News and Wallpapers Cristiano Ronaldo

2011-03-08T01:59:00.000-08:00

Cristiano Ronaldo's Girlfriend is Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Cover Girl

Cristiano Ronaldo’s girlfriend, Irina Shayk has had one heck of a career boost since she started dating the soccer star.

Don’t get me wrong, she is one of the most beautiful girls I have ever seen, but no one really knew who she was last year.

Technically, he did us all a favor by making her famous. Now we all get to feel really bad about ourselves because she’s that close to perfection.

The 25-year old Russian is this year's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition cover girl. Irina learned that she had been chosen to be the cover girl during the taping of David Letterman.

"There were 10 models there to do the Top 10 List, and nobody knows until the last minute who the cover will be," Shayk said. "And then I saw it, and I couldn't believe it."

Congrats! Now, you’ve got millions of guys gawking at you and millions of girls envying you! That’s a dream job if you ask me!

If you wanna read up on Irina Shayk or see more hot photos, you can visit our sister site Captain WAG.

Cristiano Ronaldo happy with first season at Real Madrid

2010-05-14T02:42:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo happy with first season at Real Madrid

• Ronaldo says he is confident he will win titles at Madrid
• Player gives his backing to coach Manuel Pellegrini

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 26 goals in 28 La Liga games for Real Madrid this season. Photograph: Andres Kudacki/AP

Cristiano Ronaldo is satisfied with his first season at Real Madrid even though it looks destined to end trophyless. The 25-year-old has scored 26 goals in 28 La Liga games since moving to the Bernabéu from Manchester United for a world-record £80m last summer.

Madrid head into this weekend's final round of fixtures a point behind Barcelona. Manuel Pellegrini's side must win at Málaga and hope Barça fail to beat Real Valladolid at Camp Nou if they are to pip their rivals to the title.

Regardless of the outcome this weekend, though, Ronaldo is content with how things are progressing in the Spanish capital.

"I really enjoyed the season that I've done, but what's missing is winning a title," he said. "I'm very happy here in Madrid and my team-mates have helped me a lot, but the team has not won anything. We have to keep fighting and I am confident we will win many titles (in future)."

Of this term's final weekend, he added: "It's hard to win the league, but in football anything can happen. Mathematically it is possible. We have to win in Málaga and see what happens in Barcelona. We must have hope."

Ronaldo considers the Champions League exit - at the last-16 stage to Lyon in March - the biggest disappointment of his first 12 months in Spain.

"It was very bad, very difficult, but the circumstances must be taken into account," he told the Spanish television programme Punto Pelota. "We have new players, a team under construction, a different coach and we know that success does not come straight away - you have to slide a bit.

"I remember in my first two years at Manchester we did not win anything and we went on to win the Champions League."

One man who has not had to deal with Champions League elimination this season is the Internazionale coach José Mourinho, who will lead his team into the final against Bayern Munich at the Bernabéu on 22 May, and has been heavily linked with a summer move to Madrid. Ronaldo is impressed by Mourinho's coaching record but remains behind current boss Pellegrini.

"The successes speak for themselves," he said of his fellow Portuguese. "A person earning titles is a good person. Success does not come just like that. At the moment, Pellegrini fits more with me."

As for his own future, Ronaldo appears settled where he is but refused to categorically rule out a move when quizzed about the possibility of joining arch rivals Barça.

"Madrid is my home and Real Madrid my club, but you cannot say never," he said. "I do not know what will happen in the future. You never know, although I would like to retire in Madrid."

Cristiano Ronaldo First Pictures For Armani – Some Kind Of Illuminati Message?

2010-01-15T02:51:00.000-08:00

Cristiano Ronaldo First Pictures For Armani – Some Kind Of Illuminati Message?

Cristiano Ronaldo replaced David Beckham as Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani’s number one model.

His first pictures for Armani have been released and one of them seems to reveal an Illuminati message.

Firstly, for those who don’t know a thing about the Illuminati, here is a quick explanation of the whole thing:

The Illuminati is believed to be a satanic secret society which executes itself through all means, and which rules the world with several symbols – the most popular of those being the all-seeing-eye and the Manu Cornuto (I love you Devil sign).

It is widely believed that the Illuminati uses celebrities especially as well as pop culture to spread its message around the world.

While many people decide to ignore the manifested truth of the existence of the Illuminati, others have taken another look at the world and noticed satanic signs everywhere.

Now is Cristiano Ronaldo a messenger for this group?

This week, the most iconic footballer on the planet had his first ever photo shoots for Armani; his pictures exposed sensual provocation and perhaps, something else… a sign of the Illuminati.

On this picture on the left, shirtless Cristiano Ronaldo has two of his right hand’s fingers near his right eye just like singer Lady Gaga (who publicly talks herself about the rule of symbols) can be seen gesturing almost similarly…

This sign (called eye in the triangle) is regarded as one among many satanic gestures to many people, and even to those who are proud of doing it.

In our Video gallery, you can have the chance to watch Cristiano Ronaldo Fan’s latest revealing video which can also be seen on Youtube.com (Click here).

Now what about this picture that you can see here:

Is it just a coincidence that the triangle (pyramid and Illuminati sign) can be seen there?

Well, judge for yourself!

Angela Asante

Injured Cristiano Ronaldo calls for patience at Real Madrid

2009-11-01T23:25:00.000-08:00

Injured Cristiano Ronaldo calls for patience at Real Madrid
• 'I'm not Real Madrid's saviour. I'm just a team player'

Cristiano Ronaldo has missed Real Madrid's last six games through injury. Photograph: Matthew Childs/Action Images

Cristiano Ronaldo has called for patience – both from his Real Madrid team-mates and the Spanish club's fans – as he attempts to overcome an ankle injury.

The Portugal winger, who moved from Manchester United in the summer, has scored nine goals in seven appearances – all wins – since leaving England. But an ankle injury has forced him to the sidelines, where he has been watching his team-mates struggle.

"I've already missed some games to injury but it's not like I'm the saviour," said Ronaldo. "I'm just a player that will help the team to win, but the team needs to work. I think things will improve."

Ronaldo has missed the past six games, one of those being a 4-0 loss at Alcorcón in the first leg of the fourth round of the Copa del Rey. That result put the pressure on Real's coach Manuel Pellegrini, who has pleaded for more time.

When asked how much more time can be given to a team that spent more than €250m (£225m) in the summer for players such as Ronaldo, Kaká, Karim Benzema and Xabi Alonso, Ronaldo said: "I don't know. I just hope it's as quickly as possible because if not we'll lose games or points and that's not good for the club or for us the players, either.

"It's difficult when we lose a game, or another with a little pressure, but that's normal and it's a club that's used to it and players should be ready for that. I'm certain – 100% certain – that the team will reach a high level, but that takes time."

Madrid trail the defending champions Barcelona by one point and Ronaldo believes the difference in experience has much to do with their contrasting starts.

"We know if we get better we'll reach a good level and we'll be able to fight against [Barcelona], who have a clear base of great players who go out playing the same way," he said. "Madrid is not like that. But, little by little, I'm confident the team will improve and we will play well. I'm sure of that."

Ronaldo also commented on the Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, who is expected to win the Ballon d'Or and Fifa player of the year titles held by the Portuguese. "He's got a great team at his back and it's a lot easier when you have so many great players of quality around you," he said. "When you play in a team under construction, it's much more difficult, and Barça has a team that for many years has been great."

However, Ronaldo is not ready to concede the league title just yet. "There are no favourites in my opinion," he said. "The truth is Barça is playing really well, playing better than us. That's the reality and people know that. But accounts are settled at the end of the season and I'm confident we're going to improve and we're going to fight to the end of the season."

Ronaldo remained positive when asked about his return to Real's side: "I'm very relaxed and will keep working in the same way that I did at Manchester and I know things will work out little by little and the team will get better," said the 24-year-old.

"Life is very good. It's very similar to Portugal; I knew that before and I'm very happy here. It's a very lovely city," he said. "It's totally different [from Manchester]. Here there is almost always sun. The personality of the people are very different. The league, the food – almost everything is different and for that it's been a very radical change."

Cristiano Ronaldo Is A Great Player - Brazil's Ronaldo

2009-09-30T11:53:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo Is A Great Player - Brazil's Ronaldo

Brazilian superstar Ronaldo affirmed that he has no intention of returning to Real Madrid as a director in the future. The Corinthians striker, who played for Los Blancos for five years, told the press that now isn't the right moment to talk about the possibilities of him becoming a director.

Last year Ronaldo promised Florentino Perez, the president of Real Madrid, that he would become a club director. This was when he participated in a friendly match between his and the friends of Zinedine Zidane.

"Let's see what will happen. It isn't in my plans to return to Real Madrid. I have a great relationship with the club, especially with Florentino. But I'm still a player, and I don't see myself playing for Madrid," Ronaldo told AS.

The former World Player of the Year admitted to being impressed with the players Real Madrid signed this season, especially Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo, who inherited the no.9 shirt once worn by Ronaldo.

"I saw that he uses my number and my name. I think it is great that he uses that shirt. I advise him to work to his maximum level when wearing that shirt. He is a great player."

Ronaldo also had time to speak about his compatriot Kaka: "Kaka is my friend and he is working wonders at Madrid."

Later on in the week Ronaldo will return to Brazil to confront Corinthians' league clash against Atletico Paranaense on Saturday.

Gregory Sica, Goal.com

Pepe: Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo Is Better Than Barcelona’s Lionel Messi

2009-09-30T11:47:00.000-07:00

Pepe: Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo Is Better Than Barcelona’s Lionel Messi

Pepe believes that Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo is a better player than Barcelona star Lionel Messi because he has more aspects to his game.

The Brazilian-born defender has returned from a ten-match ban for punching and stamping on an opponent and is enjoying the limelight that he being given.

With both Ronaldo and Messi constantly being compared in the Spanish media, Pepe has waded into the debate and sided with his fellow Portugal international.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is better because he is capable of scoring goals with his head, with both feet and from free kicks, as well as creating goals," he told Marca.

"He is a spectacular player, able to incredible things. He has a great desire to win and he his going to help us a lot."

Reflecting on his ten-match ban and the incident that led to the punishment, Pepe admits that he has learnt from it.

"What I did was wrong, but I served my suspension and all I want to do now is work hard and help my team. I was happy to return and I am now eager to do my very best," he continued.

"My friends and family gave me their full support. They know what kind of guy I am and I am grateful. I know I have a lot to learn, but I have apologised for what I did."

Lucas Brown, Goal.com

Lionel Messi Will Win The Ballon d'Or, But Cristiano Ronaldo Deserves It - Jorge Valdano

2009-09-29T02:00:00.000-07:00

Lionel Messi Will Win The Ballon d'Or, But Cristiano Ronaldo Deserves It - Jorge Valdano

Real Madrid's director general thinks that the Barca ace will scoop the prestigious award because of his early-year success. However, he has stated that Ronaldo is a better candidate for the gong.

Jorge Valdano believes that Lionel Messi of Barcelona will win the coveted Ballon d'Or ahead of Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, though he doesn't believe that should be the case.

Messi helped guide Barca to a unique treble last season and was a member of a front line who scored over 100 goals, along with Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto'o.

"Each in his way is a star from a higher dimension," Valdano was quoted as saying by AS.

"Messi because he runs with the ball attached to the foot, is very effective in one-on-one's and shoots well with his left leg.

"Cristiano because he is fast, with great control of the ball at speed, tremendous power, tremendous continuity during the game, because he is currently the best striker in the world.

"Ronaldo would deserve it, but I've always thought the Ballon d'Or is awarded for what one did until July. Messi won it all."

Lucas Brown, Goal.com

Cristiano Ronaldo Gives Me Confidence To Improve – Manchester United’s Nani

2009-09-29T01:52:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo Gives Me Confidence To Improve – Manchester United’s Nani

Nani has revealed that he is in constant contact with friend and compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo as he strives to become a fixture in the Manchester United team.

The Portuguese winger has been tipped as one of the stars at Old Trafford capable of taking over from Ronaldo, who left the club in the summer to join Real Madrid.

However, instead of shining through, Nani has struggled to perform this term and was even goaded by Stoke City fans at the weekend with a chant of "you'll never be Ronaldo".

Looking to overcome his current dip, the 22-year-old, whose full name is Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha, will speak to the €94 million player for advice.

"Cristiano and I talk a lot," Nani was quoted as saying by The Sun.

"We speak about my own game and he gives me confidence to go out and perform."

Ronaldo believes that his former team-mate can rise to the challenge of becoming one of United's top stars.

"Nani is an excellent player and I am sure that in a few years he will be among the best players in the world," he stated.

Lucas Brown, Goal.com

Manchester United's Nani turns to Cristiano Ronaldo for guidance

2009-09-29T01:45:00.000-07:00

Manchester United's Nani turns to Cristiano Ronaldo
for guidance

Manchester United winger Nani has revealed he regularly turns to former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo for advice on how to improve his game.

Two years on from his arrival at Old Trafford, speculation about the Portugal international's future continues to circulate due to a lack of consistency in his performances.

Nani's below-par display against Stoke at the weekend saw him replaced by Ryan Giggs early in the second half, and led home supporters at the Britannia Stadium to taunt the 22-year-old with chants of "You'll never be Ronaldo".

After the match, which United won 2-0, Nani admitted that when his performances are criticised and he needs his confidence levels lifted, he turns to Ronaldo for guidance.

"Cristiano and I talk a lot," he told the Sun. "We speak about my own game and he gives me confidence to go out and perform."

Following his £80 million move out of Old Trafford this summer, Ronaldo said he had no doubt that his compatriot could fill the void left by himself and Carlos Tevez who transferred to United's rivals Manchester City for £25.5 million.

The world's most expensive player insisted that with time, Nani could develop into one of the best players in the world.

"I have seen that Nani is playing much more than he was last season when I was there," Ronaldo said. "That's good for him and he will benefit. Now he has more opportunities, he will show the fans how great a player he is. There is a lot more to come from him.

"Nani is an excellent player and I am sure that in a few years he will be among the best players in the world."

Manchester United's Nani Seeks Confidence Boost From Cristiano Ronaldo

2009-09-29T01:38:00.000-07:00

Manchester United's Nani seeks confidence-boost from Cristiano Ronaldo

Ryan Giggs' ability to turn Saturday's Stoke City tie in Manchester United's favour further highlighted the sub-par performance of Portuguese winger Nani, but when the international is feeling low, he claims he can always find a confidence boost when he talks to international team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.

Nani arrived at the Theatre of Dreams in a similar style to Ronaldo, now at Real Madrid.

They were purchased from the same club, Sporting CP, and employed a multitude of tricks and flicks in the initial stages of their Old Trafford days - but the former has not developed at the same rate as the latter.

The 22-year-old winger, though, still seeks the approval of Ronaldo.

"Cristiano and I talk a lot," Nani revealed to Sky Sports News. "We speak about my own game and he gives me confidence to go out and perform."

Ronaldo recently talked-up the talent and potential of Nani. He said: "Nani is an excellent player and I am sure that in a few years he will be among the best players in the world."

Alan Dawson, Goal.com UK

Alex Ferguson Bet On Cristiano Ronaldo To Top Real Madrid Charts

2009-09-27T23:47:00.000-07:00

Alex Ferguson Bet On Cristiano Ronaldo To Top Real Madrid Charts

Sir Alex Ferguson has been impressed with Cristiano Ronaldo's start to his new career with Real Madrid and revealed that he always felt he could be the top goalscorer at the club.

The Manchester United manager had no doubts that the player he groomed to be one of the world's best would be a success after his €94 million move to the Spanish capital.

Ronaldo'searly goal against Villarreal in midweek took his tally to five and he is the joint top goalscorer along with David Villa and Barça duo Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Lionel Messi.

With two more in the opening Champions League game the Portuguese star has made an impressive start and his former boss admitted he always thought that would be the case.

Ferguson explained that he had placed a crafty bet with bookmakers that Ronaldo would top the scoring charts and he is confident he will be paid.

"I saw his goal on Wednesday, what a goal. He has done well to get seven goals right away," he told the Mail on Sunday.

"He's started very well. They play 38 league games, European games, Spanish Cup, so you never know."

Lucas Brown, Goal.com

Kaka: I Am Not In Cristiano Ronaldo's Shadow At Real Madrid

2009-09-27T10:35:00.000-07:00

Kaka: I Am Not In Cristiano Ronaldo's Shadow At Real Madrid

Kaka has insisted that he is not in Cristiano Ronaldo's shadow at Real Madrid after the Portuguese star started to impress with his free-kicks in recent games.

The Brazilian has yet to find the net despite some encouraging displays and his team-mate has taken all the headlines with his goalscoring feats.

Critics have said that Kaka needs to improve and prevent himself from being in Ronaldo's shadow, but the player himself is insistent that he is not.

"I can assure you that I am not. I have the job of providing goal assists and have three to my name so far. Everyone must understand what his role is;" he told AS.

"Everything Cristiano has done in recent days was his own doing. He has performed his job well and the team has benefited."

A lack of goals has also seen Kaka asked again and again by reporters when he thinks the will score and how many goals he thinks he can bag this term.

"It isn’t an issue for me. I am fine. I have provided many assists and am fine like that. We are winning matches and that is all that counts. I will score at some point, but fans shouldn’t worry," he continued.

"I couldn’t promise a certain number of goals and I am still at zero, but my first will come. I also like to pass and provide assists because that is my main job.

"I don’t deny that I like to score, but I am not worried about not doing so yet."

Lucas Brown, Goal.com

Cristiano Ronaldo says Manchester United's Nani will be one of the best players in the world

2009-09-27T01:12:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo claims Portuguese winger Nani is more than capable of filling the void left by his £80 million summer transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid.

Nani, 22, has made six appearances for United this season after being challenged by manager Sir Alex Ferguson to take advantage of Ronaldo's departure from the club.

The former Sporting Lisbon player has struggled to live up to his £17 million transfer fee since his arrival at Old Trafford two years ago, but Nani has shown glimpses of his ability in recent weeks.

And Ronaldo, who has made a record-breaking start at Real by scoring in each of his first four league games, is backing Nani to shine at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo said: "I have seen that Nani is playing much more than he was last season when I was there. That's good for him and he will benefit. Now he has more opportunities, he will show the fans how great a player he is. There is a lot more to come from him and I am sure that in a few years he will be among the best players in the world."

Ronaldo added: "Every time I can, I try to watch United's games on television. I still like to know what is happening at Old Trafford."

Uefa has confirmed that United's Champions League Group B fixture against CSKA Moscow in Russia on Oct 21 will kick off at 5.30pm UK time.

Cristiano Ronaldo enjoying life in Madrid

2009-09-26T13:36:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo enjoying life in Madrid

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo told Spanish television station Tele 5 that he was delighted with life at his new club.

"I am happy in Spain and I am adapting bit by bit, because people at the club have helped me a lot," said the player who cost 95 million euros from Manchester United during the summer.

Cristiano has scored seven goal in five games for his new club and Real Madrid is currently join top of the Primera Liga table with four wins from four matches.

"Everything is working out well. We are winning, scoring goals, especially me, and I have to thank my team mates for that," he commented, adding that he was glad to have put a nervous start to his Madrid career in the past.

"I was working as hard as I did at Manchester and bit by bit, I knew things would work out," he said.

The striker has quickly become a focus of attention for rival fans, who have tended to boo and whistle him when Madrid plays away from home.

"I am used to people whistling me, it's something that happens in football. But what I want is to do things better and to help the team," he said.

At the moment Real Madrid's play has compared badly with the football that title holders FC Barcelona have displayed. While Barcelona has moved the ball fluidly, Madrid has struggled in midfield and relied on the tremendous striking power of Ronaldo to win its four league matches to date.

Ronaldo said he admired the football displayed by Madrid's big rivals.

"It is a very good team and has some excellent players. The players all fit in well with each other, but at the end of the season we will see which is the better side," he said.

Source: Xinhua

Cristiano Ronaldo a telly addict during Manchester United matches

2009-09-26T10:29:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo insists he still watches all of Manchester United’s matches on television and, keeping an interest in what goes on at his former club, has backed Nani to fill his boots at Old Trafford.

“Every time I can I try to watch United’s games on television,” Ronaldo told the Mirror, who has adapted quickly to life in La Liga and has scored in all four of Real’s league matches this season.

“I still like to know what’s happening at Old Trafford. And despite now being at Real, I’m always happy when I know when United have won.

“I’ve also seen that Nani is playing much more than he was last season when I was there. That’s good for him and he will benefit from that.

“Now he has more opportunities to play, he will be able to show the fans just how a great player he is.

“We still speak regularly on the phone. And it’s good to see United’s fans are starting to appreciate him more and have been happy with his form up until now.

“Nani is an excellent player. There’s a lot more to come from him and I’m sure that in a few years he will be among the best players in the world.”

Nani’s hopes of cementing a regular first team place improved with Ronaldo’s £80 million transfer to Spain.

He was excellent against Wolves in the Carling Cup in midweek but is likely to be relegated back to the bench for the weekend’s Premier League fixture at Stoke.

Gary Neville, who in is his time at United has seen many young talents come and go, believes the Portuguese needs to bide his time and not get frustrated at his lack of first team starts.

“It’s difficult to get games at this club as a young player, because you’ve got to be very talented and very good - which they are,” said Neville.

“During the season you always need to call upon your squad. There will be injuries in certain areas and those lads could be the ones who will be really important for us.”

“Momentum is very important. The reason we maybe started sluggishly in the first week of the season was because we probably weren’t at our optimum fitness levels.

“A lot of the players hadn’t played a lot of games, then a lot went away for the internationals, while some stayed back and trained.

“Some players got a couple of games in during the international break, so we came back from that in much better shape and since then we’ve done pretty well.

“We’re in a much better position at the moment, where everybody seems to be fit, and we’ve got players who are desperate to play.”

Cristiano Ronaldo: I'm Still A Manchester United Fan

2009-09-26T10:26:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that he still watches his former club Manchester United whenever he can, and has backed former team-mate Nani to become one of "the best players in the world".

Despite leaving for a world record fee of £80 million in the summer after six years at Old Trafford, the Portuguese superstar said that he still cheered for United when watching them on television.

He also expressed his delight for good friend Nani, who has been given more opportunity to flourish in Ronaldo's absence. The current World Player of the Year said that his fellow countryman was steadily winning over his critics and would soon prove to be a world-beater.

"Every time I can I try to watch United's games on television," said the Real Madrid man, according to The Daily Mirror.

"I still like to know what's happening at Old Trafford. And despite now being at Real, I'm always happy when I know when United have won.

"I've also seen that Nani is playing much more than he was last season when I was there. That's good for him and he will benefit from that.

"Now he has more opportunities to play, he will be able to show the fans just how a great player he is.

"We still speak regularly on the phone. And it's good to see United's fans are starting to appreciate him more and have been happy with his form up until now.

"Nani is an excellent player. There's a lot more to come from him and I'm sure that in a few years he will be amongst the best players in the world."

Ronaldo has been in unstoppable form for his new club so far this season, scoring in all of his first four Primera Division matches.

Phillip Wen, Goal.com UK

Spanish Inquisition: Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Who Has Made The More Impressive Start?

2009-09-25T11:28:00.000-07:00

Spanish Inquisition: Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Who Has Made The More Impressive Start?

They are two of the highest paid, highest profile footballers in the world today. They play for two of the grandest, most demanding and ambitious clubs anywhere on the planet, and they generated unparalleled commotion during the summer transfer market.

They are, of course, Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, superstar signings for Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.

Both clubs had cautiously advised fans and media alike not to expect too much from the pair in the early stages of the season, to allow them to settle into their new environs and to grant them some breathing space before they are judged, or even worse, compared. We’re barely a month into the new season and, yes, the honeymoon period is over.

While most new arrivals are afforded a handsome amount of time to adjust, it’s not a luxury you can have when there’s a ludicrous price tag hanging around your neck. But in truth, the €94 million Portuguese and the €66m Swede have wasted little time in delivering the goods and making their presence felt in La Liga.

At the weekend, Ibrahimovic found the back of the net again. Three goals in three games, and it was his best strike yet in the Blaugrana shirt. Running on to a through ball from Sergio Busquets, the big former Inter hitman ghosted in between two defenders like a sneaky little mouse before dinking the ball over Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Roberto with the outside of his right foot.

His setup for Seydou Keita’s goal was equally outrageous

. Sandwiched by two defenders, he lifted the ball in between the Atelti duo to set Lionel Messi on his merry little way. That subtle flick alone would have won him rave reviews had it led directly to a goal, but it was completely eclipsed by 'El Mesias’s' actual assist.

But there’s still a question mark over 'Ibra’s' work rate. While it’s evident that he has no problems replicating Samuel Eto’o’s goalscoring ratio, it’s clear to see that he is unlikely to reproduce the Cameroonian’s contributions outside of the opposing penalty area.

But it would be unfair to compare them in that department. Everyone knew well beforehand, including coach Pep Guardiola, that Zlatan is not the kind of striker who drops deep to fight for the ball or apply pressure on defenders, and anyone who insists that he does, well… they’ll just have to wait.

Big Guns | Ibra shows that he has plenty of muscle

Ronaldo, meanwhile, the most under-pressure footballer in the world, has made an even more spectacular start to his Blancos career. Four league goals in three La Liga games, and two in the Champions League. That’s six goals in four competitive outings in total. Nerves? What nerves?

He has already exhibited almost all his old Manchester United virtues in front of goal. He scored a stunning free kick in midweek against FC Zurich, rattled in a solo effort against Xerez on Sunday evening after just 45 seconds, and he followed that up with a trademark towering header later in the contest.

Some would say that he got lucky with his free kick strikes against the Swiss in midweek, and that a better shot-stopper would have repelled them, but you still need to hit the ball with the right technique to force the goalkeeper into making an error.

There’s also been a decent dose of showboating, something that his detractors will continue to pan but will undoubtedly delight the Santiago Bernabeu faithful, provided he doesn’t give the ball away too cheaply too often.
Hands Off | CR9 is in virtually untouchable form

Like Ibra, however, ‘CR9’ does very little tracking back to help out his defensive team-mates. But does that even really matter?

Madrid and Barca spent a fortune to bring these two entertainers to their respective clubs, and they parted with all that cash in exchange for goals and flashes of genius, not for muscles or Swiss-precision tackling.

Of course, a time will come when things are going sour and the pair will be asked to do more than shimmies and step-overs. But for now, let boys be boys.

In terms of expectations, both Cristiano and Zlatan are still a long way away from what they are capable of producing. But considering the extra-ordinary circumstances – Ibrahimovic being thrown into a team surrounded by otherworldly talent and Ronaldo having to assimilate into a side full of newcomers – they have performed admirably well, especially when you take into account how the likes of Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, Thierry Henry and even Ronaldinho took their own sweet time to hit the ground running in La Liga.

But who between the two has impressed you the most so far?

KS Leong, Goal.com

Villarreal 0-2 Real Madrid: Cristiano Ronaldo Scores In Starring Role For Los Blancos

2009-09-24T02:29:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo is beginning to make a habit of scoring at the start of games for Real Madrid. After netting in the first minute against Xerez last weekend, the world's most expensive footballer waited until the second minute tonight to send Los Blancos on their way to a 2-0 victory over Villarreal at El Madrigal.

The home side's cause wasn't helped by the dismissal of Gonzalo Rodriguez, who picked up two first half yellow cards for fouls on Ronaldo, and Brazilian playmaker Kaka.

The goal, which stunned the Madrigal faithful before some had found their seats, was typical of the winger as his surging solo run at the heart of the Villarreal defence was capped by a typically clinical finish from the edge of the box.

Ronaldo has now scored in his first four league games for the Blancos, which is a record at Real Madrid, and after the visitors took the lead it was plain sailing with the Portuguese star in fine form, showing some of his trademark trickery and producing some excellent runs.

Madrid dominated proceedings early on and coach Manuel Pellegrini will have been pleased to see his side produce a resolute and organised defensive display too which stifled anything the home side could muster in the attacking third.

A fine move midway through the half involving Guti and Brazilian duo Kaka and Marcelo nearly produced a sublime team goal to give the visitors a two goal cushion but Argentine forward Gonzalo Higuain couldn't fashion the finish the move so richly deserved.

Another Argentinian, Fernando Gago asserted his authority on the game with a commanding display in the centre of the park as Los Merengues continued to dominate, though a mix up between Sergio Ramos and goalkeeper Iker Casillas almost gifted the home side an equaliser from Angel's cross after half an hour.

Rodriguez saw red moments later for his second bookable offense to make the improbable, impossible for the home side. Ronaldo continued to terrorise the Villarreal defence but 1-0 it stayed at the break.

Villarreal, and Giuseppe Rossi in particular started brightly after the interval but it wasn't long before Real reasserted their dominance bringing a brilliant double save from Diego Lopez as first Higuain and then Ronaldo tested the Yellow Submarine's custodian.

The home side gave as good as they got for large periods of the second half but their threat soon faded as Kaka scored from the penalty spot shortly after the hour mark for his first goal in a Madrid shirt after Angel had handled Marcelo's cross.

The penalty decision was a harsh one but Madrid were worthy of a two goal lead and could have made it three late on as second half substitute Raul should have done better as he blazed a shot over the bar.

It finished 2-0 to the visitors and it was a win the performance deserved. They join Barcelona on 12 points as the top two set a swift early pace in La Liga while Villarreal must look to bounce back against Deportivo La Coruna at the Riazor on Sunday.

Paul Madden, Goal.com

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo Annoyed At Xerez Substitution

2009-09-24T02:21:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo is said to have been annoyed at being substituted with ten minutes remaining in the 5-0 win over Xerez on Sunday, according to AS.

The Portugal international is reportedly targetting the Pichichi Trophy by topping the goalscorers list in his first season in the Primera Division.

Madrid were three goals to the good when Ronaldo, who scored Madrid's first two, was replaced by Ruud van Nistelrooy. The Dutch striker managed to score Madrid's fifth goal late in the game.

Ronaldo is keen to make his mark on Spanish football by pipping the likes of Barcelona's Lionel Messi to the Pichichi and the report suggests that he is also keen to make a late show to beat the Argentinian to this year's Ballon d'Or and FIFA Player of the Year prizes, both of which the Portuguese star won last year.

Cristiano is currently top of the goalscorers charts, level with Valencia striker David Villa on four league goals, while Barca stars Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Roberto Soldado of Getafe all have three.

Paul Madden, Goal.com

Manchester United weaker without Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez, says Mark Hughes

2009-09-21T13:28:00.000-07:00

Manchester United weaker without Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez, says Mark Hughes

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes believes Manchester United are a shadow of their former selves after Sir Alex Ferguson failed to replace Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez this summer.

Weaker without them: Mark Hughes believes United are not the side they once were following the departures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez

Ahead of this weekend's Manchester derby, Hughes has laughed off Ferguson's accusations of City being a cocky side by saying the Scot's insults are a "form of flattery".

With United playing what Hughes describes as "below par" football, the 45-year-old says Ferguson stands to regret not bringing in more new faces in the summer transfer window.

"United have lost two significant players from last season," Hughes told the Sun. "Any team would be affected by that. But you can't afford to lose players of that standard and not replace them - and I don't think they have replaced them.

"I've watched a number of their games and I don't think they're playing as well as they did last season.

"They played well at Spurs last weekend, that was their stand-out performance, but prior to that I think they've been below par."

"We're here, we're not going away any time soon. We're here to make a challenge."

Earlier this week, Ferguson labelled City as a 'small club with a small mentality' following the unveiling of a billboard which projected the message 'Welcome to Manchester' across an image of Carlos Tévez, who turned down a five-year contract at Old Trafford before completing his £25.5m move to the Eastlands.

In reaction to Ferguson's comments, Hughes added: "The poster does seem to have really upset Sir Alex for some reason.

"We just take it as a bit of flattery because for a number of years City haven't affected United's thinking to any great extent. Possibly that's changed now.

"I'm sure Sir Alex is sick and tired of people sticking a microphone under his nose and asking him about us rather than United.

"That hasn't happened in recent years and I can understand why he gets a little bit irritated, but its quite amusing from my point of view."

Cristiano Ronaldo And Kaka Are Both Incredible - Real Madrid's Marcelo

2009-09-21T13:15:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo And Kaka Are Both Incredible - Real Madrid's Marcelo

Real Madrid left-back Marcelo has insisted that his team are not concerned with Barcelona, nor any other side in the league, but are focused on their own hard work to pick up three points every game.

"I'm more interested in Real Madrid. I can't say if Barcelona have more quality players, if they are better or if they are going to win more games," Marcelo announced to Sport.

"In order to win, we must work hard and that's what we're doing. We aren't interested in anyone else."

The 21-year-old moved onto the subject of his own side, but refused to be drawn into an answer when he was asked whether Kaka was a better player than Cristiano Ronaldo, as Brazilian legend Pele recently stated.

"It's very difficult to say who is better. It's like asking who is better, Pele or [Diego] Maradona? They are different. The two of them are incredible.

"You can't say that Kaka is better than Cristiano, nor that Cristiano is better than Kaka. Both are very good and have different talents."

Finally, Marcelo looked ahead to los Merengues' weekend clash with promoted Xerez at the Santiago Bernabeu. While on paper it is a straightforward match for the star-studded side, the young Brazilian is wary of over-confidence.

"For me, the Spanish league is the best in the world and there are no bad sides. We must not go into the game thinking that we will get five or six. If they were in the Segunda Division and they are now in the Primera Division, it means they have some talent."

Anthony Wright, Goal.com

Cristiano Ronaldo overpriced as Manchester United got a great deal says Fabio Capello

2009-09-18T00:12:00.000-07:00

Fabio Capello says he loves his wife more than football, but he really needs to spend more time with the other woman in his life.

Because if he studied harder with the rather attractive signora who has been hired to teach him English, we might discover that little bit more about the Italian doing such a fine job with the England team.

In an interview with Italian magazine Marie Claire, Capello opens up on subjects from his one-time ambition to become an airline pilot to his sheer amazement at the amount of money his former employers Real Madrid paid for Cristiano Ronaldo.

‘He is not worth £25million more than Kaka,’ declared England’s manager.

‘You can see that Manchester United’s directors have been cleverer than AC Milan’s
in their dealings with Real Madrid.’

'Overpriced': Ronaldo

Yet, his praise for the Old Trafford negotiators is nothing compared to his admiration for wife Laura.

‘The greatest victory in my private life is my wife Laura,’ he said.

‘If I had to choose between a year without love or a year coaching in Italy’s second division, I would make the obvious one, a season in Serie B.’

And when he lists the main priorities in his life, football finishes fourth.

‘If I had not become a footballer, I would have flown Boeings,’ he said. ‘Football is just a job to me. The three things I could not give up are my own home, my family and
travelling.’

On cloud nine: Capello at qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix

But even an Italian fashion magazine had to put a few football questions to the 63-year-old. Such as would he ever consider coaching Italy? How would he feel about
meeting them in the World Cup? And, when it comes to players and managers, who does he rate the most?

Interestingly, he reveals himself as a major admirer of Jose Mourinho.

‘Would I coach the Italian national side? It simply does not interest me,’ he said. ‘Italy and England could meet in the World Cup final, but at the moment I wear the England shirt.

‘I am a professional who has made choices and, at times, they can prove to be difficult. The manager who I rate the most highly is Marcello Lippi. He and Jose Mourinho are two very capable coaches, they are both winners, and it is hard to choose between the two of them.

‘The best player in the world right now is Lionel Messi. In Italy, the best two are Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon and the Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi.’

Kaka: There will be no rivalry between me and Ronaldo.

2009-07-05T11:35:00.000-07:00

Fifa’s 2007 World Player of the Year, Ricardo Kaka, was finally unveiled as a Real Madrid player on Tuesday, June 30.

There was a memorable and glamorous ceremony conducted at the Santiago Bernabeu where over 40,000 fans gathered to see the event. Kaka also made his first press conference as an official Real Madrid player.

Among the numerous questions that fell on the table, an obvious one did not miss out. Kaka, who dreams of winning another Ballon d’Or award, was asked whether there will be a rivalry between him and Ronaldo in Real Madrid.

Looking at Jorge Valdano, the Brazilian playmaker bombastically repeated:

“Will CR7 be a rival?”

As the press was anxiously waiting for his response, he went on to declare:

“There is no rivalry. He will be a team-mate, and we’re compatible players and of course we’re going to be able to play together.

“And off the pitch, there’s no rivalry. This is not the way I am, and not the way I see life and football.

“We are both winners, we both have the same ambitions, so I think we both have the same objectives.”

Kaka and Ronaldo are poised to make their debut in a Real Madrid shirt later this month, when Los Blancos face L.D.U in the Peace Cup tournament staged in Andalusia.

Written by: Angela Asante

Portugal Legend Eusebio: Great to have Ronaldo at Real Madrid.

2009-06-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

Portugal’s greatest footballer, Eusebio, has also spoken about Cristiano Ronaldo’s switch from Manchester United to Real Madrid. The 1966 World Cup hero praised Real Madrid as a great club and revealed his joy at Ronaldo’s transfer.

“I am very pleased, because Real Madrid is a team that I love a lot in Spain. They are the most important team in the country, just as Benfica are in Portugal and Manchester United in England.

“I am pleased that Cristiano Ronaldo has signed a contract here, and I am sure that we will succeed in Spanish football.”

Many people are questioning Real Madrid’s ability to achieve success with money, while some doubt Ronaldo’s potential in Spain. But Eusebio, who has other beliefs, said:

“I cannot define him [Ronaldo]. He is now the god of another world. I think this year, Real Madrid will not have problems because at the moment he is the best player in the world.”

Well, this thought is certainly not Xavi’s opinion. The 29-year-old midfielder – who just won a bronze medal at the Confederations Cup – declared:

“The best player in the world is Lionel Messi and there’s no chance he will switch allegiance,”

And talking about Barcelona’s desire to win the treble once again, he continued:

“We also have Andres Iniesta, Thierry Henry and Samuel Eto’o and with that kind of luxury, we are capable of doing anything.

“As for Ronaldo, I wouldn’t want him here. At Barca, we do not have room for players who fill gossip magazines. We are hard workers and sportsmen but he, on the other hand, is uncontrollable.”

Written by: Angela Asante

Done Deal: Cristiano Ronaldo Signs Six-Year Contract at Real Madrid

2009-06-29T03:06:00.000-07:00

Speculations regarding Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Real Madrid are now over. Yesterday night, the Madrid club’s official website confirmed that Los Blancos had made a world record breaking transfer of 80 million Euros, only to sign the Portuguese winger on a six-year deal at the Bernabeu.

The statement from the Spanish Giants read:

“Real Madrid CF and Manchester United have confirmed a definitive agreement for the transfer of the player Cristiano Ronaldo, to take place on July 1.

“The player will be tied to Real Madrid for the next six seasons and will be presented on the 6th of July at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.”

Written by Angela Asante

Cristiano Ronaldo transfer: Manchester United were right to sell Cristiano Ronaldo says Brian McClair

2009-06-26T05:09:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo transfer: Manchester United were right to sell Cristiano Ronaldo says Brian McClair

On his way: Cristiano Ronaldo's impending move came at the right time according to former United striker Brian McClair

Ronaldo is set to rubber-stamp his world record switch to the Bernabeu before June 30, when he is expected to be unveiled alongside the Spanish club's other – galactico' signing, Kaka.

The Portuguese winger's move to Real has come at the end of a 12-month period when the 24-year-old did little to distance himself from speculation linking him with a move to the Spanish capital.

And McClair, who made over 350 first-team appearances for United during 1980s and 1990s, insists that Ferguson was right to part with a player who had made it clear that he viewed his future away from Old Trafford.

McClair said: "As far as the sale of Ronaldo to Real Madrid goes, Manchester United have been here before. Look back at the club's history.

"George Best, Eric Cantona and David Beckham have departed United in some shape or form and the club has continued to thrive and, in certain cases, has gone on to bigger and better things.

"A club as big as United is going to have big players and players move on. That9s a fact of football life.

"No one player is irreplaceable. Or to put it another way, nobody is bigger than the club. Selling Ronaldo to Real Madrid is good business.

"His comments in the past have intimated that he was not happy. There's no point keeping a player in that state of mind as it will eventually start to affect those around him." McClair is currently charged with identifying United's next generation of home-grown stars and the Scot believes that Ronaldo's departure can open doors for the club's promising youngsters.

McClair, speaking to championshipmanager.co.uk, said: "We move on.

United have always changed and adapted and that process is underpinned by the knowledge and experience possessed by the coaches and the manager.

"There are young players at the club who have benefited from that knowledge and experience.

"Now is the time for some of them who we have developed to see Ronaldo's departure as an opportunity."

Cristiano Ronaldo Has No Time For Paris

2009-06-24T15:29:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo has lost interest in Paris Hilton.

The soccer star and the hotel heiress spent the night together earlier this month and vowed to keep their romance alive.

But less than two weeks after their passionate liaison, the 23-year-old sportsman has claimed he doesn't have time for the 28-year-old blonde beauty.

Cristiano said: "She was a really cool girl and we had a great time talking. I am a young man and Paris a young lady, and us talking in a club is just what normal people our age do.

"She lives thousands of miles away and is busy, and I am busy in Madrid so I am not sure if we will be able to see each other. I am just making the most of the short summer I get."

Paris and Cristiano spent hours "swapping spit" at MyHouse club in Los Angeles before driving to her sister Nicky Hilton's nearby home in West Hollywood at 3am.

A grinning Cristiano was photographed leaving the mansion at 5am. He and Paris met up for a second time less than 24 hours later.

Meanwhile, Paris' mother Kathy has lashed out at her daughter's ex-boyfriend Doug Reinhardt.

She said: "I think Paris needs to be with someone who is a bit more mature, older and has their own thing."

Paris' aunt Kyle Richards also commented on her niece's relationship with 'The Hills' star.

She said: "The stories out there about our family not approving of their relationship are completely true. Doug was riding Paris' coattails."

On July 6: 25,000 fans for Ronaldo at the Bernabeu!

2009-06-24T14:40:00.000-07:00

Fifa’s Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo, is expected to break more records when he gets officially presented as a Real Madrid player.

Nothing has been confirmed as yet concerning the financial agreements between Ronaldo and the Spanish Giants. However, fresh reports suggest that the Fifa Player of the Year will appear at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium for the first time with his new Real Madrid shirt on July 6.

25,000 fans are expected to attend the glamorous ceremony of Cristiano Ronaldo’s official unveiling as a Real Madrid player. This number beats by far the record set by Robinho when 11,000 fans went to the stadium to see him in 2005, on August, 26.

In addition, Cristiano Ronaldo might probably break Zinedine Zidan’s record for media attendance during an official reception. 400 accredited journalists attended the Algerian-born French legend’s official ceremony whereas an estimated number of 500 reporters from over 25 countries should be present when on July 6.

Reports claim that the Spanish Giants have already begun working on invitations. The ceremony is also said to start at 20:00 CET in order to suit the availability of day workers. Therefore, televisions channels will have the opportunity to cover the event from 21:00 CET in their late news.

Written by: Angela Asante

Ronaldo: From Man United to Real Madrid – Difficult to adapt, but I will!

2009-06-24T14:38:00.000-07:00

Every Real Madrid fan will love to see Cristiano Ronaldo in his white jersey, making fancy footwork on the ball, running with pace, firing accurate free-kicks, and scoring goals as he did under Manchester United’s red jersey.

And despite all the expectations that surround Cristiano Ronaldo, the World Player of the Year insists that it might take time before he adapts to Spanish soccer.

“It will be a little difficult at the start because I was at Manchester United for six years,”

“In England, they play a more physical style of football, faster, but that is not an excuse. I only hope that I can adapt as quickly as possible,” Ronaldo said before boldly stating:

“My life is based on challenges. Every year at Manchester United I had that. This is a different season because everything is new and that’s why it’s a different challenge.”

He concluded:

“Winning titles is the challenge. Madrid are used to winning things, the same as Manchester United. I have high hopes and I’m certain that everything will turn out well.”

Written by: Angela Asante

Ronaldo reflecting on Real Madrid issues concerning him

2009-06-24T14:36:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo is not yet a Real Madrid player. The Portuguese winger will have to wait a bit longer before being paired alongside Kaka. Ronaldo, who is currently on holidays, is already thinking of playing for Real Madrid.

He stated:

“I want to start pre-season well, that’s what I really want,”

“The truth is that I’m eager to start, but for now I want to rest.

“The negotiations are still not concluded.”

Cristiano Ronaldo is yet to find a suitable house in Real Madrid. He also needs to learn how to speak Spanish fluently as it is understood that he will remain in the Spanish club for six years as stipulated in the contract.

Considering the money involved in his transfer, and his Ballon d’Or and Fifa Player of the year titles, Ronaldo will be under pressure to perform very well at Real Madrid. But the former Manchester United number 7 star is well aware of how hard it is going to be in his dream club.

“I know that the expectations are great but I have to get used to that.”

Written by: Angela Asante

Sergio Ramos: Welcome to Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo!

2009-06-22T15:05:00.000-07:00

Nereida Gallardo’s ex-boyfriend, Sergio Ramos, will be united with Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid next season. The 23-year-old was expected to be the rival of Ronaldo – had the Portuguese signed for Madrid last year.

But now, it seems like there is no resentment from Ramos towards Ronaldo, despite having shared the same woman, Nereida Gallardo.

According to Sergio Ramos, Cristiano Ronaldo’s astronomical salary sum will not even be an issue. Speaking to the Mirror, the Spanish defender affirmed:

“People are always talking about what footballers are earning, but the truth is that the only people who know are the club, the player and the player’s agent,”

“If you’re happy with your own wages, you won’t be worried about what others are making. It is up to your agent to look after your contract, and Madrid look after their players very well so I don’t see any problems in that regards.”

Then defending Real Madrid’s will of creating an all-star team, Sergio Ramos said of Ronaldo:

“Madrid must always have the best footballers in the world because we are the biggest and most famous club. It’s as simple as that.

“Cristiano has been the best player in the world for the last two years and it is only right that he wears the white shirt of Madrid. When you put on this shirt, you know that you’ve arrived at the very top. There is no greater honour.”

Cristiano Ronaldo’s former teammate at Manchester United, Ruud Van Nilsterooy, also salutes Cristiano Ronaldo at the Santiago Bernabeu:

“Good players are always welcome. Cristiano is fantastic,”

“He is very young, but he has a lot of experience after playing in the World Cup, Euro, Champions League and English competitions.”

“He is strong both physically and technically and I think that he has everything,”

Written by: Angela Asante

Satisfy your emotions: Watch 6 Videos of Cristiano Ronaldo in Manchester United!!!

2009-06-22T07:29:00.000-07:00

Some of you might feel sad, maybe too emotional when you think about Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from Manchester United. The grown kid of Madeira is only moments away from fulfilling his long-time dream of playing for Real Madrid.

Cristiano Ronaldo spent six good years far away from the sunny atmosphere and beaches of his homeland to be with the Red Devils in the rainy atmosphere of Manchester.

In England, Ronaldo grew up to become the World’s Best Player. He had several memorable moments in the number 7 shirt and created history several times. Relive Cristiano Ronaldo’s mesmerizing spell in a Manchester United jersey by watching these videos. Some videos also include moments of Ronaldo in a Portugal jersey.

Cristiano Ronaldo dances with the ball:

Cristiano Ronaldo - ALL 42 Goals (2007/2008 season):

Cristiano Ronaldo – from Kid to Big, all the way to the top:

Cristiano Ronaldo – Top 10 Goals:

Cristiano Ronaldo – The Foot Worker:

Cristiano Ronaldo’s home in Manchester:

Written by: Angela Asante

Cristiano Ronaldo: My two reasons for leaving Manchester United

2009-06-22T07:06:00.001-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo is leaving Manchester United for good. Well, actually, he is on the brink of completing his move to the Spanish capital where the sun is almost every day present.

Ronaldo’s switch to the Santiago Bernabeu was all but predictable, but because of Ronaldo’s constant “statements of commitment” to the Red Devils (which seemed to brush away the possibility of a transfer), many Manchester United fans have been left puzzled, disappointed, or angry.

Speaking to the News of the World, Cristiano Ronaldo explained his reasons for leaving the current World Champions:

“After we won the European Cup [Champions League], I began to think that there was nothing left for me to achieve in Manchester.

“I realised that when you achieve everything, it is time to seek a new challenge. I stayed another year and enjoyed it, but my dream was to play for Real Madrid.”

Many believe that Cristiano Ronaldo left the cold and rainy atmosphere of Old Trafford to embrace the glamour and fame of ‘Spain’s Circus’ (Real Madrid) as some call it.

But the World Player of the Year insisted:

“Of course I did not move for money.”

Cristiano Ronaldo was sensational in the 2007/08 season and he got rewarded with a multitude of awards. Predictably, Lionel Messi will be crowned as the World’s Best this year and Cristiano Ronaldo may end up with no individual trophy. But the grown kid of Madeira, who has always loved to dream big, still wishes to be on top of the world.

He concluded:

“What I want is to be the greatest player in the world. I know I need to work a lot, but that is my goal.

“And it is clear that if you become the best player of Real Madrid, you will become one of the best in history.”

Cristiano Ronaldo may have to compete against his own teammate, Ricardo Kaka, to achieve his dream of being the greatest player in the world.

Written by: Angela Asante

CRISTIANO RONALDO CONFESSES

2009-06-22T06:43:00.000-07:00

'I decided to quit United a year ago'

CRISTIANO RONALDO today confesses he decided to leave Manchester United a YEAR ago.

Ronaldo will become the world's most expensive player when he completes his £80million move to Real Madrid at the end of this month.

And in his first major interview since United agreed to sell him to their Spanish rivals, we asked the Portuguese star: "When did you know you would be going to Real Madrid?"

His reply will astonish United fans: "After we won the European Cup."

United's penalty shoot-out victory over Chelsea in Moscow was on May 21, 2008. Yet on May 24, 2009 - a year later - he insisted: "Manchester United is my home. Even when I say my heart is here people still make things up. But this is where I want to play."

Ronaldo told us: "After we won the European Cup I thought there is no more I can achieve here. And when you have done all you can, you know it is time for a new challenge. I stayed one more season and it was nice to make it three titles in a row but it was my dream to play for Madrid."

And while Ronaldo denied any knowledge of a pact between Real and United, he hardly dampened speculation that the clubs might have settled on a deal before last season began.

When asked if the move had been agreed a year ago, he replied: "No, not that I know of. Any agreements that the clubs had were private. I expressed a desire to join Madrid and the two clubs reached an agreement. This transfer is no different from any other."

Former Real president Ramon Calderon claimed he had sealed the deal six months ago despite United boss Sir Alex Ferguson stating he wouldn't "sell that mob a virus".

But Ronaldo himself shoulders total blame for the controversy that surrounded the affair.

He admits: "Anything that has not been right with the move is my fault and nothing to do with Real Madrid or Manchester United. I opened my mouth and that is what caused the problems between the two clubs who both acted in the correct way. Yes, I would have handled things differently and not been so public."

CRISTIANO RONALDO: HIS ONLY INTERVIEW

2009-06-22T06:34:00.000-07:00

I had to go to biggest club in world, says £80m Portuguese ace

IT wasn't quite delivered with the infamous wink but it easily could have been.

Cristiano Ronaldo's parting shot at the hecklers who hounded his every prancing step in the Premier League.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Wayne Rooney can rule the world but I don't regret my wink

"My final message to your country? To all those who supported me, thank you. And to all those who hated me, thank you even more."

Those who supported him were dwindling day by day towards the end of his remarkable six-year stay in England.

But today, Ronaldo tries to explain why he has deserted the club and the manager who turned him into a global phenomenon.Not for the cash, he says. Not for a salary that could reach £500,000 a week. But for the dream.

The dream of wearing the white of Real Madrid - and the dream of becoming the game's GREATEST-EVER player.

He explained: "Of course, I have not gone for the money. It is a new challenge and a great honour to play for Madrid Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in the world and they pay top wages, so it is nothing to do with money.

"The white shirt is a great honour and one I am looking forward to. It is, I think, every boy's dream to play for Real. I grew up watching them play with Zidane, Figo, Ronaldo and all the other greats and there is something about that white shirt that just attracts you. It was a great dream and, fortunately, one that is coming true."

And no-one will be surprised to learn that Ronaldo is facing up to his new challenge with a breathtaking degree of confidence.

JEER WE GO - Ronaldo feels the full fury of the Manchester City fans last season

He said: "When I won World Player of the Year, it was amazing. For a lot of people, that would be their peak. But I promise that is not my peak. I will get better than that.

"I believe I am going to improve because I am just 24. If I didn't want to improve at 24, that would be a loser's mentality.

"To go down as a Real Madrid great is very hard because they have had so many exceptional players. That has to be my aim, though. To go down as the greatest. It will take lots of work but that is my target.

"If you go down as the greatest at Madrid it means you are one of the greatest of all time."

United followers might argue that if you go down as the greatest at Old Trafford, you are one of the greatest of all time.

And his gushing praise for one of Sir Alex Ferguson's bitterest rivals is hardly likely soothe the ill-feeling sparked by his world record defection.

But Ronaldo believes he will always have a special bond with United supporters.

He said: "I really could not have asked for any more from them. There were times when the whole of England was against me but they stood strong in their support and belief for me.

"While opposition fans' hate made me stronger, the love of the United support also made me stronger.

"I just want to say thank you for all their support. I will never forget them and I hope I have given them memories that will always be with them."

Cheating

And if that doesn't appease those who wished him only good riddance, then a belated declaration of loyalty might. A declaration that even hints at the possibility of a return.

He said: "It would not feel right to play for anybody else in England apart from Manchester United. They have been my home for so long and it would feel like I was cheating if I played for anybody else."

Ronaldo picks out the clinching of his first Premier League winners' medal as the most memorable moment of his United career and the humbling defeat in Rome as his low point.

CHEER WE GO - Ronaldo (centre) celebrates after United's 2008 Champions League victory over Chelsea

"The first title is always the special one and that was the key to open the gates to even more success," he explained. "But losing the European Cup to Barcelona hurt. I don't like to lose any game but to lose such an important game at that level really hurts."

Almost as much as the idea that Ronaldo will be remembered in this country as much for his tantrums as his talent.

He said: "I knew the same players would kick me every time I faced them. Skilful players don't always get enough protection from some referees but nobody wants to talk about that.

Money

"It is very hard going to clubs lower down the league where if they can't tackle you - they just kick you."

United will have to face that ordeal without Ronaldo this season. But he is adamant that his departure will not halt a march to the capture of a fourth consecutive Premier League crown.

He said: "I have no doubt about that. I believe they are a long way ahead of the other three big clubs. They will have a lot of money to spend and there are not many players in the world that would turn down the chance to play for Manchester United.

"The boss will sign well because he always does and I expect Manchester United to carry on dominating England for a long time to come.

"Maybe Liverpool can build on last season but I think with a new world class manager and with the right buys, Chelsea can become a force in the Premier League again. But I still expect United to win the title next year."

Ronaldo, of course, will have more pressing matters to deal with. Such as living up to his £80million billing.

"When you play for a club like Manchester United or Real Madrid then there is always pressure but none of the pressure comes from my price tag," he claimed.

"That is a figure the businessmen at Madrid and United agreed on and that is nothing to do with football. My pressure comes from giving the fans what they have come to expect at Madrid and from playing for the most famous club in the world."

More famous, it seems, than Manchester United. That's Ronaldo. Just can't resist a parting shot.

Voting Poll: Vote for the best, Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?

2009-06-22T03:58:00.000-07:00

It has been almost a month now that Europe’s major league season came to an end. Manchester United did the double in England, winning both the Carling Cup and the English Premier League title, to add to their Fifa World Club Cup trophy.

In Spain, Barcelona outclassed all the rest to clinch the Copa del Rey and the Primera Liga trophies. They rounded their memorable season by winning the Champions League in Rome after defeating Manchester United 2-0.

A vast majority now put Barcelona ahead of Manchester United as the best club in the world currently, as much as Lionel Messi is considered to be a better player than Cristiano Ronaldo.

Share your opinions. Who do you think was the best player throughout the whole year? Who deserves to be the next Fifa Player of the Year winner?

Go on LM10, one of our affiliate Fan-sites, and cast your vote! Vote in numbers! If you think that Ronaldo is the best, then make yourself heard. Hurry and vote to make Cristiano Ronaldo fans proud. If you think that Lionel Messi is the best, then vote in numbers too. Brush away the voice of Cristiano Ronaldo fans.

It’s all about creating dynamism, fun, competition! Vote now. To vote, go here: http://lionelmessi.soccerstar.org

Written by: Angela Asante

Paris Hilon to follow Ronaldo to Madrid

2009-06-19T14:31:00.000-07:00

Paris Hilton is set to follow her new friend Cristiano Ronaldo in the Spanish capital. The Portuguese Superstar will fly to the Bernabeu after his holidays, instead of joining Manchester United for their Far East Tour.

Cristiano Ronaldo is said to touch base in Madrid on July 26 and Paris Hilton is determined to meet him there.

Paris Hilton, who is getting less positive attraction in the USA, told pals about Ronaldo:

“I am totally going to Madrid to see him.

“I love spending time in Europe. They get me there.”

But she added:

“London is totally my favourite city in the whole world. I love it.

“I would totally move to London one day. There’s lots of restaurants with really good food. I love Top Shop and Harrods.

“My favourite thing about London is the accents. I love a British accent.”

It will be interesting to see if she manages have Cristiano Ronaldo as her future husband. Will she tempt him to go back to England?

Will Cristiano Ronaldo marry Paris Hilton?

2009-06-18T10:41:00.000-07:00

Exactly one year after Cristiano Ronaldo neglected Paris Hilton in a bar, the Portuguese Superstar was seen partying dirtily with the Hollywood actress at My House night club in Los Angeles.

Cristiano Ronaldo doing like David Beckham?

The 24-year-old World Player of the Year is expected to complete his transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid in about a week’s time. This will see the number 7 star emulate AC Milan’s David Beckham who also used to wear the mesmerizing number 7 Red Devil jersey.

Now Cristiano Ronaldo could also emulate Beckham – if not surpass him – in terms of media attraction. The former English captain and his wife Victoria beat royal couple Prince Charles and Lady Diana in the press, and the Beckhams are continuing to receive the public’s attention.

Playboy Ronaldo may steal the spotlight from the Beckhams though, if he indeed marries Hollywood’s Paris Hilton. His £ 20,000 alcohol party broke into the headlines in a space of hours; The Estadio do Dragao record holder could well become an everyday-headline-maker when he joins Real Madrid.

The glamour in this Spanish club is arguably the greatest in the world, and with Paris Hilton by his side, Cristiano Ronaldo may outclass David Beckham’s popularity in the media.
Can Paris Hilton fit in Ronaldo’s life as a wife?

Paris Hilton: Ronaldo is just my good friend

Speculations of Cristiano Ronaldo marrying Paris Hilton have run fast throughout the public after the two Superstars were seen together. However, Paris Hilton insists that despite what happened at My House nightclub last week, there is nothing serious between herself and Cristiano Ronaldo.

“We’re getting to know each other and I have to leave it at that,” Paris Hilton said.

When asked about her relationship with Ronaldo yesterday, she told the press:

“Cristiano and I are good friends. Very good friends.”

A source close to Ronaldo and Hilton underlined Paris Hilton’s statement by telling the Mirror:

“Paris has just got out of two serious relationships, so she might not be ready to jump straight into another one,”

However, the source concluded:

“But they have been texting and calling each other a lot. So, I wouldn’t be surprised.”

Either way, Cristiano Ronaldo’s mum, Dolores Aveiro, will hope that Ronaldo and Hilton are not dating. Reports explain that the cancer-stricken woman hates Aveiro while she is still sad about her son’s split with Nereida Gallardo.

What do you think about the Cristiano Ronaldo & Paris Hilton issue? Post your comment below.

Written by: Angela Asante

Cristiano Ronaldo not charged over accident which wrecked Ferrari

2009-06-17T06:33:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo was badly shaken in the car accident near Manchester Airport in January but escaped uninjured and will not be charged Photo: REUTERS

The 24-year-old footballer, who recently completed a world-record £80 million transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid, was badly shaken in the accident near Manchester Airport in January but escaped uninjured.

Police launched an investigation after the Portuguese winger's brand-new Ferrari 599 GTB was written off when it hit the concrete wall of a tunnel.

Today it emerged there was insufficient evidence to launch any prosecution.

A police source said: "Ronaldo said he simply lost control of the car and there were not enough independent witnesses to prosecute him for any driving offence."

No other cars were involved in the crash, although Ronaldo's former United team-mate Edwin van de Sar was following in his Bentley car.

The accident happened at 10.20am on the A538, which runs under Manchester Airport.

Both players were questioned by the roadside and Ronaldo, who police said had been "fortunate" to escape unhurt, was also breathalysed in line with standard procedure – but the test proved negative.

It was initially thought the accident may have been caused by the car's ceramic brakes being damaged in an initial impact with the kerb inside the tunnel, but this was later denied by Ferrari who said they were working "perfectly".

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: "No further action will be taken against the driver of a Ferrari 599 GTB, which collided with a wall on the A538 Wilmslow Road on Thursday 8 January 2009."

The airport is currently pursuing an insurance claim for the £20,000 damage caused to the tunnel wall.

Cristiano Ronaldo will not face charges over Ferrari crash

2009-06-17T06:29:00.000-07:00

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo will not face any charges after writing off his Ferrari sports car in a crash, police said today.

The Portuguese winger, who is set to move to Real Madrid after United accepted a record £80million bid last week, demolished the front of his high-performance vehicle when it hit a roadside barrier under a tunnel near Manchester Airport in January.

The FIFA World Player of the Year managed to escape uninjured and spoke to officers at the scene before making his way to Manchester United's training ground near Sale.

After investigating the incident and interviewing Ronaldo last month, police have decided not to take action against the 24-year-old, who also provided a written statement following the crash.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said today: "No further action will be taken against the driver of a Ferrari 599 GTB, which collided with a wall on the A538 Wilmslow Road on Thursday, January 8.

"No-one was injured and no other vehicles were involved in the incident."

It is understood Ronaldo had only had the top-of-the-range sports car for a couple of days before the accident.

Skid marks were clearly visible at the scene of the crash and one of the red Ferrari's wheels came off.

Ronaldo's team-mate, goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, was understood to have been travelling behind him at the time of the incident and later provided a statement to police.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Sexy West Coast Tour. Soccer star relaxes in Sin City after a fun-fueled week

2009-06-17T06:20:00.000-07:00

Fresh off a whirlwind night of partying with Paris and Nicky Hilton in Los Angeles, after which he was rumored to have hooked up with Paris, Cristiano Ronaldo spent the weekend in Las Vegas.

The soccer star went clubbing at popular nightclub Rain and spent the next afternoon lounging with friends by the pool, where he treated himself to a massage and foot-rub by a gentleman masseur.

Last week Ronaldo and Paris Hilton got frisky at L.A. hotspot My House, where just the previous night Hilton had a huge spat with now-ex Doug Reinhardt.

Socialite Life reports that according to a witness, “They were sucking each other’s faces off like their plane was going down. At one point Ronaldo had a bottle between his legs and Paris was stroking it. It was very racy.”

This past weekend Ronaldo was hitting on a “mystery brunette” who joined him at Rain. Apparently she wandered into the soccer stud’s VIP area and within seconds was feeling up his biceps.

The next afternoon Ronaldo was spotted with friends at the Palms Hotel and Casino pool, sans the female companion but with crew in tow. They apparently lounged by the pool all day and boarded a private jet Sunday night.

But not before Ronaldo got felt up by the poolside masseur. Paparazzi pics show the soccer player getting his abs and feet worked on by the older gentleman, and yeah, it looks like he enjoys it.

Face of the week: Cristiano Ronaldo

2009-06-17T05:38:00.000-07:00

By day, he is a grunting, goal-scoring powerhouse. By night, by beach, and on any other occasion that precludes wearing a football shirt, he is a camp, pearl-wearing preener who makes Noel Fielding look butch. Straight men hate him (that wink!), gay men love him (that body!) and women view him as the ultimate trophy shag. Lord knows what his beloved mother Dolores made of her son's recent dalliance with Paris Hilton but we doubt she was pleased. Although as two of the campest people on the planet, we think they are a perfect match.

Some might say that a man who wears diamond necklaces, skin-tight trunks, inch-thick foundation and pink plastic flowers behind his ear cannot possibly be heterosexual. But Ronaldo maintains that it is only because he is so sure of his sexual orientation that he can push the sartorial envelope into territories where Perez Hilton might fear to tread. No matter that his idol is Ricky Martin, or that he shares a home with his male best friend: according to Ronaldo, he is as un-gay as George Best, only with better jewellery.

Inevitably, comparisons have been made with David Beckham. Lord knows what they must put in the Manchester water but Beckham also reached a zenith of campness during his tenure at Man U, displaying a fondness for sarongs that must have worried his wife, Victoria. But Ronaldo's brand of camp is different. While Beckham's firmly takes its lead from the catwalk (Jean Paul Gaultier is one of many designers to have pushed the male skirt), Ronaldo's is cut from a different, more Latin, cloth. In its sheer, don't-give-a-s**t exuberance, it is pure South America: so much so that it is tempting to think that Ronaldo didn't grow up in Portugal at all, but in a penthouse overlooking Ipanema beach.

In Brazil, all the men look like Ronaldo. In Manchester, they look like Shaun Ryder.

Transported to the more cosmopolitan Madrid, it is unlikely Ronaldo's garb will look so gay. Deal of the century it may be but still, we won't be happy until he is snapped up by a Brazilian team.

They might not be able to stretch to the £80 million transfer fee but if they threw in a pair of tight white shorts and a lifetime's supply of plastic flowers, who knows: they might secure his services for less money than they think.

Fifa President Sepp Blatter: Ronaldo’s big-money move is great!

2009-06-17T02:54:00.000-07:00

Several clubs and football personalities, such as Barcelona’s president Juan Laporta and UEFA’s Michel Platini, have firmly criticized Real Madrid’s 94 million euro transfer fee for Cristiano Ronaldo.

After enduring a cup-less season, Los Blancos are rebuilding their fortress. According to Florentino Perez and his board advisor Zinedine Zidane, bringing world class players is the key for success.

The price tags on superstars like Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo are obviously enormous, so Florentino Perez had to win loan deals with several partners to go ahead.

But despite the financial crisis that the world is currently facing, Fifa Presiden Sepp Blatter has clearly backed Florentino Perez’s action.

“Cristiano Ronaldo’s signing is good for football. It shows the market of the sport is healthy despite the world financial crisis,

“This means our product is still good. This is the people’s sport and they need stars. The transfer will cost a lot of money, but it shows that there is still demand for a football star,” Blatter was quoted as saying in Real Madrid’s official website.

“We should be allowed to be generous about this. This market is very sensitive because there is a financial crisis, but the football market is still a good one.”

The Fifa President then explained:

“Fifty million dollars were paid for the Brazilian Ronaldo ten years ago, and I ask myself, ‘What are 80 million pounds nowadays?’ This means there is still a demand for stars and that there is no crisis in football.”

Written by: Angela Asante

Queiroz and Zidan on World Record holder Cristiano Ronaldo

2009-06-17T02:46:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo will soon officially hold the world record transfer fee. The Portuguese Star winger’s € 94 million move beats Zinedine Zidane’s € 76 million transfer fee from Juventus to Real Madrid.

Zidane: Cristiano makes me breathe again

Now the former French captain and current Real Madrid board advisor to Perez revealed his happiness at losing this record.

“It’s a relief for me because the cost of Cristiano has seen me lose that record, which was quite heavy to carry,

“You could say that, thanks to Cristiano, I can breathe again.”

Cristiano Ronaldo’s 94 million euro price tag explains that the player will have to leave up to expectations for his dream club Real Madrid.

Queiroz cautious over Ronaldo’s life in Real Madrid.

The reigning World Player of the Year is known for his pace on the field and his power on the ball that helps him convert free-kicks into goals. Whether he manages to impose himself in Spanish football is one question, while the other one is about the huge responsibilities and pressure created by sponsorship and marketing issues.

Speaking some days earlier, Manchester United assistant coach, Carlos Queiroz, revealed to The Sun:

“I have my opinion about my wish regarding the career of Cristiano - and I think Manchester United was the right club for him,”

“It’s something to do with the fashion, the television, a different game that is in place nowadays.

“I must say that at Real Madrid, [distractions] can happen very easily.”

How will Cristiano Ronaldo fair out along side Kaka in a Real Madrid squad reshaped by money?

Written by: Angela Asante

Newly single Paris Hilton spotted kissing soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo

2009-06-15T06:24:00.000-07:00

Paris Hilton and new crush, Real Madrid soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo were spotted kissing at a Hollywood club.

In what will likely be the least shocking news of the day - Paris Hilton was spotted canoodling with a new boy toy less than 24 hours after reports of her breakup with "Hills" star Doug Reinhardt.

The heiress - out at a Hollywood club with sister Nicky Hilton - met up with Real Madrid player Cristiano Ronaldo and spent the evening cuddling with the soccer hottie on a couch, as seen in photos posted on TMZ.com.

The papparazzi site X17 online has video of the soccer hottie leaving Nicky Hilton's home at 5 a.m. the next morning after reportedly spending the night with Paris.

Cristiano Ronaldo could be in Toronto when Real Madrid meet TFC in friendly

2009-06-15T06:20:00.000-07:00

THE CANADIAN PRESS Jun 11, 4:47 pm EDT

TORONTO - The world-record transfer offer for Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid could mean a glimpse of the famous Portuguese striker this summer in Toronto.

Toronto FC will host the Spanish powerhouse club in an international friendly Aug. 7 at BMO Field.

Manchester United received an unconditional offer Thursday of C$145.2 million for Ronaldo, meaning the World Player of the Year will likely be with his new club when it embarks on a pre-season tour of North America, starting in Toronto and finishing in Washington, D.C. two days later.

Toronto FC officials had no comment on the Ronaldo transaction, as the team prepares to host the New York Red Bulls on Saturday.

Tickets for the Real Madrid friendly start at $140 and runs all the way up to $215. Toronto FC season seat holders can buy tickets starting at $125.

Public ticket sales for the match will begin Monday, June 22

Storm in Spain about signing of Cristiano Ronaldo - Feature

2009-06-15T06:08:00.000-07:00

Madrid - A veritable storm has broken out in Spain about Real Madrid planned signing Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United for a world record fee of 96 million euros (134.77 million dollars). Several sections of the media have criticized the signing because it comes in the midst of the worst economic crisis for almost 30 years, other sections have expressed doubt as to whether Real can recuperate their investment.Real president Florentino Perez has raised eyebrows across the globe by spending at least 65 million euros on Brazilian attacking midfielder Kaka and now about to splash out even bigger on Ronaldo for what would be more than 160 million euros in total for the two.The expected signing of Ronaldo was front-page news in every single Spanish newspaper on Friday.Prestigious Madrid paper El Pais bluntly questioned the morality of the deal "during this crisis."Barcelona paper La Vanguardia went further, indignantly pointing out that the 96 million euros could have instead been spent - in a country suffering from a housing shortage - on building 900 apartments of 80 square metres each.Not surprisingly, the Catalan media was most critical with Perez' profligacy, with Catalan language channel TV-3 on Thursday night naming the expected deal "an obscenity, in these difficult times."Spain has been hit hard by the global recession, and unemployment has risen above 17 per cent, meaning that almost four million people are out of work.Barcelona president Joan Laporta was quoted widely as saying "Real Madrid have an emergency that we do not have."He referred to the fact that Barca pulled off an historic title treble (Spanish league amd cup, European Champions League) in the past season while Real need to rebuild their team.The Catalan newspapers also quoted Xavier Martin i Sala, Barca's financial director, as saying "I really don't know where they (Real) get the money from. He (Perez) says he will recuperate it from shirt sales, but that would require 30 million sales, which is impossible."Sala i Martin wondered "how is it possible that a football club can get this kind of money, given the economic situation and the credit restrictions imposed by the banks?"Financial newspaper Cinco Dias said that Real's challenge "is to make the signing profitable," and issued the warning that the club "has taken a big gamble."Even Madrid sports papers AS and Marca were critical of the signing, even though their circulation figures will certainly improve because of Perez' spending spree.Alfredo Relano, the influential editor of AS, commented that "Florentino (Perez) has given hope to many fans but scandalized many others. It looks like an obscene act during a crisis. When so many companies are closing and so many people are on the street, spending so much money on two footballers looks terrible."AS said that Perez is planning to spend well over 200 million euros this summer. His next target is Euro 2008 top scorer David Villa. He is also interested in Villa's Valencia team-mates David Silva and Raul Albiol, as well as Xabi Alonso of Liverpool and Franck Ribery of Bayern Munich.An online poll in AS - in which 141,891 votes had been cast by Friday morning - showed that many Real fans have doubts about the Ronaldo deal. They were asked whether the purchase is good for the club - and 55 per cent have voted "no."AS also quoted European football boss Michel Platini as saying that "I am surprised at this transfer, during such financial challenges...It brings up the questions of fair financial play and of balance in our competitions."Marca, which is close to Perez, tried to be more optimistic about what it called "the Transfer of the Century."Even so, an online poll in Marca shows that 73 per cent of readers think the transfer fee too high. And Marca quotes Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro - who has just returned to Juventus after three years in Madrid - as saying that "Cristiano and Kaka will not resolve Real's problems on the field."
Copyright, respective author or news agency

Ronaldo heads to Real Madrid. Few tears shed

2009-06-15T06:06:00.000-07:00

The northern sky is dimmer with Cristiano Ronaldo's proposed £80m move from Manchester United to Real Madrid, but broken hearts are fewer than expected. About the only prize not claimed by the Fifa World Player of the Year in his six years in England was the adoration of the wider public, who loved his skills but not his ways.

Nor will his team-mates necessarily be sporting black armbands in their opulent holiday villas. One United player is known to have complained that "it's all about him" after Ronaldo's moody display during and after United's heavy defeat by Barcelona in last month's Champions League final in Rome. Insiders say he had become difficult to deal with. All spring you could sense him pulling away from Sir Alex Ferguson's patriarchal grip in search of the next great phase of his life.

Premier League football will be more prosaic next season without the 23-year-old Madeiran's grace and ingenuity. Opposition supporters have lost a bete noir. England fans never forgave him for winking his approval of Wayne Rooney's sending off in the World Cup quarter-final against Portugal. Goalkeepers' sleep will no longer be haunted by fear of death by Ronaldo thunderbolt. And United will plunge a hand back into the stardust of youth in search of a glamorous replacement.

Ronaldo's sky-lighting qualities now shift to Spain, where Real also captured Brazil's best player, Kaká, this week, in football's equivalent of a Harrods trolley dash that cost them £136m. United's supporters will be aggrieved to see Ronaldo go. Unlike Eric Cantona, though, he will not depart across a carpet of bouquets. On the scroll of Old Trafford legends, Ronaldo was something of an anti-hero who never quite seemed properly located in the millionaire's row of Wilmslow and Alderley Edge. When he drove his Ferrari into a tunnel wall at Manchester airport it was as if fast-lane flash was banging against the concrete of the club's less showy ethos.

English football is institutionally mendacious but there remains a deep antipathy to anti-Corinthian conduct on the pitch: specifically, diving and feigning injury, which are seen as violations of the game's old warrior code. Those who looked closer will have noted that Ronaldo tended to employ theatricality in the face of persistent intimidation. It was partly a survival tool, as well as a means of gaining an advantage. But to many English eyes it marked him out as a thespian who conned referees.

Selflessness is a guiding trait of Ferguson's United. The brotherhood is all. David Beckham discovered the limits of Fergie's tolerance for self-promotion when the manager kicked a boot that struck him above the eye and then sold him to Real Madrid. What is Spain's greatest club: a dumping ground for Ferguson's rejects and rebels?

United are a collective where a siege mentality prevails. Real Madrid, on the other hand, ooze individual glamour. From the great title-winning sides of Puskas and Di Stefano, they have chased the game's real aristocrats. Their Bernabéu stadium is the round-ball Prado. These days, commerce drives them on. With Kaká and Ronaldo in harness, Real shoot back to the top of the international glitter league, acquiring huge new earning potential in far-off markets.

This magnetism exerted an inexorable pull on Ronaldo, who craved the heat and light of Iberia, where he first emerged with Sporting Lisbon, as well as Madrid's pristine all-white kit. He joins a team eclipsed by the brilliance of Barcelona. He leaves one too. United fans still loyal to him will be saddened that his last contribution was to shine for 10 minutes against Barcelona in Rome and then disappear from the fray.

His 42-goal season in 2007-08 deserves veneration as one of the greatest in the English game. George Best suddenly had a rival as United's most potent goalscoring midfielder. But there was never the same warmth between audience and performer. To the Stretford End, Ronaldo was a star shooting across the firmament rather than one glowing for all eternity. They sensed his restlessness and felt the pull of Madrid.When he grabbed and then flung away his tracksuit top after being substituted in the Manchester derby, he was really throwing away his United contract.

With consummate stagecraft, Cantona simply rose and left. He obeyed the voice that said his powers had waned to the point where he could no longer feel invincible pulling on the red shirt. There was no "better" place to go, unless you count beach football and the movies.

Looking for Eric, the Ken Loach film starring Cantona, opens today, and United fans will flood to cinemas for solace. Looking for Cristiano? Try Spain.

Cristiano Ronaldo: The Real Madrid deal is historic

2009-06-13T01:47:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo finally made comments over his Real Madrid transfer; the 24-year-old show boy didn’t hide his happiness at this big-money move.

Ronaldo’s departure from Manchester United has spread irritation and disappointment among many Red Devils fans.

However, the Portuguese winger – who won several club and individual honors with Manchester United – thinks it is time for him to quit England.

“I have had my time at Man United. It’s time to look forward and £80m is quite a sum of money. This deal is historic.”

Ronaldo, who is still in the US for holidays, added:

“It’s flattering when two of the top teams in the world want you to play for them.

“Now I can look forward to Real Madrid and a new stage in my career. I learned of the deal here in LA and heard from my people that United had accepted.”

Manchester United’s Luis Nani also expressed his happiness for the Portugal captain.

“It’s a fantastic fee. It puts a new value on Ronaldo. We are talking about an excellent player, so I think it (the fee) is fair.”

“He deserves everything that has happened to him considering what he has accomplished in recent years.

“Real Madrid is a great club and I wish him luck.”

For Spain’s number one goalkeeper Iker Casillas, the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo in Real Madrid is a celebration. Speaking to the Daily Star, Casillas declared:

“Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player [in the world], without doubt. I believe that if Real Madrid do the deal then he will help return the club to number one in the world,”

“Ronaldo will be welcomed by the dressing room.”

Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s former president Ramon Calderon reckons that this transfer success is mainly due to his efforts last year.

“It was easy. We agreed everything and he decided to come,” Calderon stated regarding the secret agreement that was in place between Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid.

“Let’s say it was a gentleman’s agreement.

“Let’s say that everyone involved in the operation agreed to do it this season. That is what I can say. It has happened now; it was a bit early last season.”

Written by: Angela Asante

£ 80 million record fee agreed – Ronaldo is going to Real Madrid!

2009-06-11T07:25:00.000-07:00

The transfer saga will surely finish at the end of this month. Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his desire to leave World Champions Manchester United, so Ferguson – who feels it’s time to let Ronaldo leave – gave the go-ahead for Real Madrid to speak with his ace.
The Red Devils eventually had to succumb to Real Madrid’s mega bid to lure their number 7 star winger.

Florentino Perez succeeded in bringing Brazilian Superstar Ricardo Kaka in his club. Now the famous White House president is expected to tie things up by the end of June by completing the transfer of the World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo.

Reports suggest that this news is by no means a rumor; a statement coming out from the Red Devils’ side tells:

“Manchester United have received a world-record, unconditional offer of £80million for Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid.

“At Cristiano’s request - who has again expressed his desire to leave - and after discussion with the player’s representatives, United have agreed to give Real Madrid permission to talk to the player.

“Matters are expected to be concluded by June 30. The club will not comment until further notice.”

Should the transfer be made (which is said to cost about € 94 million), it will be the most lucrative ever transfer in the world of football. French living legend Zinedine Zidane currently holds the record with his € 73 million transfer deal from Juventus to Real Madrid, while Kaka comes second.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the perfect business product

Real Madrid’s general director Jorge Valdano yesterday revealed that the Spanish giants were in negotiations with Manchester United over the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo. Jorge Valdano also described the Portuguese player as an excellent business product.

“According to the information we have managed to obtain, he is an excellent professional. You don’t get the player’s body he has, which is a footballing advertisement, without working a great deal.

“Another thing is that his reputation as an officially good-looking guy, and a social or advertising model, blurs his image a bit. He is a great footballer.”

The good news for Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo – who missed Portugal’s goalless draw to Estonia – is that the 24-year-old will not be requiring a hernia operation.

English media The Mirror reports that Real Madrid sent a doctor to test Ronaldo who is in holiday in Los Angeles.

Well, Cristiano Ronaldo will certainly become a Galactico this summer. The grown kid from Madeira may have the chance to fulfill his childhood dream by joining Real Madrid.
Moreover, his said-to-be move to Los Blancos comes at a renaissance time for the Spanish Giants led by the Supremo, Florentino Perez.

Written by: Angela Asante

Ronaldo to play alongside Kaka in Real Madrid?

2009-06-10T04:44:00.000-07:00

Florentino Perez has wonderfully succeeded in bringing Brazilian Superstar Kaka in Spain, now his sights are turned on Manchester United’s Red Devil ace Cristiano Ronaldo.

Speaking to the media, hours before Kaka was pronounced as a Real Madrid player, the president stated:

“We want to take [Cristiano] Ronaldo to Real Madrid also, but first we must speak to Manchester United.

“The most important thing is that we maintain a good relationship with Manchester United.”

Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to talk about his club future while being on international duty with Portugal. However, with Alex Ferguson reportedly fixing a tag price on the Golden Boy earlier last week, there is a huge possibility that Manchester United may agree to sell Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid.

This will see Ronaldo playing alongside Kaka in Los Blancos’ dream team. But even if Cristiano Ronaldo joins Real Madrid this month, it will take time before Real Madrid fans see the 2007 Fifa World Player of the Year and the reigning Ballon d’Or winner together on the same field of play.

Ronaldo is believed to have sustained a groin injury against Albania last weekend. Reports reveal that Cristiano Ronaldo will have tests in Lisbon before doctors decide if surgery is needed.

What is clear as at now is that Ronaldo, who has pulled out from the Portugal squad that will face Estonia on Wednesday, will miss Manchester United’s Far East Tour.
The 24-year-old Star winger might even miss the entire EPL season as he could be a Real Madrid player by then.

Written by: Angela Asante

Albania 1-2 Portugal: A hard-fought win to keep alive the dream

2009-06-09T11:11:00.000-07:00

Things aren’t looking to good with the Portuguese who displayed some poor football on Saturday evening. But what matters most is the result, which went in Portugal’s favor.

A Seleccao went ahead before half an hour only for the Albanians to equalize two minutes later. The game seemed to finish all square between Albania and Portugal until Bruno Alves headed in a 93 minute winner to stun the hosts and save Portugal from drawing for the fourth time in the qualifiers.

Portugal are third in the table and seven points behind leaders Denmark. It will be very hard for Portugal to clinch the first spot for an automatic qualification while qualifying for the play-offs won’t guarantee them a place in South Africa 2010. However, Saturday’s match winner Bruno Alves is confident about Portugal’s success, despite the team’s struggles.

“It was hard to win - Albania are an organized team, they defended with the whole team behind the line of the ball,” he said after the game.

“I believed in us until the end, we all believed in the coach’s work and we will work hard to get more in the future, because this result gives hope and desire to work.”

Portugal play against Estonia in a friendly game on June 10.

Watch the video highlights of Albania v Portugal here:

Real Madrid continue the chase for Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo

2009-06-09T10:28:00.001-07:00

Real Madrid may succeed in signing Superstar player Kaka from AC Milan to their club, and despite the astronomical sum of money that will be involved in this transfer Los Blancos are still keen to grab the signature of Cristiano Ronaldo.

This is a deal that could implicate up to € 120 million, considering the transfer fee, the player’s wages, and the agent’s commission. However, Florentino Perez is ready to splash a lot of cash to get the world’s best player, Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I have said Ronaldo does interest us. We have to resolve this and the other big signings in the month of June.

“In Spain there are get-out clauses. In many cases that eliminates negotiations.

“It seems in the case of Ronaldo he does have a get-out clause and it means if the player brings the money stipulated in the clause he can go.

“It’s what I’ve been told, I’ve not seen it.”

It may well happen that Cristiano Ronaldo joins Real Madrid despite the player’s previous statements of commitment to Manchester United. Aside from the fact that Cristiano Ronaldo revealed his uncertainty over his Manchester United future after the European final, Real Madrid’s hunt will be hotter than ever as speculations explain that the Spanish Giants could lose up to € 30 million should they decide to break the secret agreement that they have wit Ronaldo.

Will Ronaldo join Real Madrid? Is he going to remain another season at Manchester United? The future has a lot to tell. Now with AC Milan’s Brazilian Star Kaka probably leaving the San Siro, Silvio Berlusconi has hinted at his desire to see Cristiano Ronaldo in the club’s red and black jersey.

Underlining the rumors revealing his dream move for Cristiano Ronaldo, Berlusconi told Studio Sport stated:

“Cristiano Ronaldo? I whispered in his ear and told him that I would like to see him play in Rossoneri colours, and he smiled at me,”

“Who wouldn’t he want to come to a club like Milan?”

It’s up to Ronaldo to decide on his future, as recent reports explain that Ferguson is ready to sell his ace for a fee of £ 75 million.

Written by: Angela Asante

Cristiano Ronaldo Profile

2009-06-07T01:04:00.000-07:00

Personal

* Full name: Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro
* Place of birth: Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
* Height: 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
* Weight:78 kg

Honours and Awards

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: 2006-2007
Manchester United Players’ Player of the Year: 2006-2007
FA Premier League: 2006-2007
FA Cup: 2004
Football League Cup: 2006
Community Shield: 2007

International Appearances

Year	Club	App.	Goals
03-	Portugal	48	18

Real Madrid admit: We want Cristiano Ronaldo

2009-06-05T06:05:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid admit: ,,We want Cristiano Ronaldo''

Real Madrid admit they want to sign Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Manchester United forward was linked with a move to the Bernabeu for much of last summer, but Sir Alex Ferguson refused to let his star player leave Old Trafford.

Ronaldo, who wanted the move to Los Blancos, has this year stated he wants to remain at United, but this has deterred Real president Florentino Perez.

"I'm going to work to bring Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid,” he told Atena 3. "What would be very good is to see these players at Real Madrid. Cristiano would be one of these."

Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal shall defeat Albania

2009-06-04T15:14:00.000-07:00

After a disappointing Champions League final in Rome, Cristiano Ronaldo relaxed for some few days in Sardinia. The Portugal skipper then returned to his country to join the rest of the national team players in preparation ahead of their world cup qualifier away to Albania.

Despite being grouped among lower oppositions like Albania and Hungary, the 2004 European Championship runners-up are struggling to make their way through to the promise land. Six points from five games, and seven points behind the group’s joint leaders Denmark and Hungary, explain that Portugal have a lot of mountains to climb before they can qualify to the finals of the World Cup in South Africa.

Portugal’s mission to reach South Africa 2010 has become extremely tough, and Captain Cristiano Ronaldo knows how important it is to win in Albania on Saturday. Speaking to the media earlier in the week, Cristiano Ronaldo explained Portugal’s situation and added that the team has to leave up to expectations before it is too late.

“The national team, as well as the clubs, goes through tough moments and that is what happened to us some months ago, and we were also out of luck,”

“Great players live under pressure and we must give a positive answer because we all know that, if we don’t win, it will get more difficult to qualify for South Africa. If we don’t beat Albania, we will miss the World Cup.”

Watch this video of Cristiano Ronaldo interviewed ahead of Saturday’s game against Albania

Zlatan Ibrahimovic Biography

2009-06-04T15:13:00.000-07:00

Zlatan Ibrahimovic Biography

Zlatan Ibrahimović (IPA: ['zlatan ɪbra'hiːmovɪtɕ], Bosnian pronunciation; born October 3, 1981). He plays as a striker. He currently plays for Inter Milan, in Italy, and for the Sweden national football team.

Early life
Ibrahimović was born on the street called RosengÃ¥rd, SkÃ¥ne County (then MalmÃhus County), the son of immigrants from former Yugoslavia, his Bosnian father Å efik was born in Bijeljina and his Croatian mother Jurka was born in Zadar. His parents met in Sweden, and he grew up in RosengÃ¥rd, a MalmÃ neighborhood known for its immigrant communities, where he also successfully completed junior high school (ninth grade). Although, thereafter admitted to Borgarskolan in MalmÃ, he soon discontinued high school in order to focus on his football career.

Ibrahimović began playing football at the age of ten. His initial local club was called FK Balkan (meaning FC Balkan), whose participants unsurprisingly were Bosnian and Somalian immigrants of the RosengÃ¥rd neighborhood. In 1995 he joined MalmÃ FF.

Professional career
Ibrahimović started professional football with the Swedish club MalmÃ FF in the 1999 season (Allsvenskan, the Swedish top division, begins in spring, not in autumn like in Central and Southern Europe). During his stay at the club, ArsÃ¨ne Wenger tried to persuade him to join Arsenal but MalmÃ did not allow the transfer.

Other than Wenger, Leo Beenhakker also showed interest in Ibrahimović after observing him practicing in La Manga, Spain. Watching Ibrahimović score an amazing goal in a training game against Norwegian side Moss, Beenhakker became convinced of his talent. He went back to Amsterdam and on March 22, 2001, a deal between Ajax and MalmÃ regarding Zlatan's transfer to Amsterdam was announced and in July of the same year, he joined Ajax for record-breaking â‚¬7.8 million. The deal is by far the most lucrative any Swedish side has struck.

Under manager Co Adriaanse, Ibrahimović received little exposure. Adriaanse was sacked in November 29, however, and Ibrahimović's fortune started to change with the arrival of Ronald Koeman. Following Koeman's arrival, Ibrahimović was consistently chosen in Ajax's starting lineup. Ajax then went on to win the Eredivisie.

The next year Ibrahimović had a major breakthrough at the biggest stage of European football, UEFA Champions League. In his first game ever in the Champions League against French Champions Olympique Lyonnais, Ibrahimović scored two goals, including a true masterpiece when he dribbled past Brazilian Edmilson before shooting past the goalkeeper from a difficult angle. He helped Ajax make it all the way to the quarter-finals where they were narrowly beaten by eventual winners A.C. Milan.

The Champions League success took its toll in the domestic league, however, and Ajax finished second behind PSV. In the 2002-2003 season, Ajax was back at the top of Eredivisie, though. Ibrahimović continued to do well both in the league and, in particular, in the Champions League, scoring another spectacular goal against Celta Vigo, while in a Group H match against Milan on September 16, 2003, Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso was sent off late in second-half injury time after backhanding Ibrahimović in the face. In spite of these incidents Ajax did not advance past the group stage.

The next season started brightly for Ibrahimović. On August 22, he scored an incredible goal against NAC Breda which was eventually voted the best goal of the year by Eurosport's viewers. Maradona-like, he dribbled past more or less the entire defense, feinting continuously and even fooling the cameraman in one of his fake shots before beating the goalkeeper and calmly putting the ball in the back of the net. On August 31, 2004, the final day of the summer transfer window, Ibrahimović moved from Ajax to Juventus for a â‚¬19 million transfer fee. He made it rather quickly in to the starting eleven. This was due in part to the fact that the team's top scorer, David TrÃ©zÃ©guet was injured, in part to Zlatan being one of coach Fabio Capello's favorite players (Capello had tried to get him already at Roma), but mostly thanks to Ibrahimović's fine performances. He scored 16 goals, and this was in a league that is considered to be very hard for strikers to score in (especially for a foreign striker).

Near the end of the Serie A season Juve reportedly rejected a â‚¬70 million bid for him from Spanish power Real Madrid. This later proved to be nothing more than a PR stunt initiated by Ibrahimović's agent in order to raise his market value. Nonetheless, he was voted the player of the season in 2004-05 by the fans of Juventus. Zlatan was nominated to the 2005 FIFA world player of the year along with thirty other top players and finished as number eight. On November 14, 2005, he was awarded Guldbollen, a prize given to the best Swedish footballer of the year.

The following season was a more turbulent one for Ibrahimović. He had always had problems with Swedish journalists and these problems mounted as his success grew. During autumn, Ibrahimović's role in Juventus attack changed, and he became less of a goalscorer. He moved more and more to the sidelines, taking much part in the build-up play, especially as a target player, a role for which he was suited considering his exceptional physical strength. He thus started to make more assists than goals.

Even though he played well, arguably the best football he had produced so far, criticism against the lack of goals started to increase. And in spring, when Ibrahimović lost most of his fine form in the game outside the penalty area as well, criticism rose to a thunderstorm, both in Italy, where fans and journalists preferred Juve icon Alessandro del Piero, often sidelined for Ibrahimović's benefit, and in Sweden. Even so, he retained his place in the starting eleven and Juventus eventually won the Serie A again. Ibrahimović was also considered arrogant and troublesome, especially in Sweden where these feelings were strengthened due to several incidents between Zlatan and Swedish media.

In mid 2006, Juventus and Ibrahimović lost the league titles of the two previous seasons, due to Serie A scandal: Juventus were also relegated to Serie B. The new staff tried to persuade Zlatan, and other top players, to stay in Juventus, but Ibrahimović and his agent were adamant to move. Mino Raiola even threatened legal action in order to extricate Ibrahimović from his contract. He signed a four-year contract to Inter Milan for â‚¬ 24.8 million on August 10, 2006.[2]

Ibrahimović started his spell at Inter with a good match against Fiorentina, assisting one goal and scoring another. After that he was somewhat inconsistent for a time, having notable troubles, along with the rest of the team, in the Champions League. However, after the spectacular 4-3 win in the derby against AC Milan everything worked out for Ibrahimović and Inter. They went on to a record seventeen wins in a row in Serie A, and Ibrahimović was coach Roberto Mancini's first choice in attack. Ibrahimović's performances have prompted Mancini and Livorno striker Cristiano Lucarelli to compare him with the legend Marco van Basten.

National career
Ibrahimović made his debut in the Swedish national team in a goal-less friendly match against Faroe Islands January 31, 2001. The match only featured players from the Scandinavian Leagues. The first competitive game he played in for the national team was the World Cup qualifying game against Azerbaijan in October 7 the same year. Ibrahimović was included in Sweden's 2002 World Cup squad that managed to go through to the finals despite playing in the Group of Death against Argentina, England and Nigeria. He only played for 45 minutes in Sweden's defeat from a Golden Goal, against Senegal.

Ibrahimović was a regular starter for Sweden in the campaign for Euro 2004, and after a fine season in Ajax he was well prepared for Euro 2004 in Portugal. He joined a fine Swedish team featuring Celtic star Henrik Larsson and Arsenal winger Fredrik Ljungberg. Ibrahimović did well, scoring a penalty goal against Bulgaria and rounding off a fine performance against the solid defense of Italy by scoring an amazing late equaliser. He jumped up in the air with his back to goal and kicked the ball one-and-a-half meters above the ground with his back heel into Buffon's top corner. Ibrahimović is well known for his agility and his ability to score goals with his feet high up in the air, and perhaps this stems from the fact that he practiced tae kwon do as a youth.[citation needed] The tournament ended, though, with Sweden losing to Holland on penalties in the quarterfinals. Zlatan was one of the Swedes who missed a penalty.

Ibrahimović contributed heavily to Sweden's successful attempt to qualify to the 2006 World Cup. Both Sweden and Ibrahimović were thought to under-achieve in the tournament, though. He was substituted at half time in one game, against Paraguay, and did not participate in another, against England, due to a groin injury. How much his performances in the other games were affected by this is hard to know. Sweden was knocked out in the 2nd round by Germany.

Not long after his awaited transfer to Inter, Ibrahimović was called up to the Sweden squad to face Liechtenstein in the European Championship Qualifiers. While the squad was gathered at the players hotel, Zlatan and his teammates Christian Wilhelmsson and Olof Mellberg decided to break the squad curfew by going out to a nearby nightclub. Notable is that none of the players stated above had anything to drink. The coaches of the national team, Lars LagerbÃ¤ck and Roland Andersson, decided that the three players should be sent home. Thus, they did not take part in the game against Liechtenstein.

Mellberg and Wilhelmsson grudgingly accepted the punishment, but Ibrahimović felt that it was unjust. Thus, he refused to take part in the following games against Iceland and Spain. Sweden went on to win these matches without Ibrahimović. He also refused to take part in a friendly match against Egypt on February 7, but it has been reported lately that Ibrahimović agreed to return to Swedish national team. On March 28th, 2007, in a European Championship Qualifier game, Zlatan made his return. He had one shot rejected on the line.

Playing style
Ibrahimović is 192 cm tall and powerfully built, and thus physical strength is one of his greatest assets. Since his arrival in Italy, he has become even stronger, since coach Fabio Capello, who is known to prefer physically strong players, ordered him to undergo a gym training program. It has been suggested by Ibrahimović himself that he might have added a couple of kilos too much, and that this contributed to the poor form in the spring of 2006.

Ibrahimović is, though, also known for his technical ability, and this unusual combination of technique and strength is what has taken him to the top clubs in Italy. None of the wondergoals described above could have been made by a less technically gifted player. He is also well known to be a good provider of spectacular assists.

His technique consists mainly in his great dribbling skills, but he can also shoot very hard, though not always accurately, and has taken free-kicks in both Inter and Juventus. He is also a good passer of the ball, though he sometimes seem to have concentration lapses and thus makes simple mistakes. Ibrahimović is also quite fast, though this is rarely seen, as he prefers to meet the ball rather than try to beat the offside trap and run towards the opponents goal. When playing in a 4-4-2-formation, Ibrahimović is usually the one of the attackers who meet the ball, whereas the other attacker (most notably Hernan Crespo and Adriano Leite Ribeiro) is closer to the goal, trying to beat the offside-trap and getting first on crosses. This might be one reason why Ibrahimović scores relatively few goals but makes quite a few assists for a forward. Occasionally, when playing with players less suited for that role, such as Alvaro Recoba, Ibrahimović moves further upfront.

Ibrahimović is also thought to have a bad temper, resulting in a red card in the important game against Bayern Munich in November 2, 2005, and a two match suspension after head-butting present assistant coach SiniÅ¡a Mihajlović in the match between Inter and Juventus in April 17, 2005. He is also known to be quite a bad loser, never giving interviews after defeats. The flip side of this may be that he is a winning type, according to some.

With his strength and height, he wins most aerial duels with defenders.

In Sweden, Ibrahimović is often accused of laziness: that he does not work enough defensively. In Italy, where people never expect strikers to do much defensive work, this is less often heard. Another drawback he has is that he concedes quite a few fouls.
source: wikipedia.org

Zlatan Ibrahimovic' - Skills & Tricks

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Florentino Perez: We want Cristiano Ronaldo, the model professional

2009-06-04T04:02:00.000-07:00

Florentino Perez: We want Cristiano Ronaldo, the model professional

Real Madrid’s new president, Florentino Perez, already made effect in his first hours in post by appointing a new manager (Pellegrini). Now he is determined to bring in a world class player that comes in the name of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Florentino Perez: What I know is that I’ll splash cash on Ronaldo

Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo are known to have signed a secret agreement that could see the Portuguese Superstar switch easily from Manchester United to the Spanish capital, but Ramon Calderon’s successor Florentino Perez insists that he was unaware of such an accord.

“I don’t know anything about the story of Cristiano Ronaldo. I only just took charge,” Perez was quoted as saying in the TV program 59 segundos.

However, the President is keen on luring the Portugal captain from Manchester United. The hunt for Cristiano Ronaldo certainly wouldn’t be an easy one. If Los Blancos manage to win Manchester United’s Board and Ferguson’s mind over the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo, they will also have to deal with Ronaldo’s astronomical tag price set by the English and World Champions Manchester United.

With the world financial crisis being an issue in Europe, the debate over the transfer saga turns in a different way. Now the question is: Will Real Madrid opt to splash an enormous sum of Euros on one player or will they abandon their fight against Ferguson to rather concentrate on signing a bunch of talented and home grown players that will fill the holes in Real Madrid’s wounded squad?

Either way, Florentino Perez is convinced that a record bid to get the signature of Cristiano Ronaldo will not be a wasted effort.

Speaking on TV in 59 segundos, the Real Madrid President continued:

“But what I am sure of is that which seems expensive is sometimes the cheapest.

“In my last era the cheapest was [Zinedine] Zidane, who seemed very expensive because we paid €73 million for him.

“Without knowing who we can get, there will be a massive effort for the great players of the world, because that is the Real Madrid model.”

Florentino Perez: Cristiano Ronaldo is a model professional

The main talk is over the possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo joining Real Madrid following the Portuguese’s reaction after Manchester United’s loss in the Champions League. But how will Cristiano Ronaldo – known to be hot-tempered and characteristically agitated – deal with the pressure at the Santiago Bernabeu if he indeed signs for Real Madrid?

Real Madrid’s fans are tough, rough, and the club is full of expectations. But this doesn’t bother Florentino Perez. The President is adamant that Cristiano Ronaldo’s character as a player will not cause him any damage at Real Madrid.

“I have not seen anything about him that would prohibit him from playing at Real Madrid,” he added. “I have seen him get angry because he wants to win and [because of] his competitive spirit.

“The information I have on him says that he is an example on the pitch, a model professional.”

Have your say, share your opinions. Is Cristiano Ronaldo really a model professional?

Angela Asante: CRF Chief Editor

Earn money with Forex

2009-06-02T10:48:00.000-07:00

What's Forex?

"Forex" stands for foreign exchange; it's also known as FX. In a forex trade, you buy one currency while simultaneously selling another - that is, you're exchanging the sold currency for the one you're buying. The foreign exchange market is an over-the-counter market.

Currencies trade in pairs, like the Euro-US Dollar (EUR/USD) or US Dollar / Japanese Yen (USD/JPY). Unlike stocks or futures, there's no centralized exchange for forex. All transactions happen via phone or electronic network.

Who trades currencies, and why?

Daily turnover in the world's currencies comes from two sources:

* Foreign trade (5%). Companies buy and sell products in foreign countries, plus convert profits from foreign sales into domestic currency.
* Speculation for profit (95%).

Most traders focus on the biggest, most liquid currency pairs. "The Majors" include US Dollar, Japanese Yen, Euro, British Pound, Swiss Franc, Canadian Dollar and Australian Dollar. In fact, more than 85% of daily forex trading happens in the major currency pairs.

The world's most traded market, trading 24 hours a day

With average daily turnover of US$3.2 trillion, forex is the most traded market in the world.
A true 24-hour market from Sunday 5 PM ET to Friday 5 PM ET, forex trading begins in Sydney, and moves around the globe as the business day begins, first to Tokyo, London, and New York.

Unlike other financial markets, investors can respond immediately to currency fluctuations, whenever they occur - day or night.

More Info

"All About the Foreign Exchange Markets in the United States", from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

Florentino Perez keen on a Cristiano Ronaldo transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid

2009-06-02T10:34:00.000-07:00

In just about a week, Real Madrid will know who will be the club’s new president.

Amongst all the candidates, the one who looks very likely to win the contest is one of Real Madrid’s former presidents, Florentino Perez.

The Spanish man is gaining much support in his campaign, and his success is especially based on his plans to sign the World’s Best Player of the Year, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Florentino Perez: The deal for Cristiano Ronaldo is almost done!

The meant-to-be Real Madrid president is adamant that Cristiano Ronaldo will join Los Blancos from English side Manchester United. Speaking to Sky Sports, Perez – who is already imagining how the Portuguese Superstar will fit in the squad, declared:

“He’s a player that would be very good if he came to Real Madrid.”

Reports explained that Cristiano Ronaldo had signed a secret agreement with Real Madrid, meaning that it is now almost totally in his power should he want to go to Spain. The World Player of the Year’s angry and dejected reaction after Manchester United’s loss to Barcelona in the Champions League final seems to tell that Cristiano Ronaldo is already considering a move from Old Trafford. And these were especially emphasized when Ronaldo retorted that he didn’t know if he’ll be at Old Trafford next season.

But whether these speculations are true or false, Florentino Perez has his mind set on the agreement that was signed last summer.

“What I know is what I’ve read, that there is an agreement by means of which he would come for £80million…”

“Next week we will look at the numbers and nobody should doubt that we are going to design with our sporting advisors a spectacular project.”

Florentino Perez regrets that Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t a Real Madrid player since 2007

As part of his campaign, Florentino Perez keeps talking about the prospect of signing Cristiano Ronaldo. But the presidential candidate also used this issue to condemn his foe and former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon, by stating that the Spanish giants should have signed Ronaldo since 2007.

“Madrid should have brought Cristiano Ronaldo as Beckham’s replacement two years ago,”

“There are specific footballers who can turn out to be very profitable, because of the commercial benefits they bring the club.

“For instance, we once brought in €15m for playing two matches in Japan. That would not happen in the current climate but they did it then because we had Figo, Zidane, Ronaldo and Beckham.”

“If Cristiano Ronaldo comes in, we would have a Nike-endorsed player putting on an Adidas shirt every week,” he explained.

“In the previous time, we established a model which allowed us to pay off our debts and raise our income, and we did it by investing in great players.

“They brought money in, the model worked.”

“I won’t suggest that Beckham did not have to leave in 2007 or that Zidane did not have to in 2006, but we should then have brought in Kaka and Ronaldo.”

Unless Ronaldo decides to fulfil his promise of staying in Manchester United, it will be hard for Ferguson to succeed in keeping him at the club. Certainly, the old Scot will concede his second defeat against Spanish opposition – this time not against Barcelona in the Champions League, but against the Catalan’s rivals Real Madrid off the pitch.

Angela Asante; Cristiano Ronaldo Expert and CRF Chief Editor

2009-05-30T15:43:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo Tricks 2

2009-05-30T15:37:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo Skills

Angela Asante: Cristiano Ronaldo is still the best, not Lionel Messi!

2009-05-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

Messi certainly scored the goal that will land him this year’s major individual awards in the final of the Champions League in Rome. But like some people, I still think that Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player on the planet.

The Portuguese winger was completely let down by Ferguson’s horrible tactics and the whole team’s poor spirit right from the start of the game.

Ronaldo showed how determined he was to win in the final with some excellent cracks on goals, but when the team is not behind you, performing in a mesmerizing way is almost an impossible task, especially against a Barcelona side who knows how to win games.

Even Lionel Messi was nowhere to find in the first minutes of the game when Barcelona were dominated by Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United. Apart from his header which rounded off the score line, the Argentine Superstar was not the man at the centre of attraction on the field; Iniesta, Carlos Puyol and even Yaya Toure were better players on the night, as they prevented Manchester United’s midfielders and forwards to connect to the ball.

But Anti-Ronaldo supporters will close their eyes on that and hail Lionel Messi as the winner of the so-called duel and the World’s Best Player. The truth, in fact, is that the world wanted to get rid of Cristiano Ronaldo ever since he won all the individual titles and honors.

But we need to be clear on the fact that Lionel Messi’s goal in the final has definitely put him above Cristiano Ronaldo this term. The Portuguese winger fired four important goals for Manchester United in the knock-out stages of the competition and the Red Devils wonderfully reached the final with no disturbances among football fans.

But think about Lionel Messi’s Barcelona. The Catalans may be praised for their ability to crush and disgrace big sides like Bayern Munich and Lyon. But was it the case against English side Chelsea in the semifinals? Absolutely not! Lionel Messi’s game was completely ruptured by Guus Hiddink’s impressive tactics for Chelsea’s defenders in the semifinals.

If justice was a notion that ruled in soccer, Barcelona wouldn’t have been in the final. How can three clear penalties be denied in a space of 90 minutes?

And then Barcelona’s moment finally arrives – after the referee on the day Tom Henning Ovrebo – plays with them as a twelfth man: Iniesta fires an equalizer in the top corner of Chelsea’s net to send the Catalans through to the final.

Barcelona stole their place in the finals, it’s simple as that to understand. Unless you are a coward big cheat, you would not understand this fact. So would have Messi been a finalist? Obviously not! On the contrary, Cristiano Ronaldo was awesome in the semis against Arsenal, scoring two super goals to help Manchester United reach the final of the Champions League.

So a deserved place in the final for Portugal’s wonderful Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, while justice would have seen Messi fly back to Spain empty handed with the entire Barcelona squad. Then it would have depended on what would have happened between Manchester United and Chelsea in the final.

Who knows? The Red Champions might have tortured Chelsea once again and this would have given a clear reason as to why Ronaldo must win the Fifa Player of the Year award once again.

One thing I’d love to ask is this: Messi was supposed to crush out in the Champions League semifinals, so why on earth would people hail him as a treble winner who eventually deserves all the accolades? The so-called final duel should even have existed because Lionel Messi shouldn’t have been a finalist.

They say the Champions League final in Rome was the defining moment to separate the best player in the world from the second best. I say it was a not-to-happen duel because Messi and Barcelona weren’t worthy finalists.

Cristiano Ronaldo is simply the best. You can play around on the field with the strength of a warrior but if you are not able to the European Cup in a fair manner, the real champion is the other man, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Written by: Angela Asante

2009-05-30T15:03:00.001-07:00

The World Player of the Year has gone through some joyful moments after being able to mature himself as player. He can boast of a multitude of awards, both individual and collective, as well as some memorable moments this season like in previous years.

But last night’s defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League final was a black day in Cristiano Ronaldo’s entire career as a footballer.

Cristiano Ronaldo interview after Manchester United’s Champions League final defeat to Barcelona

“This is one of the biggest disappointments of my career,” said Ronaldo. “We were always confident before the game but unfortunately we couldn’t do it.”

Indeed, Manchester United didn’t show up their real face and it seemed like Barcelona had killed off their spirit of champions even before the match.

“It is always bad when you lose a final,” said Ronaldo.

“But we didn’t play well. We did okay in the first 10 minutes but you have to say Barcelona deserved to win.”

Ronaldo seemed to single out Manchester United’s coach Sir Alex Ferguson as the main man behind the team’s defeat.

“Everything went wrong,” Ronaldo said. “We started well in the game but after we didn’t do nothing. We didn’t control the game and we lost. I think Barcelona played better than us and they deserved to win.”

“Everyone expects Manchester to do something in the game and it didn’t happen,” Ronaldo said. “(We) didn’t play fantastic, (we) didn’t control the game, we didn’t do the right thing, we lost goals and that’s what’s happened tonight.”

Messi didn’t beat me, Barcelona beat us.

With Messi rounding off the victory for Barcelona, it was inevitable that football fans around the world would chant songs portraying Lionel Messi as the winner of the duel against Ronaldo.
But the reigning World Player of the Year came up in disagreement of this obvious opinion.

“No, the game was between Manchester and Barcelona, it wasn’t a duel between anyone in particular.”

Either way, Messi’s header and 38th goal of the season will certainly land the Argentine forward all the major individual awards this year. But Ronaldo prefers to concentrate on the future:

“I’m sure I’m going to play more finals,”

Indeed, Ronaldo might reach many more finals in his club career… but with which team? Manchester United, really?

Ronaldo - the next decision: Maybe Real Madrid not Manchester United.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s heart, mind, and soul were filled with disappointment, anguish, confusion, and anger at Manchester United’s defeat against Barcelona on Wednesday night in Rome. And when the questioned about whether he’ll be at Old Trafford next season, Ronaldo simply said these three words:

“I don’t know.”

Only three words, yes, but they are of a great importance. The man who vowed to remain at Old Trafford for many years to come is now eying an exit. His belief in the club may be gone; Ronaldo may be in a situation where he wants to choose the best place for him to be successful.

Can Real Madrid help him fulfill his wish of being a winner always? Either way, Ronaldo switching to Madrid in search of success will portray the Portuguese Superstar as a bad looser whose heart has no love but the desire to be a winner.

Watch Ronaldo’s interview after the Barcelona defeat

2009-05-30T14:52:00.000-07:00

The match was supposed to showcase the strength of each of the two sides, Manchester United and Barcelona FC. Instead, the battle appeared to be a clash between a conscious group of warriors (Barcelona) and a mentally wounded Red army (Manchester United).

How the Champions League final between Barcelona and Manchester United unfolded

Barcelona started the game on a bad note with Valdez showing signs of nervousness at the back. For exactly ten minutes, the Red Devils were threatening with constant attacks. Ronaldo struck an excellent free-kick from 30 yards which almost caught Barcelona’s goalkeeper Victor Valdez. Positioned as a striker on the pitch, the World Player of the Year managed to have some good cracks on goal.

With six minutes gone down the clock, Ronaldo tried his luck again with a long range effort quite similar to his wonder strike against FC Porto. But the ball flew wide, allowing Victor Valdez to breathe at last. The Portuguese winger also gave another scare to the Blaugrana with a low shot from inside the 18-yard box. But the unlucky ace’s ball just couldn’t roll across the line.

But the devastating moment soon came when Manchester United were caught on the counterattack led by Barcelona’s Iniesta. Eto’o was there to punish the Red Devils and give Barcelona the lead after just ten minutes, squeezing the ball past Van der Sar and ultimately into the net.

From there, Manchester United were only chasing shadows. The Red Devils – dressed in an all-white kit on the night – just weren’t able to show up their real character of champions.
Manchester United’s midfield were brushed away by Barcelona’s men, which came as a huge blow to Ronaldo upfront who was looking for balls. Barcelona had won the war of possession; Manchester United’s spirits were down.

Ronaldo got few chances though, but his strength in the air was overpowered by Carlos Puyol might. Either his headers will go wide, or he won’t succeed in connecting the crosses.

At a point in the first half, Manchester United were just about to equalize when Ronaldo blinded Barcelona’s defense as he broke through. However, his terrific run was eventually stopped by Gerard Pique and the former Manchester United defender received a worthy yellow card.
But then in all, Manchester United never posed any serious threat of pulling a goal back. It seemed like they had no fire in their bellies, no tonic in the pot.

And then, the devastating moment: Cristiano Ronaldo’s challenger, Lionel Messi, raised high above everyone to complete a cross by Xavi from the right wing with an awesome header. The ball flew high and hard, beating Van der Sar in the process. At 2-0, the Red Devils had been deeply wounded and completely devastated.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the strength of a man

Ronaldo struggled to contain his frustration at losing in what he branded as the biggest game of the season. He became harsh on the ball and was guilty of bad tackles against Puyol especially. Ronaldo finally received a deserved yellow card. The Portuguese Star winger knew his dream of making history with Manchester United had come to an end.

The final whistle wasn’t far away though, meaning that Manchester United had been defeated by Barcelona in the final of the Champions League in Rome.

Cristiano Ronaldo stayed on the pitch like the rest of the players, waiting for his medal. A face of disgust and sorrow painted with boldness and the desire to come back stronger… this is what Ronaldo showed as the atmosphere was filled with grief on one side, and joyfulness on another.

This is a behavior from Cristiano Ronaldo that will comfort his grieving fans. The 24-year-old is no more the little chap that used to burst in tears in dejecting moments. He is now the man that will rise up after being brought down, with inner tears making him stronger.

Unfortunately, no goals to talk about for Ronaldo, nothing for Manchester United either. It is surely over for the reigning World Player of the Year. Messi certainly will come next as the king of the world.

But bad moments in life can also make you stronger. Ronaldo might be back next season!

Watch highlights of Barcelona v Manchester United here:

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CRISTIANO RONALDO RACING A BUGATTI

Contact us

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Yahoo IM: midnight1725

Mail Address: midnight1725@yahoo.com

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Cristiano Ronaldo 2008-2009

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Cristiano Ronaldo 2008-2009

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Cristiano Ronaldo - Top 10 Goals - 2007-08

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Cristiano Ronaldo - The Perfect Player 2008

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Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro Biography

2009-04-30T05:44:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo Biography

Portugal’s best and Manchester United’s darling midfielder, Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro was brought into this world on February 5, 1985 in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal. His mother Maria Dolores dos Santos Aveiro and father Jose Dinis Aveiro had four children. His parents decided to name this future famous footballer after someone that you wouldn’t think a Portuguese family would normally consider. He was named after the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan.A passionate desire to play on the field and an undying love for football, Cristiano’s interest in the great sport of football started when he was just three years old. When Cristiano was around ten or so, word of his spectacular skills on the field was getting around his native country of Portugal. The young midfielder was soon getting a lot of much deserved interest from some of the most popular clubs in Portugal; Cristiano’s football future was looking very bright.

After stints with three different youth clubs, Andorinha, CD Nacional, and Sporting CP’s youth club, Ronaldo finally made his debut with his first senior club, Sporting CP or Sporting Clube de Portugal. An influential impression was made against his current club Manchester United in 2003 in front of world famous football manager Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United. This match resulted in an embarrassing loss for one of the English Premiership League’s best, Sporting handed Manchester United a beating with a final score of 3-1. Not only did Ferguson take notice of Cristiano’s amazing performance but the Manchester United players were absolutely blown away by the midfielder’s play. Cristiano Ronaldo’s on field heroics stirred up so much talk about him from the opposing United players that they were saying something that almost never gets said about any opponent, they said they would much rather play with him, rather than against him. What was to follow was nothing short of a surprise to many as a young Portuguese player was soon to take the world of football by storm.After a scintillating performance against the most famous football club in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo received instant respect and was finally considered as an elite football player.

To Cristiano’s fortune Manchester United was in dire need of a midfielder after superstar David Beckhman left to play for Real Madrid.The void created by Beckham was huge and Manchester United had to fill it up with a superstar who could take them to the promised land. After a lot of speculation and drama surrounding the replacement, Manchester United finally signed Cristiano Ronaldo after his stint with Sporting CP ended in 2003.From the very day Cristiano signed with Manchester United, his football career took off and hasn’t slowed since. In the same year he also made his debut for the national team of Portugal playing in a match against Kazakhastan. In the following year, Ronaldo put up one of his best performances. In the World Cup qualifying games the superstar midfielder scored 7 goals and made his presence felt in the Portuguese national team. Only a year later in 2005, Cristiano Ronaldo netted 11 goals for his country in 25 appearances. Although the up and coming superstar was making waves in the international football stage, controversy hit in the 2006 World Cup and it involved someone that was closely linked to him at his club Manchester United.Manchester United teammate of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, striker for the English squad received a red card in a very important match, England versus Portugal in the World Cup quarterfinals.

The real conflict wasn’t Rooney getting booted; it was the reason for the ejection that started the controversy that might have possibly turned the Manchester United squad upside down.Arguably, most would agree that the whole situation was not the fault of Cristiano Ronaldo, but Rooney got in a dust up with a few of the Portugal players and Ronaldo got in the middle of the scuffle, bad idea. Unfortunately for Rooney, he accidentally stepped on the groin area of one of the Portuguese players. Ronaldo came up to the referee when Rooney was pleading his case and the English striker took it the wrong way and pushed his Manchester United teammate which eventually resulted in Rooney being sent off with a red card.Once the dust settled and Portugal subsequently eliminated England from the World Cup, there was a lot of tension in the clubhouse of Manchester United and all signs pointed towards disaster. Cristiano Ronaldo was convinced that he needed to leave the famous football club since he felt it just couldn’t be the same between Rooney and himself after the World Cup, it was said he had his eyes on Spain’s popular club, Real Madrid.Wayne Rooney saw things a little differently though, he wanted Cristiano to stay and why not, Cristiano is a premier player. Rooney and Sir Alex Ferguson approached the midfielder before he made any rash decisions and eventually convinced him not to leave the club. After all was said and done, Rooney said the reason he got so mad because he didn’t want his United teammate to get involved and when Ronaldo did, he just snapped and disappointed.

As a result of what happened between Cristiano and Rooney, English fans lashed out against Ronaldo and he subsequently lost a lot of his fan base in England. Cristiano was booed and heavily criticized, being blamed for the exit of the English national team. Even with all of this controversy, problems and hatred from English fans that surrounded Cristiano following the aftermath of the World Cup, he responded with an impressive year with Manchester United and an eventual won the hearts of a large number of English fans who were ready to forgive the young man.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy as a footballer has basically just started and there will be many more World Cups and Manchester United matches, but one thing is undeniable, Ronaldo is one of the best in the world and he will be a midfielder to keep your eye on especially playing next to such great football players like Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro Biografie

2009-04-29T13:21:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro

Biografie

Ronaldo s-a născut în Madeira, Portugalia, fiul Mariei Dolores dos Santos Aveiro şi al lui José Dinis Aveiro (1954 – Londra, 5 septembrie 2005). Are un frate mai mare, Hugo (n. 1975), precum şi două surori mai mari, Elma (n. 1974) şi Liliana Cátia (n. Madeira, 5 octombrie 1976). Liliana Cátia este o cântăreaţă cu numele de scenă „Ronalda” în Portugalia. Al doilea nume al lui Cristiano („Ronaldo”) este relativ rar în Portugalia. Părinţii l-au numit astfel în cinstea fostului preşedinte american Ronald Reagan^[1] Tatal său l-a înscris la un club sportiv din Lisabona.La 10 ani echipe renumite doreau ca să-l achiziţioneze.

Carieră

A început să se joace cu mingea de fotbal pe când avea trei ani,chiar visa sa ajunga la Manchester United, şi când a început şcoala, la şase ani, pasiunea lui pentru acest sport devenise evidentă. Echipa lui favorită era Benfica Lisabona, chiar dacă avea să ajungă la rivala Sporting. A jucat iniţial la o echipă de amatori, Andorinha, unde tatăl său se ocupa de echipament, pe când avea doar şase ani. În 1995, când Cristiano avea doar zece ani, era deja cunoscut în Portugalia. Cele mai bune echipe din Madeira, CS Maritimo şi CD Nacional, erau amândouă interesate de serviciile sale. Maritimo, echipa mai mare, a ratat o întâlnire crucială cu Rui Santos, managerul Andorinhei, astfel încât Ronaldo a semnat pentru Nacional. După o campanie care a avut drept rezultat câştigarea titlului, Ronaldo a participat la un trial de trei zile la Sporting Lisabona, care l-a achiziţionat pentru o sumă care nu a fost făcută publică.

Sporting Clube de Portugal

La Sporting Lisabona a jucat 25 de meciuri , în care a înscris 3 goluri.Cel care la promovat în echipa a lui Sporting a fost antrenorul romăn Ladislau Bölöni , pe cînd Cristiano avea 17 ani. Ronaldo s-a alăturat jucătorilor de tineret ai lui Sporting, care se antrenau pe Alcochete, „fabrica de fotbal” a clubului, şi acolo a primit instrucţiuni valoroase. Sporting şi-a dat seama că Ronaldo avea nevoie de mai multă susţinere, şi au aranjat lucrurile pentru ca mama lui să i se alăture. A debutat pentru Sporting împotriva echipei Moreirense, marcând două goluri. A participat de asemenea în echipa sub 17 a Portugaliei la campionatul european de tineret.

Evoluţiile sale de la Campionatul UEFA sub 17 au atras atenţia oamenilor de fotbal din întreaga lume. A fost observat prima dată de fostul antrenor al lui Liverpool F.C., Gérard Houllier, pe când avea 16 ani. Cu toate acestea, Liverpool l-a refuzat, deoarece l-a considerat prea tânăr şi neexperimentat^[2]. Dar Cristiano Ronaldo i-a atras atenţia lui Sir Alex Ferguson, în vara lui 2003, atunci când Sporting a învins-o pe Manchester United cu 3-1, cu ocazia inaugurării stadionului Alvalade XXI din Lisabona. Ronaldo şi-a demonstrat abilitatea de a juca pe ambele flancuri. După meci, jucătorii lui United au vorbit cu entuziasm despre talentul tânărului, afirmând că ar prefera să îl aibă în echipă, mai degrabă decât să fie nevoiţi să joace împotriva lui în viitor .

Manchester United

Ferguson a decis că îl doreşte pe tânăr în echipa sa, care avea nevoie de un mijlocaş de bandă dreaptă după plecarea lui David Beckham la Real Madrid; Ronaldo a fost achiziţionat pentru 12.24 milioane de lire sterline^[3]. A debutat la Manchester United în minutul 60 al unui meci împotriva celor de la Bolton Wanderers F.C., disputat pe Old Trafford. United conducea cu 1-0, dar la numai câteva minute de la intrarea pe teren, Cristiano Ronaldo a obţinut un penalty, ratat însă de Ruud van Nistelrooy,(acesta a fost motivul scandalului care s-a incheiat prin plecarea olandezului). Cu toate acestea, meciul s-a terminat cu 4-0 în favoarea lui Manchester United. Ronaldo a primit numărul 7 când a sosit la Manchester, număr purtat de legende precum George Best, Eric Cantona sau David Beckham. Ronaldo ceruse iniţial numărul 28, purtat de el la Sporting, deoarece nu voia presiunea aşteptărilor legat de numărul 7^[4]. A jucat cel mai mult ca aripă pentru Manchester United, şi poate evolua pe ambele flancuri. A jucat de asemenea pe centru, sau ca vârf retras.Contractul cu Mancheste expira în 2010.(dupa date vechi)

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