Cristiano close to tears as hopes of playing World Cup diminishes

Copenhagen (Denmark), Sep 7(ANI): Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo, who had broke millions of English hearts in the last World Cup and gave a wink after England striker Wayne Rooney was shown a red card for a tussle with Ricardo Carvalho, seemed close to tears at the end of a crucial game against Denmark in Copenhagen on Saturday.

FIFA World Player of the Year now fears that Portugal may not make it to the World Cup 2010 in South Africa, as they are reeling fourth in their group, which is lead by Denmark.

Currently Portugal are seven points behind Denmark and need to finish at least second to stand any hope of qualifying.

Meanwhile, Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz is hopeful of a luck change and believes that they can still make it to the World Cup.

“We have to raise our heads and keep believing. The game is not over and while it lasts we have to believe. Portugal played very well and were very focused. We progressed in the game, always in control, but, once again, the merit did not follow who played better,” The Sun quoted Queiroz, as saying.

“Only one team could have won. We were not good in finishing matters, with opportunities with an empty net where we could not score,” he added.

Portugal’s hopes now reels on their games against Hungary and Malta, and then hope for favours elsewhere in the group. (ANI)

Rooney confident of handling intense pressure

London, Sep 4(ANI): Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has expressed confidence about handling the intense pressure at Manchester United as well as handling responsibilities of the national squad.

At the club level, after Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit, his responsibility at Old Trafford has doubled, while hopes and aspirations of the nation are on him to lead England to World Cup success.

“I started playing when I was 16 and there has always been expectation and pressure. I have no problem with that. I see it as a challenge,” the Daily Express quoted Rooney, as saying.

“I hope I can be the main man. I am probably playing the best football I have played for England, certainly over the last year. I am really enjoying myself with Manchester United,” he added.

The 23-year-old also said that Man U reckons Cristiano and Tevez’s exit as a big challenge to retain the league title and, personally it is a better opportunity for him to score more goals.

“I want to score more goals. I should be scoring more goals,” Rooney said.

Rooney further said that the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, will definitely be the biggest challenge in his career. (ANI)

“This is Man U’s Thierry Henry moment,” says Wenger

London, Aug 29(ANI): Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said that in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United are facing the same trauma as Arsenal did, when Thierry Henry left the club in 2007.

“Thierry was, in the end, a personality that had a big weight in the team. Also no one could refuse to give him the ball so when he left our play sometimes became a bit more diversified,” The Sun quoted Wenger, as saying.

“United have some big personalities in the team. But, Ronaldo won Player of the Year and European Player of the Year so suddenly they have a lack of charisma around them and everybody will look at their team differently. Yes, you could say this is their Thierry Henry moment,” he added.

Wenger reckons that the Red Devils are in a weak situation and will take time to adjust with Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov after Ronaldo left the club following a world record 80 million pound switch to Real Madrid in the summer.

“Ronaldo didn’t look as convincing as the year before. Though when you look at the numbers of games he played and the number of goals he scored he was still as efficient as before,” Wenger said.

“I believe they will miss him. When a player becomes too strong in a team, others are a little bit isolated or forgotten. So, when he disappears many of the players turn up because of the way the game goes through different players,” he added. (ANI)

Ronaldo’s insatiable appetite for major Championship League titles

Madrid, Aug 28(ANI): Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo reckons that while the Champions League is the biggest tournament to win in all club competitions, he also dreams of winning the Spanish League.

“I have always admired the Spanish league and dream of winning it one day. When I retire I want to look back and say that I have won both English and Spanish titles, the Champions League and hopefully more international titles,” The Sun quoted Ronaldo, as saying.

Ronaldo also said that he is ready to make up for his last season’s Champions League heartbreak with Manchester United by winning the competition this season with Real Madrid.

“Football doesn’t always go as you would like, but it does still bother me that we lost that game,” Ronaldo said.

“The only thing I am not happy about in my final year was that we could not win the Champions League final again, but I did all I could for Manchester United,” he added.

Ronaldo further said that Barcelona were a force last season and they won the Champions League as they exploited their chances.

“You have to respect Barcelona because they won three big titles last season and that says a lot about their strength, but I don’t think they were better than us (Man U). They were just more efficient when they got their chances,” he said. (ANI)

Vidic vows to prove his commitment to Man U

London, Aug 25 (ANI): Star defender Nemanja Vidic has vowed that he will prove his commitment to Manchester United with his performances in the coming weeks.

Vidic’s advisor Paolo Fabbri was quoted last week as saying that the centre-back would welcome a switch to Barcelona.

It set alarm bells ringing at Old Trafford, as Vidic has become one of Europe’s top defenders since joining three years ago. His wife was also reported as being unhappy in Manchester.

But Vidic insists he is focused only on United’s title defence and Fabbri denied making the comments.

“I’ve never said anything about Barcelona, or Real Madrid or AC Milan – or any club. I never speak about my future so I don’t know why someone else does. I showed at Wigan on the pitch how happy I am at this club. Any fan of United only has to see how I played to know how committed I am,” The Sun quoted Vidic, as saying.

The 5-0 win at Wigan on Saturday was Vidic’s first game back after an ankle injury.

He spoke to Fabbri about the story to voice his concern at the timing of it, after United lost Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez.

“I don’t want it to have an impact. I’m here and committed. I’ll show that with how I play. It’s not true that my wife is not happy. I don’t know how that rumour came out; she’s not what you’d call a famous wife. She’s never spoken to a newspaper,” he added. (ANI)

Ronaldo may soon crush Becks in battle of brands

London, August 21 (ANI): Football ace Cristiano Ronaldo, 24, may soon outstrip ageing England hero David Beckham, 34, for the number of commercial deals to his name, says a report.

The suggestion came after LA Galaxy fans heckled Beckham and his wife Victoria at the weekend.

“Beckham, because of his age and the stage of his career, has lost it. And Ronaldo is ideally placed to ass-ume the mantle of ‘brand Beckham’, especially among young kids and teenagers,” the Daily Star quoted sports branding expert Prof Simon Chadwick, from Coventry University, as saying.

Ronaldo has already bared his chest in ads for Pepe Jeans. He has also campaigned for Nike, Coca-Cola, video game FIFA Street 2, and energy drink Extra Joss.

The news report further reveals that Ronaldo raked in 12million pounds a year at Manchester United from product endorsements, compared with Becks’ 25.5million pounds in his heyday.

He has also been snapped up as a “global ambassador” for engine oil firm Castrol.

However, how much money goes into his banks will eventually depend on his performance on the pitch, says the report.

Veteran football agent Jon Holms said: “Ronaldo is probably a better player than Beckham. Beckham is a workhorse of a player, while Ronaldo seems to be more natural.” (ANI)

Ferguson backing Rooney to lead in post-Ronaldo era

London, Aug 8(ANI): Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is backing striker Wayne Rooney to lead the Red Devils from the front in the post-Cristiano Ronaldo world, starting against Chelsea in the Community Shield on Sunday at Wembley Stadium.

Ferguson would bring Rooney from his selfless left-sided duties to fill the gap left by Ronaldo, who transferred to Real Madrid in an 80 million pound deal.

“Wayne is a totally different type of player to Ronaldo. I don’t think the responsibility of getting more goals will affect Wayne at all. He’s got the mental strength. He’s proved that time and time again” The Telegraph quoted Ferguson, as saying.

“He will be used as a central striker this season. He goes on these bursts of goals, but if he can do that more consistently over the season he will get to 25 and above,” he added.

The 67 year-old further said that Rooney was an exceptional player and it would be difficult for any player to fill his shoes at the Old Trafford, but believes that if a player has determination, nothing would be impossible.

“Any player, whether Wayne Rooney, Macheda, Welbeck, Nani, all the forwards, all have to say ‘well, this guy was exceptional,” said Ferguson, adding that only the most dedicated can follow in such productive footsteps by having the desire to improve themselves in every training session. (ANI)

Ronaldo still hungry for more titles

Madrid, July 9 (ANI): Real Madrid’s world-record pounds signing Cristiano Ronaldo has said that he is still hungry for more trophies despite his astonishing stint with the Red Devils, and promised fans at Los Galacticos that he will bring in more trophies for the club.

“I’m still hungry for more titles and for me it’s as if I haven’t won anything. This is a different stage in my life and my career and I have the same ambition as when I started. I’m starting from zero and I want to win more titles at Madrid than I did at Manchester,” The Independent quoted Ronaldo, as saying.

During his six-year stint with Manchester United, Ronaldo has won many trophies and individual awards.

He was part of the teams that won three league titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup and the Club World Cup among others.

Among individual awards he was named FIFA world player of the year, the Ballon d’Or, FIFPro’s player of the year, and even won the European Golden Shoe as the continent’s top scorer.

“After Manchester there are few places better to be a great footballer. That’s why I’ve taken the decision to come here, where they are used to fighting to win everything. It’s what I’ve always liked, to play and win titles,” Ronaldo said.

“I like that our fans are ambitious and I’m sure that we can win the titles that will get Madrid back to the top in both Spanish and European football. We must keep our feet on the ground though and not think that we can win everything in one go,” he added. (ANI)

Man U targets Milan striker Ibrahimovic

London, July 9 (ANI): Manchester United is looking to rope in Inter Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic after missing out on several top signings.

Left with limited options after Lyon striker Karim Benzema opted to join Real Madrid and Bayern Munich striker Franck Ribery revealed his desire to play in the La Liga, The Mirror said coach Alex Ferguson is desperate for a replacement for Winger Cristiano Ronaldo.

Fergie has admitted that he has analysed the Swede international on several occasions, and was impressed by his style.

Inter is, however, would be reluctant to sell Ibrahimovic, who is worth 30 million pounds and has twice been voted Serie A Player of the Year. (ANI)

Sprint king Bolt gives Ronaldo tips on how to stay on his feet

London, July 8 (ANI): Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo has been given tips on how to stay on his feet by sprint king Usain Bolt.

The fastest man in the world struck up a friendship with Ronaldo after meeting the former Manchester United star at the club’s training ground in May.

According to The Sun, Bolt, a Red Devils fan, has been giving running advice to the world’s most expensive footballer.

Bolt said: “I explained that when he catches top speed he starts tipping over because he has a lot of back lift. So I said he has to run with his knees in front of him, then when he hits top speed he won’t topple over as he’ll continue at the same pace.”

Bolt admits he was disappointed to see Ronaldo quit Old Trafford for La Liga.

But he insists Michael Owen can spearhead the club’s pursuit of a record-breaking 19th league title next season. (ANI)

Real Madrid rules out bid for Liverpool’s Alonso

London, July 8 (ANI): Spanish football club Real Madrid seems to have lost interest in Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.

The Spanish giants, who have spent around 180-million-pounds this summer, claim they cannot afford the midfielder.

Real wanted Alonso to provide the chances for their new strike trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, and Karim Benzema.

But general director Jorge Valdano said: “Alonso is a priority if he fits into our budget and this doesn’t seem the case.

“Liverpool have taken up a difficult stance over Alonso. I don’t like to talk about the private details of negotiations. We are studying many alternatives,” The Sun quoted Valdano, as saying further. (ANI)

Ronaldo to sell three luxury cars for 195,000 pounds

London, July 8 (ANI): Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo is putting three of his luxury cars up for sale for 195,000 pounds.

According to The Sun, his close friends also believe that he plans to sell his four million pound mansion in Cheshire.

First up for grabs are his Bentley Continental GT Speed (114,950 pounds), Porsche 911 Carrera 2 Tiptronic S (69,995 pounds) and Mercedes C220CDI (10,795 pounds).

All three are being sold through Manchester-based dealer Vehicle Consulting and are on Auto Trader. (ANI)

Mom is Christiano Ronaldo’s No1 woman

London, July 8 (ANI): Although girls all over the world drool over Christiano Ronaldo, his mom remains to be the number one woman in his life.

Speaking of her relationship with the football ace, his mom Dolores Aveiro has revealed that she is the woman behind his phenomenal success.

The football ace, who was unveiled by Real Madrid last night in front of 80,000 fans, always turns to his mother for advice.

And Dolores is thrilled that her son, 24, has made the 80million pounds move to her favourite Real Madrid from Manchester United.

“Everything in his world is sunshine. I am so happy and proud. He’s delighted to be playing for Real Madrid and having lots of fun,” the Daily Star quoted her as saying.

The Portuguese winker even takes romantic advice from his mom, who gave him approval to let his hair down this summer with a bevy of beauties, including heiress Paris Hilton, 28.

“I encourage him to go out and meet different girls while he is young and single. He’s got to enjoy himself. But he is not a playboy, despite his image,” said Dolores.

A family friend has revealed how Dolores remains a huge influence on her son’s life.

“She is a very wise woman with a strong personality. Mother and son talk every day and every decision is made by both of them,” she said.

She added: “She is like the glue that keeps the family bonded. She’s even made sure that there’s no jeal­ousy towards Cristiano from his brothers and sisters. The whole family is very proud of him and wish him the all the best. He had a very humble upbringing and she went through a lot of difficulties to help her son achieve what he has.

She helped make him the superstar that he is today.” (ANI)

Real Madrid unveil Ronaldo in front of 80,000 fans

Madrid (Spain), July 7 (ANI): Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo was unveiled as a Real Madrid player last night and nearly sparked off a riot.

According to The Sun, a staggering 80,000 fans crammed the Bernabeu to welcome Ronaldo following his world-record 80-million-pound move from Manchester United.

The ceremony, however, was abandoned midway when Ronaldo had to be whisked away as dozens of supporters ran on to the pitch.

Real Madrid security guards frantically tried to contain the invaders and there was panic for a few seconds.

Ronaldo, 24, was expected back on the stage before leaving with Real supremo Florentino Perez and honorary president Alfredo di Stefano.

Instead, scared guards, who decided not to take any risks as fans ran amok on the pitch and scuffles broke out with security staff, took him away. (ANI)

Real Madrid’s 55 million pounds bid for Franck Ribery

Madrid, July 5 (ANI): Spanish football giant Real Madrid’s astonishing summer of transfer window continued with a 55 million pounds offer for Bayern Munich mid-fielder Franck Ribery.

The Los Galacticos have offered Dutch stars Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder in exchange for Ribery, which amounts to 40 million pounds. The rest of the amount is supposed to be paid in cash, the Daily Star reports.

Ribery has also been the primary target of Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal.

But his first choice, if he leaves Germany, is to join the latest team of Real Madrid.

According to reports, Real Madrid has so far spent about 182 million pounds on Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema, and Raul Albiol.

Real has also been in talks with Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, whom they have offered a 20 million poinds contract. (ANI)

Ronaldo faces police inquiry for kicking in teen girl’s car window

London, Jul 2 (ANI): Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo is facing a police probe after he lashed out and kicked in a teenage girl’s car window.

Ronaldo, 24, claims that he was protecting his mom when he kicked the car window that terrified 17-year-old Sara Pardal, who was filming his family heading to an Elton John concert, was sitting in.

The winger faces an inquiry for allegedly wounding and destroying property after Pardal, treated in hospital for cuts, complained to police in the Portuguese capital Lisbon.

“I regret what I did, but I can’t promise that I would not react in the same way again in the same circumstances,” the Daily Star quoted the defiant footie as saying.

“Because when my mother is involved it is very difficult for me to keep a calm state of mind,” he said.

Ronaldo, his mum Dolores, 54, his two sisters and pals were about to head to the gig when he spotted Pardal, believed to have been with a freelance photographer.

He leapt from his 200,000 pounds red Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, and smashed the window near the cowering teen, who claimed she was a fan of his.

“I was accompanied by my mother and he by a young woman who throughout our whole journey ostensibly and provocatively filmed all our movements,” Ronaldo said.

“This persecution caused my mother to be so disturbed and upset that I had to stop my car to try to convince them to leave us in peace,” he stated.

He further claimed that the photographer tried to sell a video of the incident to the firm representing him.

“We cannot make any comment whatsoever,” a police spokesman added on July 1. (ANI)

Wenger reveals why he snubbed Real Madrid offer

London, July 1 (ANI): Arsene Wenger revealed for the first time why he rejected the chance to leave Arsenal for Real Madrid.

The Gunners chief urged the world of football to avoid making “moral judgements” about the Bernabeu side, after admitting he was sorely tempted by the offer from incoming Real Madrid president Florentino Perez in May.

Wenger wanted reassurance from the Emirates board that there was unanimous support for his ideas of building a young squad and turning them into genuine challengers both domestically and in Europe, rather than simply trying to buy success.

Perez offered Wenger £6million a year in addition to the seemingly limitless transfer war chest that has subsequently landed Brazilian ace Kaka – unveiled yesterday – and Cristiano Ronaldo for a combined 136 million pounds.

Wenger was convinced during a three-hour summit meeting with chief executive Ivan Gazidis that he should not end his 13-year stay in North London, The Mirror reports.

He explained one of the main reasons for his decision was that he simply does not agree with the Perez philosophy.

“What Real want to do is produce what I would call a spectacle of football, a spectacular team. But I believe that when it comes to creating a team and a squad there is another dimension that exists, and that is my way of thinking,” said the Frenchman.

“I want to have success by building a team with a style, with a know-how, with a culture of play specific to the club and its fans and with young people. That is what I have chosen in my career and want to ensure I continue here at Arsenal.

“I am in a construction project with a young team, but my intention is to take that project to the ultimate end. For me, pleasure comes from watching those players showing the football I like to see played,” he said.

“I believe it is necessary to disregard moral judgement and to simply ask whether the operation will be profitable. In my opinion, to recruit more than three players in a transfer window, as Real plan, is taking a technical risk,” Wenger added. (ANI)

Man U ropes in Valencia as Ronaldo’s replacement

London, July 1 (ANI): Manchester United has completed the 17-million-pound transfer of Antonio Valencia as a replacement for Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo.

Boss Alex Ferguson, who welcomed the Ecuador ace yesterday, said: “He’s a player we have admired for some time now, having spent the last two years in the Premier League with Wigan.

“I am sure his pace and ability will make a significant contribution to the team,” The Sun quoted him as saying further.

Fergie is hopeful Valencia, 23, can fill the wing role vacated by Cristiano Ronaldo.

And the player admitted he was in dreamland after signing a four-year deal.

Valencia said: “I’m thrilled to have the chance to challenge for the biggest honours. (ANI)

Kaka admits to snubbing Chelsea for Real

Madrid (Spain), July 1 (ANI): Brazilian star forward Kaka has admitted that he snubbed Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti because Real Madrid are ‘the biggest club in the world’.

The 62-million-pound superstar, who was paraded before 50,000 adoring fans at the Bernabeu, confessed that he could have joined the Blues when Ancelotti tried to hijack the deal.

But according to Sun Sport, Kaka, 27, said: “I thanked him for everything he did for me in all the years we spent together at Milan and all the triumphs we lived.”

“But I had made the decision a long time ago that if I left Milan I would only go to Madrid – and that meant I couldn’t join him at Chelsea,” he added.
The Brazil superstar knew his days at Milan were numbered when the San Siro giants gave him permission to speak to Manchester City back in January.

“After the season, because of the financial crisis, Milan were ready to let me go. I had offers but my desire was always to play at the Bernabeu,” Kaka said.
Kaka insisted there will not be any problems with winger Cristiano Ronaldo, who will be presented on Monday after his world-record 80 million pound move. (ANI)

Man U agreed to Ronaldo’s Real Madrid transfer before formal bid

London, July 1 (ANI): Real Madrid’s sporting director Jorge Valdano has claimed that Manchester United agreed to the world-record transfer of Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo months before it was announced.

Valdano claimed that the deal was struck before Florentino Perez became Real Madrid president.

But a spokesman for Manchester United said no such deal was struck.

A spokesman said: “Until the faxed bid was received on June 10, 2009, there has never been any agreement of any sort between Manchester United and Real Madrid over Cristiano Ronaldo.”

Valdano, Perez’s right-hand man, claimed a contract was already in place when they took over the club on June 1.

The Sun quoted him as saying: “With Cristiano Ronaldo we had to sign him now because there was an expiry date.

There was a contract and we had to respect the dates stipulated, when to make the signing public, when to communicate with Manchester, when to pay. All of that was established in a very precise manner that didn’t allow us to play not even with the dates.” (ANI)