 in the FA Cup, 9 in the Champion's League and 2 in the League Cup)

Cards:

Yellow Cards: 28 (20 in the English Premier League, 5 in the Champion's League, 2 in the League Cup and 1 in the FA Cup)

Red Cards: 3 (all in the English Premier League)

Portugal National Team (2003 - present) -

Appearences: 53 -

50 starts, 3 appearences as a substitute

Goals:

20

Cards:

Yellow Cards: 9

Red Cards: 0

Team Honours -

Manchester United:

FA Premier League: 2006-2007
FA Premier League: Runner Up: 2005-06
FA Cup: 2004
FA Cup Runners Up: 2005, 2007
Football League Cup: 2006
Community Shield: 2007

Portugal National team:

UEFA Euro 2004: Runner-up

Personal Honours/Recognition -

PFA Players' Player of the Year: 2007
PFA Young Player of the Year: 2007
PFA Fans' Player of the Year: 2007
PFA Premiership Team of the Year: 2005-2006, 2006-2007
Football Writers' Association Award: 2007
Barclays Player of the Season: 2006-2007
Barclays Player of the Month: November 2006, December 2006
PFA Fans' Player of the Month: October 2006, February 2007
FIFPro Special Young Player of the Year: 2005, 2006
Portuguese Sports Personality: 2006
Portuguese Footballer of the Year: 2007
Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year: 2003-2004, 2006-2007
Manchester United Players' Player of the Year: 2006-2007
Manchester United Goal of the Season: 2005/2006
FIFPro World XI: 2006-2007
European Footballer of the Year - Ballon d'Or: 2nd place: 2007
UEFA Team of the Year: 2004
UEFA European Championship 2004 Team of the Tournament
FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 2006
Onze d'Or 2nd place: 2007
FIFA World Player of the Year: 3rd place: 2007

Random Stats:

First player in history to win all 3 PFA personal awards (PFA Player of the Year, PFA Young Player of the Year, PFA fans Player of the Year) and the Football Writers Footballer of the Year award in one season (2006/2007)

Holds the record for amount of goals scored by a midfielder in one English Premier League Season (17)

Only the third player in Premiership history to win back-to-back Barclays Player of the Month awards, and the first since the 1995-1996 season.

Scored Manchester United's 1000th English Premier League goal.

Scored his first proffesional hat-trick against Newcastle United on the 12th of January 2008.

Is Ronaldo destined for greatness?

2008-01-15T13:20:00.000-08:00

Is Ronaldo destined for greatness?

Premier League Manchester United

To borrow a phrase from one of my colleagues, Cristiano Ronaldo is touched by the hand of genius.

As I sat high in the stands at Old Trafford on Saturday, it was impossible not to think you were in the presence of a man with an extraordinary gift.

If I was told there is a finer footballer in the world right at this moment, I would not believe it.

But just how good can Manchester United electric Portuguese winger be? Is he simply enjoying a hot streak, or is he destined to go down as one of the greats of the game?

On Saturday, Ronaldo ?who is not a striker, lest we forget ?struck the first hat-trick of his Old Trafford career with a display of football as beautiful as it was brutal in a 6-0 destruction of Newcastle.

He tormented his opponents from first whistle to last and the biggest cheer of the day from most of the 75,965 lucky enough to be present was reserved for the completion of his treble with two minutes to go.

"That boy Ronaldo, he might just go on to be the best player we've ever had," mused one seasoned United follower in the row behind me.

He copped a fair bit of stick for his comment, a remarkable one from the supporter of a club that has seen the likes of Duncan Edwards, George Best, Bobby Charlton, Denis Law, Bryan Robson and Eric Cantona pass through its doors.

But Ronaldo is pure box office. His every touch is greeted with a buzz of expectation - you genuinely start to believe he can score or create a goal whenever he picks the ball up.

The bare facts are stunning - he has three more goals than the Premier League's next best marksman, Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor and he has bagged a phenomenal 20 goals in his last 16 games.

He runs with the ball at such frightening pace defenders do not know how to stop him. As the song goes, he comes from the left, he comes from the right ?and he has learned with devastating simplicity that it means little without an end product.

2008 could well be the year that the irresistible Ronaldo stamps his greatness on the sport

Throw in a furious, fist-thumped-on-turf response to a failed penalty appeal, 10 minutes of Ronaldo hobbling around injured looking like he was about to cry and a further two minutes off the pitch to change his illuminous orange boots (complete with speed plate technology) and you have a performance of pure theatre.

I know Cesc Fabregas has been in magical form for Arsenal, but forget anyone else for 2007/08 PFA Player of the Year. Ronaldo deservedly won it last year and he should deservedly win it this year too. He is head and shoulders above everyone else.

Indeed, 2008 could well be the year that the irresistible Ronaldo stamps his greatness on the sport.

With United still in the hunt for the treble and Portugal primed for another crack at winning a major tournament at Euro 2008, he will not be short of occasions on which to leave his mark.

His only two real competitors for the best player in the world title ?Brazil's Kaka (the holder), who has not been at his best so far this season, and Argentina's Lionel Messi, who is currently injured ?will obviously not be in Austria and Switzerland, so the stage is all set for Ronaldo.

One note of caution ?if the Madeira-born forward really has designs on greatness, he must ensure a display like the one in last season's Champions League semi-final second leg away at AC Milan is a one-off.

Ronaldo may have been tired at the end of a long season following on from a heavy World Cup campaign, but his disappearing act in the San Siro cast an unfortunate shadow over the previous eight months of brilliance.

Having starred in the World Cup in Germany and shone at Euro 2004 at the tender age of 19, the pressure of the big occasion clearly does not faze this ultra-confident young man.

But he must make sure that, in the manner of Zinedine Zidane, he fulfils his enormous potential on the very biggest stages.

If he continues in the same rich vein of form he showed at Old Trafford on Saturday, prepare to make space in the history books for Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro.

Download Ronaldo's Firts Hattrick Video

Cristiano's orgy with 2 vice girls in Rome (OH NO, NOT AGAIN)

2008-01-13T03:48:00.000-08:00

PROSTITUTE loving soccer ace Cristiano Ronaldo has been up to his old tricks again—jetting off for a sleazy orgy with TWO Rome vice girls.
The Manchester United winker looked like Mr Clean when he SKIPPED the team's notorious Christmas party that ended in roasting and rape allegations.

He escaped the huge rollicking and massive £1million fine delivered to the rest of the side by furious boss Alex Ferguson.

But the Portuguese winger made up for lost time when he slipped away to Italy after United's FA Cup victory over Aston Villa on Sunday —and made a beeline for a seedy dive in Rome's red light district.

A source at the strip joint told us: "Ronaldo and a pal arranged for two girls to go to his hotel after leaving the club.

Shock
"They PAID for sex with the girls then SWAPPED over so they could bed BOTH of them."

It's a shock return to form for Ronaldo. Just four months ago he hired five hookers for a sex bash with Portuguese team-mate Nani, 20, and Brazilian colleague Anderson, 19, at his home outside Manchester.

And in 2005 he was falsely accused of rape by a prostitute after having sex in his suite at London's Sanderson Hotel.

Ronaldo's latest antics are certain to land him in double trouble—first with boss Sir Alex, already livid about his club's reputation being dragged through the mud, and second with his stunning new girlfriend TV presenter Carolina Patrocinio, 20 (pictured above).

The star's night of disgrace began with his visit to Rome's notorious Divafutura Channel club. Inside the dimly-lit basement punters are hustled to buy hostesses £120 bottles of champagne as brazen performers-who charge £35 for private lapdances—strip on a podium.

A bottle of lager costs £16— small beer to £100,000-a-week Ronaldo, 22. The star breezed in, ordered bubbly and spent about an hour boozing with a pal before choosing two hostesses to visit him at the nearby five-star Hilton.

Another guest, who saw him arrive back at the hotel, said: "He came in a cab on his own but his pal followed later with two girls.

"One was Spanish-looking, very curvy and with long dark hair. I'd estimate the girls were up there about two hours so they must have had some fun.

"I saw Ronaldo the next day and he had a big grin on his face."

When our investigators visited the Divafutura club they were shown to a table overlooking the stage and two scantily-clad Romanian girls immediately joined them.

A busty girl was midway through a striptease on the platform, ogled by a handful of businessmen. Our man said: "One of the hostesses was a pretty blonde called Nikki in a tiny black pelmet skirt and boob tube.

"The other, called Nicole, wore black fishnet stockings and basque.

"They ordered glasses of champagne at £22 a go and draped themselves over us. They made it clear from the start they were willing to have sex, wrapping legs around us and urging us to touch them."

Nicole whispered: "Do you have a hotel? We can go there and have sex. We can have a party with my friend and your friend. If you want we can swap over. I will charge £200."

She added: "We have lots of famous people who come here. Ronaldo the football player was here a few days ago—but I didn't like him. He was a bit, how you say, stuck-up."

Our reporters declined the girls' offer and left. It's a pity Cristiano didn't do the same.

The hookers Ronaldo slept with in Rome have not been phototgraphed, however the vice girls Ronaldo slept with in September in England are pictured on this page.

Ferguson rubbishes rumours of Ronaldo joining Real

2008-01-06T03:12:00.000-08:00

Alex Ferguson has rubbished speculation linking Cristiano Ronaldo with a shock move to Spanish champions Real Madrid.

Ferguson has seen the Portuguese winger constantly linked with moves to Real or Barcelona in recent seasons.

The 22-year-old fuelled the speculation following the 2006 World Cup by admitting he wanted to play in the Primera Liga at some stage in his career, but United fought off huge interest from Real and Barca to persuade the youngster to commit himself to a new five-year contract last year.

However, renewed speculation has suggested that Ronaldo could be the subject of a world-record £75mil bid from Real, but Ferguson insists that the talk is no different to what he has come to expect.

He said: “I anticipated this. It happens every year in the New Year and you can expect some sort of speculation. The thing with this is, Real are supposed to have spoken to us and (chief executive) David Gill is supposed to have spoken to them, but that’s just a lie.

“We’ve never spoken to them and they have never spoken to us. It’s mischievous to the best part, but I just dismiss it because it is nonsense.

“Who wouldn’t be interested in Ronaldo? That’s why we bought him, but it’s nonsense. He has maybe said he wants to play in Spain one day, but does that include Real Madrid or Barcelona?”

Ferguson has been linked with big money transfers himself, with Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov and Bolton’s Nicolas Anelka said to be top of his shopping list.

But the Scot laughed off talk of any major signings coming to Old Trafford during the January window.

“It is the old game they play,” Ferguson said. “Everyone’s trying to play a game, trying to create speculation about who you are going to buy and of course we would have to be buying someone wouldn’t we.

“It is the name of the game for Manchester United.”

Reds Laugh Off Ronny Rumours

2008-01-04T14:58:00.000-08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed the latest bout of claims that Real Madrid are set to snatch Cristiano Ronaldo from Old Trafford as "nonsense".

The 22-year-old winger has once again proved he is among the world's elite players with some scintillating performances and 19 goals this term.

Speculation in Spain's press have suggested the la Liga giants are ready to move for Ronaldo - a rumour that Sir Alex has become accustomed to.

"I anticipated this," Sir Alex said somewhat wearily. "In the New Year you almost expect it.

"The thing about this story is that it has been claimed that David Gill has been speaking to Real Madrid. That is a complete lie. We have never spoken to them. The story depends on agents and their imaginations.

"At best it's mischievous, but I just dismiss it because it's nonsense. But, who wouldn’t be interested in Ronaldo? That’s why we bought him."

Sir Alex has also virtually ruled out any moves in the January transfer market this January. Other than potential loan deals for some of the Reds' younger players, it should be a quiet month on the transfer front. "It's unlikely that we will be making any moves," he added.

R.Madrid to make record bid for Cristiano

2008-01-02T02:23:00.000-08:00

Manchester United face a challenge to keep hold of Cristiano Ronaldo after it emerged Real Madrid are set to make a £50 million bid for the Portugal international.

Real have reportedly made Ronaldo their top summer target, with Chelsea striker Didier Drogba also linked with a move to the Bernabeu, as the Spanish champions seek to underline their status as the world's most glamorous footballing power.

Hot property: Cristiano Ronaldo is arguably the world's No 1 player
The Spanish champions have attempted to sign Ronaldo before but were snubbed by the winger, who instead signed a new five-year deal with United to become the highest paid player in the club's history on £120,000 a week.

However, Real president Ramon Calderon is more optimistic this time around that a deal can be struck with United's owners, the Glazer family, who would find it hard to resist a world-record fee, particularly as they are currently finding it difficult to refinance loans due to the global credit crunch.

Real's No 1 target had originally been AC Milan playmaker Kaka, but they now feel they have more chance of luring Ronaldo to La Liga, especially after the midfielder's recent admission that he would like to play in Spain while still at his peak.

Two weeks ago, at Fifa's World Player of the Year awards in Zurich, Ronaldo said: "I'd like to play in Spain. It's a fantastic league, very attractive, where they play a beautiful game.

"It's my dream to play in Spain. Whether or not it will happen I don't know. Sometimes I want something but it's not possible.

"Only God knows what will happen in the future. I'd like to find out the difference between playing in England and Spain."

Ronny not to blame

2007-12-30T12:59:00.001-08:00

Darren Fletcher insists Cristiano Ronaldo was not to blame for United's dramatic defeat at West Ham on Saturday.

The Portuguese winger's penalty miss - after his earlier opening goal - squandered the chance to put United 2-0 up, but Fletcher insists that defensive lapses were culpable for the shock loss.

"To lose like that, late on in the game after battling so hard for most of the match, is disappointing," Fletcher told MUTV. "Ronaldo missed his penalty but that can happen, we're still in a comfortable position 1-0 up and then it comes down to set-pieces.

"It's not him to blame, he's been fantastic for us and won us many games and many points. We were still in a winning position, so it's nothing to do with the penalty that lost us the game today. It was individual errors at set-pieces that have cost us."

The defeat saw United drop points for the first time in a hectic Christmas period, and Fletcher is already looking ahead to Birmingham's visit to Old Trafford on New Year's Day.

"Every time you drop points or lose, you have to pick yourself up and go on another winning run," he said. "We wanted to get through the Christmas period with maximum points and put pressure on the teams below us, but unfortunately that's not happened.

"We've got to pick ourselves up for Birmingham now and get three points and go on another winning run. We can't wait for that game to come now."

Ronaldo shows masses of drive

2007-12-27T04:17:00.000-08:00

CRISTIANO RONALDO has finally met his match — in one of the world’s greatest supercars. And now he wants to buy one.

The Man Utd flyer donned a pair of Nike boots to pit his speed against an £800,000 Bugatti Veyron in the new ad for the footwear giant.

But with the mean machine capable of 0-60mph in less than three seconds — never mind a 253mph top speed — Ronaldo had to have a head start during filming at a race circuit in Cheshire.

Ronaldo was so impressed he now wants to sign the Bugatti for his team of motors, which includes an Audi R8 and a top-of-the-range BMW and Porsche.

A source at the circuit said: “Ronaldo wanted to know everything about the car — we think he wants to buy one.

“The whole premise was the comparison between one of the best players in the world and the fastest thing on four wheels.”

Other footie stars have been lined up to appear in the ads for Nike’s new range. Arsenal youngster THEO WALCOTT takes on Premiership speedsters GABRIEL AGBONLAHOR and AARON LENNON in the New Year to find who is the quickest over 100 metres.

Cristiano Ronaldo Freekick Sunderland Manchester united 0-3
Colocado por rimkaa59

Boss: Ronaldo was perfect

2007-12-25T03:04:00.000-08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo after the winger fired the Reds to a vital victory over Everton on Sunday afternoon.

The 22-year-old put United 1-0 up on 22 minutes with an unstoppable left-footed strike. Tim Cahill drew the visitors level five minutes later with a bullet header from Steven Pienaar's cross.

Ronaldo fired the winner with two minutes remaining, converting from the spot after Ryan Giggs had been upended by Pienaar. Sir Alex was delighted with the victory and hailed Ronaldo's overall contribution.

"I don't think he ever made a mistake - he was absolutely perfect, it was a marvellous performance from him," Sir Alex told MUTV.

"The first goal was marvellous. The boy really has got everything and we're expecting goals from him all the time.

"The temperament and confidence he's always shown as a kid surfaces at times like that [when he stepped up to take the penalty]. He composed himself and took the spot-kick very well.

"Of course, others played their part and you could see what a great team spirit we have by the way we never stopped going. It's a very important result and it was a good team performance in the second half."

The United manager was unhappy with his side's defending for Everton's equaliser, but praised the players' response after the break.

"I was verydisappointed with their goal. We should have closed the cross down sooner," said the Reds' boss.

"We spoke about Tim Cahill before the game because we know he has good ability in the air and he did us at the back post.

"It was very disappointing particularly after making such a great start with Cristiano's goal. It derailed us really until the second half.

"My experience of this team is never to give up on them because they've scored so many important goals late on. Time was running out, but thankfully we got the penalty through Ryan. It was inexperienced defending from the young lad [Steven Pienaar], he stuck a leg out and thankfully we got the penalty.

"With Arsenal winning late on yesterday it was an important result for us to make sure we keep close to them. It starts the Christmas period off very well for us."

yeah he played great. i was amazed at how many times he put some great crosses into the box, especially early crosses, it was good to see he can do both, dribble and cross when he needs to, and he made some decent passes. His goal was fantastic with his left foot (hes not afraid of using it if he needs to which is good to see) and his penalty was great which they always are, i never have any doubts when Cristiano takes them, even under that sort of preasure, i guess him taking the pen vs Derby helped huh? Grin

he now has 16 goals this season, hes top of the Premiership scoring charts aswell as the CL scoring charts, hopefully he can keep it up and get atleast 25 goals this season.

also he now has 66 United career goals, hopefully he can get 100 goals! that would be a great achievement in the next few years for him.

Download video (ManUtd vs Everton)

Ronaldo's going to be a star as big as Jordan

2007-12-23T05:02:00.000-08:00

CRISTIANO RONALDO has been hailed as football's answer to basketball megastar Michael Jordan.

The tribute came from Manchester United No2 Carlos Queiroz, who has witnessed at close quarters Ronaldo's development from Portuguese whizzkid to world star.

By linking him with Jordan, acclaimed as one of the greatest sportsmen of the 20th century, Queiroz has elevated the United winger to a new level.

Skill

And Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant justified his claim by highlighting Ronaldo's creative mind, his skill levels, competitive edge and work ethic.

Queiroz (right) said: "My belief is he will not only be the biggest attraction in England. In my opinion, Cristiano can be the same throughout Europe and world.

"He can be a world star in football like Michael Jordan was in basketball because of the skill level they share in their sports.

"It is a big thing to say because Michael Jordan was such a big name but I really believe that. In my life I have worked with players like Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo from Brazil, Raul, Luis Figo, Rui Costa and Roberto Carlos — and I never saw such a creation as Cristiano."

Ronaldo will have to go some to emulate the achievements of Jordan, whose basketball career with Chicago Bulls made him one of the world's richest and most recognised sportsmen.

Some polls even put him ahead of Muhammad Ali as THE outstanding sports star of the 20th century.

Jordan is reckoned to be a dollar billionaire. At his peak he was paid £200,000 a game, with endorsements worth £20million a year including the famous Nike shoe and clothing range based on his nickname Air Jordan.

On the court Jordan's list of honours was as remarkable as his earning power.

Record

He was five times a winner of the NBA's Most Valuable Player award and appeared 10 times for the All-NBA select team.

His records include a highest career scoring average of 30.12 points per game.
Jordan was a double Olympic champion, having struck gold in the Los Angeles Games as a college star in 1984 and led the American "Dream Team" to glory in Barcelona in 1992.

Ronaldo has some catching up to do — but his fame is already being recognised globally.

In a survey by two Spanish universities the United star is on top of the world, based on a study of media attention received this year.

His United team-mate Wayne Rooney was second, followed by Ronaldinho and David Beckham.

But it is as a footballer that Queiroz judges him — and he is better qualified than most to rate him.

The coach monitored Ronaldo's progress as a junior at Sporting Lisbon and helped his graduation into an international star at Old Trafford.

Queiroz can offer a unique view of the winger's skills and marvels at his desire to keep re-inventing the techniques that have made him a unique talent.

Queiroz has watched Ronaldo put in up to 90 minutes' extra work on the training ground after his team-mates have showered and packed up for the day.

The United No2 said: "Cristiano has all the natural skill and ability but he also has a creative mind which makes him always try new things.

"The fantasy is not the problem for him — it's how to use it on the pitch to get results for the team.

"He creates things in his mind and has the confidence and bravery to make it happen.

"He brings something to every game. It is hard work as well as ability.

Control

"Sometimes the training session at Manchester United ends at 11.30 and Cristiano will stay until 12.30 or 1 o'clock, alone, practising those skills with the ball."

Queiroz reckons Ronaldo has added the final ingredient to his game — control of his temperament and refusal to be provoked by opponents.

And he has stopped treating the rest of the world as an enemy as he matures into the complete footballer.

Queiroz said: "There is no doubt he has grown up, particularly in his attitude to competition. He is now ready to understand criticism and everything around him. It's not often you see him in an emotional situation now.

"He doesn't try to take on the world.

"He is much more mature now because he thinks about the game and plays for the team.

"He has learned to pass or to shoot at the right time. He doesn't need to make a point to everybody with every single thing he does in a game.

"If it was my decision, Cristiano, not AC Milan's Kaka, would be the World Player of the Year.

"Kaka had something that Cristiano didn't have, winning the Champions League — and that has helped him win the awards. But Cristiano's been more consistent than Kaka."

Cristiano: I Want To Win It All!

2007-12-20T17:53:00.000-08:00

Cristiano Ronaldo believes Manchester United have the ability to secure the treble this season.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side are second in the Premier League, through to the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League and face Aston Villa in the third round of the FA Cup in January.

And Ronaldo is confident that United have enough resources to mount a charge on all three fronts.

"I believe [the treble is a realistic possibility]. I'm at one of the biggest clubs in Europe and I must think like that," he told Zoo magazine.

Everything

"I play for Man United, where you always have a big chance to win trophies and this year we've got the opportunity to win everything. We've got the players, the manager and the set-up to win it all."

Ronaldo went on to insist that he was not disheartened after missing out on Fifa's World Player of the Year award to Milan's Kaka.

"I want to win more individual trophies and I want to win the domestic ones again," he continued.

"I started to play professional football a few years ago and I've had time to play and think about my career. I try to do better and I want to win everything!"

Read the full article in ZOO magazine, out now.

so he wants to win everything!, it's good see him with so much ambition. Grin hopefully we can do the treble, we certainly have the players, manager, everything at United to do it like he said, it's not impossible, nothing is. Wink

hes got a good chance of winning the domestic awards once again, if he keeps up his form bar the Liverpool game and scores 25-30 goals! hopefully he does that.

Ronaldo admits Spanish dream

2007-12-18T18:28:00.000-08:00

Manchester United midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his "dream" to one day play for a top Spanish team.

The 22-year-old Portuguese winger, the subject of interest from Real Madrid in the recent past, is happy at Manchester United - but would love to experience the Primera Liga one day.

Ronaldo - speaking in Zurich before the FIFA world player award for which he, Barcelona's Lionel Messi and AC Milan's Kaka have been short-listed - said: "I would like to play for a Spanish club one day - I don't know if it is possible, but it is my dream.

"Sometimes I want something and it's not possible. But this is my dream.

"It's a fantastic league where they play beautiful football, but I am convinced the English league is the most competitive in every aspect.

"I feel very comfortable in the English league; I think it's beautiful, and if I stay in Manchester that would be great for me - I love the club; I love the supporters, and it would be amazing for me to stay there for many years.

"But maybe one day, only God knows whether it will happen, I would like to play for a Spanish team and experience the difference."

Ronaldo is hugely honoured to be short-listed for the award, which has never been won by a Premier League player.

He added: "I was so pleased when I got nominated. The first thing I did was tell the people closest to me.

"I called my mother and told her, and then my brother and my sister.

"It's a real honour for me to be considered one of the three best players in the world."

The award is voted on by all national team managers and captains, and this year's shortlist contains three young players nominated for the first time.

Kaka, 24, said: "It shows that this is a new era in football, a new cycle is starting.

"They were great players before, but now the new players are starting to make history."

Messi, aged just 20, added: "To be chosen among the top three when I am so young is a great honour and I just want to keep improving and working hard on the pitch."

Undecided

i'm not sure what to make of this...

why the need to say you dream of playing for a Spanish team if your happy at United? Undecided it's the fact hes talking about it makes me worried...

Topic: Fifa results and Pele's explanation

2007-12-17T18:07:00.000-08:00

he Champions League, European Cup and Club World Cup winner saw off the challenge from Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo in the poll of national team coaches and captains to win by more than 500 points.

He had 1,047 points while Messi had 504 and Ronaldo 426, making it a runaway win like in the Ballon d'Or.

Didier Drogba was fourth, a further 200 points off, with 209, while Ronaldinho came in fifth.

A Special Night

"Tonight is really special for me," said Kaka.

"When I was young I dreamed of playing for Sao Paulo and playing just one game for the national team.

"That was it...but the Bible says God gives us more than we ask for and that is what has happened in my life.

"I had always thought about winning this (FIFA) award," said Kaka. "But there are always doubts until it is actually confirmed.

"It is not just this award but the whole year that has been very nice. Winning the Champions League and everything that has happened, it's just been wonderful."

A Word For Local Rivals

The Milan man was also asked about the derby clash against Inter this weekend.

"We want to do well because it's the last game of the season and a great chance to recover some lost ground," he said.

"If we then also win the three games we have to recover, we can rise up the table and get close to the teams on top.

"We are not afraid of anyone."

Pele Praise

Pele, who gave away the award, said: "Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi have played some great football this year but they are not yet the most prominent players in their national teams," Pele said.

"Kaka has been playing at this level for Brazil for four years now, he helps out in midfield and he is also a great example off the pitch. He's the complete player."

--------------------------

I think his explanation was so classy that I took into my sig.... LoL As much as I respect Pele i am wondering if he watched Portugal matches during the last 2 years? Lips Sealed Btw who the fuck was Kaka 4 years ago? None talked about Kaka during the WC 2002?! lol So what exactly is he trying to say?

HE FALL AND RISE OF RONALDO

2007-12-16T02:22:00.000-08:00

THINGS just seemed to go from bad to worse.

As if the heartbreak of losing in the World Cup semi-finals to France wasn't enough, Cristiano Ronaldo returned to England amid a cacophony of jeers and abuse.

England had just been knocked out of the quarter-finals by Ronaldo and company, and Wayne Rooney was sent off for stamping on an opponent.

His wink and cunning smile, right after inciting the referee to show Rooney the red card, left a sour taste in the mouths of England fans.

That wasn't all. There were those untrue rape allegations before that. Then, his father died.

All these in the space of less than a year.

Lesser men would have cracked under such stress. Ronaldo thrived.

He went on to enjoy his best ever campaign last season, playing the best football of his career.

Manchester United narrowly missed out on a Double, winning their first Premiership title since 2003 but narrowly losing in the FA Cup final to Chelsea after extra-time.

Ronaldo also helped his club to the semi-finals of the Champions League, eventually losing their first-leg lead in the return fixture at the San Siro to eventual European club champions AC Milan.

But Ronaldo's contributions on the field, including 23 goals for the Red Devils, were not overlooked.

There was no shortage of famous fans who would gladly name him as the world's best player.

So, it was no surprise that he won the Professional Footballers Association's Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards for last season - the first player to win both awards in the same season since Andy Gray in 1977.

That prompted England and Chelsea captain John Terry, impressed with the way the Portuguese handled the backlash against him after the World Cup Finals, to pay him a tribute.

He said: 'I could watch United just to watch him. He does things no one else in the world is doing at the moment.

'He's the best in the world. At his best, not many people can stop him.'

The 22-year-old Portuguese wizard is comfortable with either foot, mostly used as a winger but also sometimes deployed by Alex Ferguson as a second striker.

He is also known to switch flanks during a match with either Ryan Giggs or Nani just to confuse opponents.

His multiple step-overs are always a delight to watch, but it is actually the speed of his footwork that seems to do the most damage to opponents.

With evergreen Giggs on one wing and Ronaldo on the other, plus the likes of Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney feeding off the supply of crosses and through passes from the wings, United are one of the most fearsome attacking teams in Europe.

The blend of youth and experience in the team also means that this current side still has some way to go before it goes on the wane.

CRITICISM

But one criticism often levelled at Ronaldo - and perhaps justifiably so - has been his tendency to dive in the penalty box.

In a Premier League match against Fulham a fortnight ago, he was booked for what the referee deemed as play-acting, although it must be said that television replays were not conclusive.

Ferguson blasted the official for judging his star player based on Ronaldo's reputation rather than the incident itself.

A week later, Ronaldo did himself no favours. His theatrics in the penalty area earned him a penalty in injury-time, which he converted to secure a 4-1 win over Derby.

There is another downside to the player. He is just as flamboyant off the field as he is on it, as one would expect of a young man reportedly earning £119,000 ($357,000) a week and worth £12.5m.

As recently as August, British tabloids exposed Ronaldo and his Portuguese team-mates, Nani and Anderson, having a romp with five prostitutes at his mansion.

Then again, when footballers are blessed with such talent, they seem to get away with anything, don't they?

Figo: Crown Cristiano As Best Player

2007-12-15T02:33:00.000-08:00

Even if Cristiano Ronaldo misses out on the Fifa World Player of the Year award to Kaka, his predecessor as the icon of the Portuguese national side, Luis Figo, believes the Manchester United star’s claim to being the best player on the globe will eventually prove irresistible.

The Premier League star has been named on a three-man shortlist for the award – along with Milan hero Kaka and Lionel Messi of Barcelona – after a stunning 12 months in which he has scored 23 goals in 38 games for his club and helped his country qualify for Euro 2008.

The reigning PFA Player of the Year and Footballer of the Year may have a strong claim for becoming the first English-based player to win the award after inspiring United to the Premier League title, but it is Kaka, who led Milan to Champions League glory and recently claimed the Ballon d’Or, who is currently favourite.

Even if Ronaldo misses out this time his former international team-mate Figo, who won the award in 2001, believes it will not be long before the forward is crowned the greatest player on the globe.

"I don't have any doubt he deserves to win," Figo said.

"I do not have the right to vote, but if I did it would be for Cristiano. If he doesn't win it this year, he will do it next time."

Fifa will announce its Player of the Year, voted for by international managers and captains, at a star-studded gala event on December 17.

it doesn't look like he will win it this time because Kaka won the Champion's League (and was top scorer, even if i don't agree he was the best player over the course of the season) but hopefully he can win it hopefully next year or in the next few years. Grin they can't ignore him if he keeps up his great form and wins the CL and/or PL or Euros!

Ronaldo loses control of his car

2007-12-12T15:58:00.000-08:00

Ronaldo loses control of his car

CRISTIANO RONALDO is slippery on and off the pitch. His antics include pool parties with hookers, conning referees and now sliding his car off the road with some fancy driving.

The Man U winger found himself facing the wrong way on a roundabout on Monday night after scoring a double (on the pitch) in the match against Fulham.

He was tanking it in his brand new Audi R8 when he lost control and spun the car 180 degrees.

A source said: “Cristiano had a real fright. He was giving it some welly on his way home from the game, in great spirits after a brilliant performance.

“The road was a bit slippery and he ended up losing control, power-sliding around the roundabout. He did manage to turn the car safely and avoid any damage...but he’s had a proper scare.”

He’s not the first in the team to do it. WAYNE ROONEY came off the road in his Lamborghini Gallardo when he was getting used to the supercar.

Ronaldo has the 'wow' factor just like Best, says United legend Law

2007-12-08T04:02:00.000-08:00

Cristiano Ronaldo is bringing the same 'wow factor' to Manchester United as George Best did in the 1960s, according to Denis Law.

The former United striker believes Ronaldo deserves to be considered as one of the best three players in the world.

He also believes the Barclays Premier League title will come down to a straight fight between Arsenal and United.

Law, speaking at the launch of the UEFA Cup final design at the City of Manchester Stadium, told PA Sport: "Ronaldo is playing absolutely marvellous football.

"There are players when they get the ball and you think 'Christ, something is going to happen here'. It doesn't always happen but you just feel it.

"We had players like that in my day with George Best.

"They are all a team but certain players make a difference and Ronaldo is one of those, and if they are injured or suspended then if can affect the team.

"He's a winger-cum-midfielder rather than a striker but he still scores and awful lot of goals - and he's good with his head."

Ronaldo is on the three-man shortlist for FIFA's world player of the year award, along with AC Milan's brilliant Brazilian Kaka and Barcelona's Argentina forward Lionel Messi, and Law said that acclaim was fully deserved.

He added: "I would say that you would be struggling to come up with a better trio than those three at the moment, I think he's right up there.

"I thought he might have a bit of a lean time after the World Cup because of certain things that happened there but he's proved that wrong.

"It has probably made him a better player because he has had to suffer some abuse, he came through that extremely well and it's not easy when you are a young lad."

In terms of the victorious manager in the title race this season, Law finds it hard to see beyond Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger.

"I would say it will be between Arsenal and United, but so many things come into the equation between now and the end of the season," said Law. "If everything remains equal you would say they are the top two.

"The nice thing is they are both exciting teams who play football in the right way.

"Arsene has done extremely well, through the years he has lost some real key players and has still been able to slot people in.

"They had a bit of a dip over the last couple of years but you have to hand it to him they are back up there.

"He has created some lovely teams, and he knows he is in a battle with Manchester United."

Cristiano Ronaldo gives lesson in art of goalscoring

2007-12-06T15:47:00.000-08:00

Cristiano Ronaldo has the goalscoring record of a striker and, last night, he scored goals in the manner of one, too. This was no magician’s show, no masterclass of quick feet and dizzying technique. It did not have to be, such was Manchester United’s superiority. Even so, as Carlos Tévez experienced 90 minutes that were frustration personified and Wayne Rooney missed a sitter on his return from injury, Ronaldo gave his forward partners a lesson in the fine art of the clinical finish.

With his first, a shot from close range into the roof of the net, and his second, a powerful header, Ronaldo took his total for the season to 13, making him the most prolific scorer in the country, one ahead of Robbie Keane, the Tottenham Hotspur captain. The Ireland player is a striker by trade, however, while Ronaldo is a midfield player who scores, although there could soon be a demarcation dispute if he carries on like this. Last season he found the net 23 times, against Fulham he passed beyond the halfway stage for that total with three weeks to go before Christmas. Even in a team who create as many chances as United, it is a stunning achievement.

Ronaldo missed out on the European Footballer of the Year crown at the weekend, beaten by Kaká, of AC Milan, and the same result is expected at the world event, but in the domestic game his supremacy is unsurpassed. Cesc Fàbregas was in brilliant form for Arsenal until his hamstring injury, but if Ronaldo scores 30 goals from midfield for his club — and that is his trajectory at present — who would bet against him retaining the title of domestic Footballer of the Year?

Ignore his booking for diving. The referee, Rob Styles, made an embarrassing error and will no doubt realise his foolishness the moment he watches a replay. Ronaldo was caught by Antti Niemi, the Fulham goalkeeper, as he ran through one-on-one and the correct decision would have been to give a penalty. Even if there had been no contact, the nature of Niemi’s challenge meant that Ronaldo had to jump high to avoid a collision and he should have been indulged for that, at least. To place an accusation of fakery against a man, the referee should be absolutely sure. Styles appeared to be acting on no more than a hunch, and a rotten one at that, and it was no surprise that Sir Alex Ferguson was deeply unimpressed.

“It was the result of the referee having a perceived idea that Ronaldo dives,” the United manager said. “He is not like that any more, he is a mature, magnificent footballer, but he is paying for this reputation.

“In fairness to the referee, though, the goalkeeper conned him. He claimed straight away that Ronaldo dived; they all do it. It was a ridiculous decision. He was going on goal full pelt — why would he dive anyway?”

Styles sent Ronaldo off in May 2004 at Villa Park for kicking the ball away, a point that was not lost on the player, although he was dignified in accepting the decision. “I was trying to do my job, he was trying to do his job and I respect that,” he said. “My feeling was that it was a penalty, but it was not the important thing tonight. The important thing was three points.”

These were secured by Ronaldo, naturally. Such was United’s control of the game, he had it won from the tenth minute, when Fulham made a dreadful mess of clearing a corner from Ryan Giggs, Steven Davis heading the ball back into the penalty area after Dejan Stefanovic had cleared it. Nemanja Vidic headed it on, at which point Ronaldo grew tired of the whole haphazard process and lashed the ball past Niemi, almost impatiently.

The clincher came after 58 minutes when John O’Shea, the United substitute, crossed from the left and Ronaldo rose above a less-than-alert Stefanovic to head the ball into the corner of the net. It would have been a routine goal coming from a striker; that it was the work of a player whose gift is at its greatest when the ball is on the ground demonstrated what sets Ronaldo apart from his peers. Well, all but one of them, anyway, according to the football writers of Europe.

Ferguson complained that United missed an uncommon number of chances and, on that front, it was hard to disagree. Tévez, alone, could have added six goals to the scoreline, even before half-time. Time and again, he carved Fulham open, only to be frustrated by a storming turn from Niemi or a failing in the execution. It would be harsh to be too tough on the Argentina striker, though. For long periods, he was the most exciting player on the field.

It would be too time-consuming to recount his misses in full, so here is the potted version: heads wide at full stretch from a cross by Anderson (three minutes); low shot saved after a one-two with Wes Brown (5); shot blocked by Stefanovic after good work by Giggs and Rooney (7); brilliant stop by Niemi after a cross by Giggs, Tévez’s near-post header striking him in the face (22); header wide after Fulham failed to clear another corner by Giggs (32); curling, inswinging shot from an acute angle, forcing an athletic save from Niemi (45).

Tévez was not at fault for the two second-half errors in front of goal, however, which fell to Rooney and Louis Saha, the substitute, left one-on-one with the goalkeeper without success. “It was a reasonable performance, but too many chances were missed,” Ferguson said. “We’re usually better than that because we were left with the goalkeeper quite a few times and did nothing with it.”

Perhaps as surprising as United’s failure was the short spell when Fulham could have equalised. Danny Murphy twice came close with shots and Shefki Kuqi headed a good chance over.

Not a night for strikers, then. Not much of a night for the referee. If only everything was as reliable as Ronaldo.

Manchester United’s Ronaldo tops Google ‘I hate’ searches

2007-12-05T15:03:00.000-08:00

Manchester United’s Ronaldo tops Google ‘I hate’ searches

It may not be the finest accolade Cristiano Ronaldo ever receives, but the light-loafered midfielder has this week been revealed as one of the most searched for people in the UK this year on Google… in the ‘I hate’ category.

Don't you just hate him?The greasy haired, fleet-footed, dive-happy, lady-loving, torso-tastic (that’s enough – Ed) Man U magician may be a god amongst the Old Trafford faithful, but he’s clearly reviled by every single other human being that happens to live in the UK.

Google revealed this startling social maxim on Monday, when it published its most popular searches of 2007, or in Ronaldo’s case most unpopular.

The phrase ‘I hate Ronaldo’ took the honours in its field, beating the ever reliable ‘I hate men’ into second place and ‘I hate school’ into third.

In other anthropological gems uncovered by the Google-meisters, we also want ‘pants’ more than anything else (including world peace, zero pollution and ‘a successful Capital of Culture year for Liverpool, please God’), whereas ‘I love techno’ came out a bizarre second in the ‘I love’ searches.

‘I love How-Do’ supposedly came in a respectable 12th in that particular search, but then that could be because we apparently share the name with an American flesh site.

Not that that was Nick’s idea to boost visitor numbers or anything, oh no, not at all…

Ronaldo nets two, Manchester United tops Fulham 2-0

2007-12-04T14:38:00.000-08:00

MANCHESTER, Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice and Manchester United beat Fulham 2-0 on Monday to reclaim second place in the English Premier League.

Ronaldo, who finished second to AC Milan's Brazilian midfielder Kaka for European Golden Ball award on Sunday, scored in the 10th and 58th minutes at Old Trafford to increase his season total to 13 goals in 11 games. It also gave him six in his last four appearances against Fulham.

United's 10th victory of the season gave it 33 points from 15 matches, moving it back in front of Chelsea and Liverpool -- both of which won over the weekend -- and three points behind Arsenal.

Arsenal, which is unbeaten with 11 wins and three draws, could move six points ahead with a victory at Newcastle on Wednesday in a rescheduled match.

Monday's loss left 14th-placed Fulham two points above the relegation zone.

Wayne Rooney returned after missing three matches for United -- as well as two England -- with an ankle injury and partnered Carlos Tevez in attack.

United took only 10 minutes to go ahead when Fulham midfielder Steven Davis, attempting to a clear a corner, headed it to Nemanja Vidic who set up an unmarked Ronaldo for a 12-meter volley.

As the home side maintained the early possession, Fulham goalkeeper Antti Niemi twice was forced into dramatic saves to thwart Tevez.

Nieme's United counterpart, Edwin van der Sar, likewise made a diving save against his former club to deny Danny Murphy, and Shefki Kuqi headed wide four minutes before halftime.

Ronaldo added the second in the 58th minute when he got ahead of Fulham defender Aaron Hughes to meet a cross from John O'Shea and converted with a downward header.

Fulham manager Lawrie Sanchez responded by inserting former United striker David Healy for Clint Dempsey to field two strikers.

Ronaldo appeared certain to score a third with 12 minutes remaining when he appeared to get past Niemi. But he went down under the goalkeeper's challenge only to be shown the yellow card for a dive.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Messi up for honours

2007-12-02T06:32:00.001-08:00

FIFA have named Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, Brazil's Kaka and Argentina's Lionel Messi as the three finalists for the 2007 world soccer player of the year award.

The world body said the trio were confirmed after a poll of coaches and captains of national teams around the world selected them from a 30-strong shortlist.

The winner, who will succeed Fabio Cannavaro of Italy and Real Madrid from last year's competition, will be announced at the FIFA World Player Gala in Zurich on Dec 17.

If Kaka gets the nod it is likely to mean a double triumph, with the Brazilian set to be named winner of the Ballon d'Or on Sunday.

Kaka was the inspiration behind AC Milan's Champions League success last season, finishing top scorer in the competition with 10 goals.

The 25-year-old opted to sit out the Copa America but he was hardly missed, as Brazil went on to take the trophy with a 3-0 victory over Argentina in the final.

Messi was in the Argentina side that lost that match.

The Barcelona forward, still only 20, missed out on the Spanish title last season - won by Real Madrid. Among the highlights of his year was the hat-trick he scored in a 3-3 draw with Real in the Primera Liga.

Ronaldo, 22, led Manchester United to the Premier League title last season, scoring 17 league goals.

He also helped United reach the semifinals of the Champions League, where they lost to Milan.