Ronaldo could be the greatest number 7

Cristiano Ronaldo could become Manchester United’s greatest number 7 of all time as Alex Ferguson once stated. The Portuguese Star has been astounding since 2006, winning as a result two consecutive PFA Awards, and is yet to continue his reign as the best player in England when he returns from injury.

According to the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the former Manchester U player, the first criterion to become one of Manchester United’s greatest footballer is to be like Ryan Giggs. In other words, it is to commit his entire future to the club.

The difference with Ronaldo is that despite the great moments he enjoyed helping the English Champions achieve success, staying a Red Devil player all his life is not his choice.

During this summer transfer window, the Portuguese winger almost saw his dream come true. Should he have move to Real Madrid, all his previous contributions for the English champions to enjoy domestic and European glory wouldn’t have been enough to make him a Great number 7, according to Manchester United fans.

After all the speculations that went on during the just-ended saga, Ronaldo remains a Red Devil and he may be a Galactico only next season.

However, with Madrid canceling any possible departure of their talented Brazilian playmaker Robinho and with Van der Vaart’s arrival, the Spanish giants seem to have forgotten Ronaldo.

There is still time for the 23-year-old to fall in love again with Manchester United. He might even end up committing his entire future – or a big part of it – to the Red Devils.

If he remains as impressive as he was in these past two seasons, there is no doubt he will engrave his name in history and develop into Manchester United’s greatest number 7.

Ronaldo’s absence, a blow to the Reds

Manchester United started the defense of their title of Sunday at home to Newcastle. With up to nine players out of the squad, young players like Campbell and the Da Silva brothers were given the chance to show themselves.

Man United had the better of the game, but when several key players are missing such as Ronaldo, finding the path to victory is a bit difficult.

In the opening minutes of the game, Man United had a clear appeal on penalty – which Ronaldo would have taken should he have been able to play. However, Newcastle benefited of the referee’s favour to escape from trouble.

The home side was awarded many free kicks and Ronaldo looked anxious from the stands. Rooney and Giggs tried to convert their shots but goalkeeper Shay Given was simply too good.

The match finished 1 – 1, a result that might surely remind Manchester United supporters of Ronaldo’s value. Last season, the Red Devils had a slow start until Ronaldo’s return from suspension powered them to glory, at the expense of Chelsea.

This time around, the London club has commenced its campaign on a high and if Scolari can maintain the momentum, it may be too late for Manchester to catch them up.

Perhaps things will soon go better for the defending champions. Now, the reality is that they lack of a goal-scoring machine. In Ronaldo, they possess a creative winger capable of scoring from any angle and at any time..

Alex’s side will have to wait until the end of September at least for the talismanic number 7 to be part of the squad again. Only he, maybe, has what it takes to transform his team into invincible warriors ready to defend their titles.

Ronaldo dating Iranian model Niki Ghazian?

Following everything that happened during the transfer saga, Manchester United fans as well as football critics are wondering about Ronaldo’s commitment to the English champions.

Although the player has stated in an interview that he will play for United with all his heart and soul, he still intends to join Real in the near future.

However, above all the speculations over a Ronaldo move to Spain, the Man United boss Alex Ferguson is highly confident that the 23-year-old Portuguese will play for his club with the same devotion he had last season.

The English Premier League titleholders are even planning to extend Ronaldo’s contract according to reports.

Now, Manchester United’s concern is not about Real Madrid as regards to Ronaldo’s commitment. The Red Devils’ main problem is that Ronaldo presently focuses more on dating hot ladies rather than on playing soccer.

Manchester United has warned the talismanic winger to concentrate on his professional life. Ronaldo has been enjoying extended holidays because of his injury. And during all this time, the player has been scoring with party-girls, actresses and, models even though he hasn’t yet recovered from his ankle operation.

Letizia Filippi aka The Gaze is one of those women with whom Ronaldo is deeply in love. But besides the satisfaction that this 30-year-old Italian gives him, Nereida’s ex-boyfriend – Ronnie – can’t just get enough.

There is another lady that has captured the womaniser. Her name is Niki Ghazian, an Iranian model whom he spotted in the L.A. She seems to have grown in Ronaldo’s heart and mind from a simple party-girl to a secret lover. There are signs that a hot love story dispute between The Gaze and Ronaldo aka The Icicle will soon make the headlines.

Unfortunately for Manchester United, Ronaldo’s private life issues might reach to a point where it will be hard for the player to concentrate on his football

Fergie: Ronaldo's recovery boost

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed Cristiano Ronaldo could return ahead of schedule.

The United boss managed to keep the Portugal star away from the clutches of Real Madrid following a summer of speculation but last season's top Premier League scorer is unavailable as he recovers from an ankle operation.

The surgery took place on July 7 and, although he is still some way off a return to training, the news is good on the former Sporting winger.

"Cristiano is doing very well," said Ferguson. "Excellent.

"He's well ahead of schedule - the specialist was surprised actually with the condition he was in.

"So, for the next three weeks he'll go on that rehabilitation and then the final parts of it and into endurance work and serious running before he gets into the football side with us."

Meanwhile, United have handed the number 20 and 21 shirts to twin full backs Fabio and Rafael ahead of the new campaign.

Both are expected to compete for first-team places all season after making an instant impression at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo recovering well

Manchester United remain hopeful that Cristiano Ronaldo will be back in action by October.

Having committed his short-term future to the Red Devils, ending the constant speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid, the Portugal international is now concentrating on regaining full fitness as soon as possible.

The talismanic winger underwent ankle surgery shortly after Euro 2008 and is still some way off a first-team return.

However, having been assessed by the United medical team on Friday, Sir Alex Ferguson is happy with the progress being made by Ronaldo in his rehabilitation

Watch out Ferguson, Ronaldo could leave next summer

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is certainly relishing his victory against Real Madrid in this transfer saga. Congratulations to the old Scottish man who can now write his name in history, as he is the first to win a transfer case against the Spanish giants.

Unfortunately for Fergie, this sweet relief will not last long…

Ronaldo earlier revealed in his interview with the Portuguese media Publico that he still has the dream of playing for Madrid one day. It is understood that Ronaldo’s decision is to remain in Manchester for only one more year.

Reports claim that the Star winger told his friends in Real that he will do whatever it takes to join the Spanish club in the 2009/10 season.

Real Madrid may use the same tactic they applied to have Figo from Barcelona. And if Ferguson wants to prevent Los Meringues from signing the talismanic number 7 next summer, there is no doubt that the manager will have to use money as his main instrument to captivate Ronaldo’s mind.

Ferguson, a good father to Ronaldo?

During the transfer saga, most football analysts negatively translated Alex Ferguson’s resilience of keeping Ronaldo at Old Trafford. Many shared the opinion that if Fergie was so persistent, it was all because of the fear that Man United’s moments of glory might end should Ronaldo leave.

Well, Ferguson kept on fighting for the young man to stay in England and even went on to state as an argument that there was no place other than Manchester United, where Ronaldo could enjoy success as well as affection.

Whichever purpose was the truth, the manager has well defended himself towards the media and the public.

He is presently reacting as a good father to Ronaldo rather than as a “slave master.” The boss has made it clear that he was not going to rush the Star winger to play active football. Since the end of July, Alex had been worrying about Ronaldo’s injury.

Ferguson believes in Ronaldo

Most of Manchester fans have now fallen out of love with Ronaldo following the Portuguese’s misconduct towards the club during the transfer saga.

Various polls show that many of them will have preferred Ronaldo to quit the Man United squad because of the lack of respect he had towards the English Champions.

On another side, some fans – far less harsh on the Star winger – have welcomed Ronaldo’s decision of remaining in England for at least a year. However, their main concern is now on Ronaldo’s commitment.

The player did apologize and pledge his future to Manchester United in an interview with Publico, but these were only words yet to be true.

It may be that Ronaldo gave these comments only to cool things down as Ronaldinho often use to do during his last moments at Barcelona. Like the Brazilian, Cristiano could end up playing disappointingly for the Red Devils

Ronaldo on the side in Carling Cup victory

After finally deciding to stay at least one more year at Old Trafford, Cristiano had the opportunity to witness Manchester United’s Community Shield triumph on Sunday afternoon at the Wembley Stadium.

The Portuguese star had to seat along side English striker Wayne Rooney, as both are currently recovering from injury. The English champions draw goalless with Pompy in a game that could have seen goalkeeper David James become the man of the match.

Nani assumed Ronaldo’s responsibility and was awesome in the wings – setting Fletcher who failed to break the dead lock, and dribbling past James only for his shot to be cleared by Glenn Johnson.

In the second half, Carlos Tevez had a clear appeal on penalty turned down by the referee. The end of the ninety minutes signified that the winner of the game had to be decided through a penalty shoot-out.

Manchester United supporters, Ronaldo needs you

Ronaldo may win games for the Reds when he comes back from injury, but will he win the fans? Cristiano Ronaldo is once again the subject of criticism in England as he was two years ago following the infamous story of Rooney’s red card at the World Cup.

The last time around, his amazing progress in terms of performance – which helped Fergie to grab his first league title in four years – enabled him to win over Manchester United fans.

Now, it seems that supporters will not give him a second chance – in other words, be impressed by the controversial number 7, even if he carries United to football glory.

Arrogant, undisciplined, unfaithful, greedy, and selfish are the words that Manchester United fans employ to describe Ronaldo. Is their judgement towards the 23-year-old superstar right? Aren’t they committing a mistake and reacting cruelly towards him?

Click here to find out more!

I have a new-found respect for Cristiano Ronaldo.

I really had thought he'd become a victim of believing his own hype, with all that swanning around Hollywood and for the weeks during Euro 2008 when he was holding court, leaving us all cryptic messages about his undying love for Real Madrid and how it was to be his destiny.

But after that meeting we all wanted to be in two weeks ago, when the Fergie hairdryer blew into town, Cristiano can't tell us enough how he will wear his heart on his red not white sleeve next season, and that all's well that ends well.
Joking apart, if you read his comments deeper, he did admit to his credit he loves Madrid, got a bit carried away, and if anyone is to blame it's him. That makes a refreshing change.

Ferguson voulait envoyer Ronaldo au FC Barcelone

Le transfert avorté de Cristiano Ronaldo au Real Madrid n'a qu'une explication selon Marca : Alex Ferguson ne voulait pas que son attaquant portugais rejoigne la Maison Blanche cet été. L'entraîneur écossais, qui avait déclaré qu'il ne souhaitait pas lâcher son joyau parce qu'il est une pièce maîtresse de l'équipe, aurait en fait accepter de le laisser partir. Mais pas au Real. Lors de la réunion organisée à Lisbonne il y a quelques semaines Alex Ferguson aurait autorisé Ronaldo à aller n'importe où, sauf au Real.

Nos confrères espagnols vont même jusqu'à affirmer que Ferguson était prêt à le céder au FC Barcelone pour la moitié de la somme qu'offrait le Real Madrid. Des représentants du club catalan seraient même entrés en contact avec Jorge Mendes, l'agent du joueur. Mais Cristiano Ronaldo aurait tout simplement refusé parce que seul le Real lui fait envie. Un club qu'il devrait rejoindre lors de la prochaine intersaison

Ronaldo va rester à Manchester pendant des années selon Ferguson

Pour Sir Alex Ferguson, le Portugais Cristiano Ronaldo va rester à Manchester plus qu'une saison. L'Ecossais voit même son joueur prolonger au delà de 2012.

L'entraîneur de Manchester United est catégorique, "Cristiano va rester ici et s'amuser avec nous. Il lui reste quatre années de contrat et, par bonheur, il prolongera un jour". L'Ecossais pense qu'il "était important de le garder" et confirme implicitement son rôle dans le maintient du n°7 dans son effectif... sans oublier de tacler le Real Madrid. "Peu de joueurs sont partis d'United sans mon consentement. Je crois que notre rencontre au Portugal a été profitable. Cela nous a permis de clarifier beaucoup de choses et c'est pourquoi je me suis toujours montré optimiste. [...] Il est heureux à Manchester et a toujours été heureux d'être un joueur d'United. Ce qui a rendu les choses difficile pour lui c'est l'intrusion du Real Madrid dans sa vie. L'important c'est d'avoir mis fin à tout ces histoires... Plus il va rester et plus il va apprécier d'être ici. Plus les joueurs restent à Manchester et moins ils veulent partir", a-t-il indiqué à la presse anglaise avant l'entraînement de son équipe.

Ferguson l'animal

Les exemples sont nombreux puisque sans remonter à Cantona, véritable icône d'Old Trafford, Rio Ferdinand n'est désormais plus considéré comme une pièce rapportée. Venu de leeds, comme Canto, le défenseur est une des images fortes du club. Pourant comme le rappelle Ferguson, "c'est un étranger, il venait de Londres"! Le Portugais Cristiano Ronaldo a donc toutes les chances de retourner les fans d'United une nouvelle fois... Sir Alex Ferguson en est persuadé et promet un retour en force de son joueur dès qu'il sera opérationnel. "Le Real sait maintenant qu'il négocie avec un animal différent. Moi je n'ai aucun problème avec ce mec (Ronaldo) qui va donner le meilleur pour nous. Je crois en lui, il va encore progresser et va devenir un joueur fantastique. Nous sommes une ville du Nord, il fait froid mais on aime le foot comme dans peu d'endroit dans le monde", conclut l'entraîneur écossais de MU...

Cristiano Ronaldo: l'été de toutes les tentations

Il n'a peut-être pas signé au Real Madrid, mais l'attaquant portugais n'a pas perdu son temps, cet été. Et quand on ne parle plus de lui à la page "sports", on en parle encore et toujours à la page "people". Don Cristiano a encore frappé! Son tableau de chasse est assez impressionnant.


Sept, ce n'est pas seulement le n° de maillot de Cristiano Ronaldo à Manchester, c'est aussi le nombre de conquêtes avec lesquelles il s'est affiché durant l'été. Après un Euro raté, il lui en fallait bien tant pour se remettre. Bronzage hyper-vitaminé, tee-shirt rose bonbon, et mini-short gris brillant, ou chaîne en argent qui brille sur torse imberbe, le Portugais se l'est joué sex-symbol tout l'été. Sa dernière conquête en date? Son ex, Mirella Grisales

Mirella pour la reprise de Premier League

La jeune femme, colombienne d'origine est top model et actrice. Elle a rencontré Cristiano Ronaldo, à Miami, l'été dernier. Ils avaient passé une partie de l'automne ensemble, avant de se séparer. Mais des touristes et des journalistes les ont repérés, ensemble à nouveau, il y a quelques jours sur les plages portugaises. "Entre eux, ça avait l'air chaud" a déclaré l'un des témoins de la scène. Un air de déjà vu... Car la jeune femme, à la langue bien pendue quand il s'agit de parler de sa relation avec la star du football portugais, évoquait déjà ce "special feeling", il y a quelques mois:

"J'ai séduit Cristiano, grâce à mon cul. Il est aussi doué au lit que sur un terrain de football"

Nereida pour l'Euro

Mais avant Mirella, Cristiano Ronaldo avait aussi craqué pour Nereida Gallardo C'est elle qui l'a soutenu durant tout l'Euro, puis a posé nue pour le quotidien anglais The Sun. C'est pour cette jeune espagnole de 24 ans - infirmière, paraît-il, dans un centre pour personnes âgées - que l'on disait le Portugais prêt à s'installer à Madrid.
Ils s'étaient rencontrés au début de l'année 2008, dans une discothèque de Palma de Mallorque. Malheureusement pour Nereida, l'histoire a tourné court. Au bout de 5 mois, Cristiano Ronaldo l'a quittée. Le Portugais n'aurait pas apprécié que la belle ait pu faire chavirer le coeur de l'Espagnol Sergio Ramos, quelques mois plus tôt...

Niki, Letizia, Jen, Nicole, Tina pour les vacances

Entre les deux, ne croyez pas que l'attaquant de Manchester ait été trop accaparé par son éventuel transfert au Real Madrid, ni même par la rééducation de sa cheville... Non! Cristiano Ronaldo a "chassé".
En vacances, il a d'abord succombé aux charmes de Niki Ghazian, modèle régulier pour le magazine FHM Laquelle s'est empressée d'aller raconter sa nuit de folie avec le footballeur, à Los Angeles, aux journalistes de News of the Week:
"Je mentirai en disant que sa chaussure orthopédique ne nous a pas gênée, mais le reste de son corps était incroyable. Il m’a vraiment extenuée !” On apprécie les détails.

Puis après elle, ce fut le tour de Letizia Filippi, une présentatrice de télé italienne, de 7 ans son aînée l l'aurait rencontré à Capri, à bord du yatch de l'Italien Fabio Cannavaro - avant même d'avoir quitté Nereida... Vous suivez toujours?

Cristiano Ronaldo opte pour une Rolls-Royce

Le joueur de football portugais Cristiano Ronaldo ne devrait pas quitter son équipe anglaise de Manchester United, malgré les offres monumentales venues des clubs les plus prestigieux européens. Alors, histoire de fêter ça, Ronaldo vient de faire l'acquisition d'une Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe. Valeur du bolide ? Plus de 430 000 euros. Une paille quand, comme Ronaldo, cette somme est équivalente à son salaire de... deux semaines !

Ronaldo reçoit le trophée du soulier d'or à Madére

Cristiano Ronaldo a profité de la possibilité accordée par l'UEFA afin de choisir le lieu où lui sera remis le trophée du soulier d'or ! Ce sera donc sur sa terre natale ,Madère,qu'il recevra sa récompense . Dolores a d'ailleurs souligné que son choix était surtout un hommage à son père. La cérémonie se tiendra le 29 ou le 30 août prochain.

Man Utd expect long Ronaldo stay

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes Cristiano Ronaldo would prefer to extend his stay at the club rather than join Real Madrid.

After a summer saga in which the 23-year-old was continually linked with the Spanish giants, Ronaldo has publicly committed himself to United.

"Real know they are dealing with a different animal now," said Ferguson.

"As he gets older, he'll appreciate being here more. The longer players stay, they don't want to leave."

But should Ronaldo choose to leave Old Trafford, Real president Ramon Calderon said there would be a place for him in the Spanish capital.

"If the player still says he wants to leave for Real Madrid and Manchester want to sell him, then we could talk about that," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

Ronaldo, who is set to return to training in September following an ankle operation last month, has a contract running until 2012 at Old Trafford but Ferguson said he would like to extend the deal.

"Cristiano will now settle down and enjoy his career here," said Ferguson.

"Cristiano's interview was very good and he explained himself perfectly from my perspective"
Sir Alex Ferguson

"He has four years left on his contract and hopefully, at some point, we would like to extend it. That's where we are.

"I can't deny it was an important issue to keep him here. There are very few players who have left me against my will and it is unusual for anybody to want to leave United.

"I think Cristiano realises that. We had a good meeting in Portugal that clarified a lot of things.

"It was good and I was pleased with it and that's why I felt everything was going to be all right."

Ronaldo gave an in-depth interview to a Portuguese newspaper clarifying his position after Ferguson had flown to Portugal to hold talks.

The winger accepted some responsibility for allowing the speculation to continue throughout the summer, although he did not rule out a move to the Bernabeu in the future.

"We're happy. Cristiano's interview was very good and he explained himself perfectly from my perspective," added Ferguson.

"As I said on Wednesday, the matter is closed and he is a Manchester United player.

RONALDO INTERVIEW IN FULL

Cristiano Ronaldo spoke candidly about what the Real Madrid transfer saga, takign his fair share of the blame. Publico published the interview first, and here it is in full, translated by the Guardian.

Sir Alex Ferguson said this week that it was "the end of the matter" and that Cristiano Ronaldo will be playing at Manchester United next season. Is this true?

Yes. My coach was kind enough to come and see me in Lisbon a few days ago, which I think is common knowledge. It was a very honest conversation between two people that respect one other and that I'm sure share a mutual affection and friendship.

What we said to each other will remain private. Sir Alex listened to me, I listened to him and we established that the best for both sides would be for me to continue at Old Trafford. So, I can confirm that I'll be playing for Manchester United next season. And before there are any rumours and speculation about me staying against my will, I want to make one thing clear: whoever says or writes anything to that effect is lying. I'll be playing at Manchester United with my heart and soul. I will fight and honour the shirt with the same desire and dedication as I always have.

And how do you think the people at Real Madrid will feel hearing you say that you're staying at Manchester United?

I want to say that I was the one that was responsible for all this controversy. It wasn't their fault because it was me that said publicly that I wanted to move to Real Madrid. It was also me, although wholly unintentionally, that caused the friction between the two clubs.

Your statements after the Champions League final and during and after the European Championship demonstrated your enormous desire to leave Manchester United and move to Real Madrid. What did you actually want?

I knew that Real Madrid were interested in signing me and that they had, allegedly, made a very substantial offer to Manchester United. For a while, I wanted Manchester to accept the offer and for me to move to Madrid. If I denied it I would be deceiving everyone, including myself. Anyone who knows me knows that it would have to be something very important for me to admit such a thing. If there's one thing I've never been - nor do I ever want to be - it is ungrateful. Manchester United - from the Glazer family, the directors, namely David Gill, to the coaches, team-mates and backroom staff - is a club that will always be dear to my heart. Whatever happens in the future, that will never change. I'm very aware of what this club has done for me and I'll be eternally grateful, come what may. But it was because of this, because I knew this club was different and extraordinarily human, that I hoped that my wishes and my reasons would be understood.

And what were the reasons that made you want to leave?

After we'd won the Champions League, I felt that in five years I had helped win everything there was to win. We'd won the Premier League twice and I'd won a host of individual awards, including the best goalscorer in the Premier League, Champions League and in Europe. So I felt that maybe I needed a new challenge. I never hid the fact that I wanted to play in Spain, at Real Madrid in particular, and I thought this could be the right moment. Manchester United and Real are probably the two biggest clubs in the world and it would never be an easy decision to make. Apart from the challenge, everyone realises that Spanish and Portuguese culture and lifestyle are more similar. Those were the reasons that made me consider the change.

Nothing else? The attraction of an even more generous wage that Real Madrid are said to be willing to pay, for example?

I'm aware that, whatever the circumstances, there will always be speculation about me. I knew that there would always be someone who'd say that my main concern was making more money. Others would insist that my vanity couldn't resist being linked to the biggest transfer fee of all time at the age of 23. Of course I am proud to see my work recognised, but none of this had any major effect on what I wanted. In fact, if it was just a question of money, I would never leave Manchester United. Apart from the reasons I've just given, I also have to recognise that my family would welcome the change. The chance of being an hour's flight from my mother and the rest of my family was very attractive, even more so playing for a club like Real Madrid. I know I have to deal with these circumstances, even though it's difficult sometimes, but it's harder to ask the same of the people I love the most. The best proof of what I've just said is the fact that I've just made a major investment in a house in Manchester, even though I didn't have to. I did it not just for my own comfort but also for those closest to me. The people at Manchester United, particularly the manager, understood my reasons. But we all eventually concluded that I should continue to wear that No7 United shirt. It's no sacrifice for me, it's a great honour. I have important things to win in England. I will give everything I have to Manchester United. I want to defend the European title and help United become world champion, not forgetting the Premier League and other competitions.

Are you afraid of the reception you'll get from the Manchester United fans?

No, to be honest. It's possible but I hope it doesn't happen. I know I'm a good professional, I know that no one's harder on me than myself and that's never going to change, under any circumstances. The high point of my career was winning the Champions League. No one will ever erase that from my memory, in the same way that no one will ever erase the fact that I did it in a Manchester United shirt. What I said publicly, which was maybe a little naive, I take total responsibility for. People have to understand one thing: at the age of 18 I arrived at a dream club like Manchester United. It was a dream come true. But, even at that moment, I was thinking about playing in England for some years and then going to play in Spain. Even at that time I was thinking that way, and I always gave 100% everything. Why lie? I'm not going to be a hypocrite and say the opposite of what I think, like some others do. I said exactly what I thought: I have a dream of playing at Real and I thought it was time to move on. People can't be upset about me fulfilling a childhood dream.

But would it be fair for Manchester United to lose you while you are still under contract?

I'm very aware of what this club has done for me. I'll be forever grateful. Manchester United and its fans can be sure that I'll never forget them, no matter what happens. They're special and they'll always have a place here [puts hand on heart]. In fact, I confess that one of the reasons I had the courage to say what I did was the fact that Manchester United would be fairly compensated. The figure mentioned, which would be a world record, would serve as some compensation for the debt of gratitude that I owe the club, as least in material terms. I'm going to say something here that I've never told anybody: if we hadn't been European champions I probably wouldn't have even thought about going to Madrid. And there is something else that should be mentioned: I never wanted to leave against United's will. When they turned down the offer, the people at United made it very clear how much they wanted me. I didn't fully understand it at the time, but now I can really appreciate it.

But you agreed with Sepp Blatter when the president of Fifa said that long-term contracts between players and clubs were a form of "modern slavery"?

That makes no sense, nor do I believe that's what he meant, as he himself has already stated. My comment was about something else. I was saying that players should be where they feel happy. Nothing more.

Sir Alex Ferguson was always intransigent and denied any possibility of a transfer ...

Believe me, it makes me proud to know how much he thinks of me. And he knows I feel exactly the same way about him. He has been one of the most important people in my playing career. Not only because of what I've learnt and continue to learn from him in sporting terms but also in human ones as well. I love the passion he has for football. If it were humanly possible I would like to have him always by my side. Of course it's not possible but it shows how much affection, admiration and respect I have for him. He has always been like a second father to me at Manchester United. I'll never forget that it was him that explained the significance of the No7 United shirt, which will always be my shirt. When I was at Sporting I had a number of offers, some of them very lucrative. One of them offered eight million Euros just as a signing on fee and meant that I would play for Sporting for one more year and then leave as a free agent. But money isn't everything. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter, Milan, Juventus, Valencia and practically all the big clubs were also interested. At the time, Jorge Mendes explained that Manchester United also wanted me and that Sir Alex Ferguson had told him that he would be very careful with my playing career. So I would play at least 50% of the games in the first season, which is what happened. This shows that I also chose Manchester United and that money wasn't the deciding factor. Alongside my agent [Mendes], Sir Alex Ferguson has been the most important person I've ever known in my career. Because of this, because of the special relationship that exists between us, I know that he'll understand that there are times when a father has to worry only about what's best for his child.

The Spanish press continues to say that your future is at Real Madrid

There's no point in making predictions. It's not worth speculating because nothing is set in stone and things change all the time in football. Today there are opportunities that no one knows if they will come round again in the future. There are only two certainties: I'll be playing at Manchester United, a club I'm proud to represent; Real Madrid will continue to be a great club without me and I will continue to admire the Spanish club, as I have done since I was a boy. I'm saying what I think and I hope that all the speculation will stop. The press has written some terrible things about me and about this whole thing. They've invented a thousand and one things and that's one of the reasons why I decided to talk about this now. And people can be sure of one thing: everything I've said comes from the bottom of my heart and is the only truth.

Which means you don't exclude the possibility the dream of playing for Madrid?

I'm 100% professional and I've always given my heart and soul to this club. I even played a major part of the season injured, which was verified by my operation. I played in excruciating pain while taking anti-inflammatory medication every day. And I'd do it again if necessary. This club deserves it because the United staff and the fans are fantastic, not forgetting the affection and respect I have for Sir Alex Ferguson. If one day I leave the club, I want to do it knowing that I did everything I could to help the club win as much as possible. If that happens, I'll leave with the feeling of having done my duty to the maximum.

Paris On Cristiano Ronaldo

Paris Hilton is laughing off reports that she was rejected by Soccer God Cristiano Ronaldo last week at LA Hotspot STK, claiming she's never even met him. Um...ya, that’s because he didn't want to talk to you!

She says, "I'm so in love with my boyfriend I don't even look at other guys."

She added, "I think, literally, there's reporters outside (clubs) with the paparazzi and they can't get into (nightclub) Villa and places like this. They see two celebrities walk in and they automatically link them... They concoct all these stories."

So it was just a coincidence that she followed him from STK to Villa that night--while wearing the most ridiculous push up bra we've ever seen her in? Paris is infamous for her little white lies, so it's hard to take her seriously sometimes. Do you believe her story?

Ferguson says Cristiano Ronaldo definitely staying at United

Ronaldo has been linked with a move to Real Madrid since the end of last season - when he scored 42 goals to lead United to the Champions League and Premier League titles - but Ferguson said Tuesday that Madrid's public courtship of the Portugal international was in vain.

"The matter is closed now," Ferguson said. "He is a Manchester United player. It's finished. He'll be playing here next season, believe me. It's finished."

Madrid was rumoured to be offering a world record transfer fee for the 23-year-old Ronaldo, but has now signed Netherlands playmaker Rafael van der Vaart, possibly signalling the end of its interest for now.

Ronaldo, who is out injured until October with an ankle injury, is contracted to United until 2012 but said publicly that he wanted to join Madrid.

Cristiano Ronaldo Hooks Bollywood Star?

It's no surprise that Hollyscoop is obsessed with David Beckham. Another soccer stud who is rising high on the obsession list is Cristiano Ronaldo.

We have been following/stalking his every move for the past few months and boy he's a charmer. He might be 22 years old but prefers to date older women. Yes, I have a chance!

He has been dating Gemma Atkinson for quite some time now but rumors had been circulating that she cheated on him with his Manchester United team mate Alan Smith. Rumors that she obviously denied stating, 'It is totally untrue to suggest I've cheated with Alan while I've been seeing Cristiano.'

I don't know if Cristiano is trying to seek revenge at Atkinson or if there is actually something going on, but there are photos of Ronaldo with actress and supermodel Bipasha Basu, 28. The two were spotted getting cozy at a party held after the Seven Wonders of the World was announced.

They also left the club at the exact same time. Now there is another problem. Isn't Bipasha Basu dating John Abraham? There were rumors of the two breaking up last month which they denied by stating, they are very happy with one another.

So was the Cristiano and Basu thing just a fling? Are Atkinson and Cristiano done? So many unanswered questions!!!

Cristiano Ronaldo Rejects Paris' Advances

Attention! Attention! One of the hottest soccer players in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo is in Los Angeles! Although he recently underwent surgery on his right ankle, he hit up some of the hot spots in La La Land. Ronaldo went to STK for some din-din and then hit up Villa. Paris Hilton happened to be at Villa, sans Benji Madden last night too.

Paris needs to write another Myspace blog to clear up the new rumors that have started about her. According to spies at Villa, Paris was eyeing our man Ronaldo all night and he wasn’t having any of it.

A source told the Daily Mail: 'Paris was all over him. The moment he arrived, she went over to his private table…At one point; she pushed her chest together and made a point of trying to snuggle up against him.

'But Ronaldo clearly wasn't interested in Paris. He turned his back on her.'

Back to Benji for Paris! Besides Cristiano Ronaldo should be community property. He is too fine to be confined to just one person.

Ronaldo is in town for the Espy Awards, which will take place at the Nokia Theatre this afternoon. He is nominated for Best Male International Athlete.

Cristiano Ronaldo To Follow David Beckham's Footsteps

Cristiano Ronaldo has only been in the states for a few days and he's already causing quite a stir. For those of you who don’t know him, Cristiano happens to be noted as the world’s best soccer players.

Not only is he a good player, he’s got great looks too, just ask Paris Hilton, who was rumored to have thrown herself on the stud at a Los Angeles hot spot Tuesday night.

With big soccer stars such as David Beckham making moves to the United States, we wanted to know if we can expect the same from Cristiano.

When Hollyscoop.com caught up with him at the 2008 ESPY Awards in Los Angeles, Cristiano said that if LA Galaxy came knocking on his door, he would certainly consider the move. He seemed eager to follow in Beckham's footsteps.

In regards to making an immediate move to Los Angeles, the 23 year-old star tells Hollyscoop, “I have time, I prefer to play in Europe...it’s better in the moment, but the future, no one knows.

Indeed no one is certain of his future as there are talks that he might make a move from Manchester Untied to Real Madrid, the same team Beckham played for before he moved to the States.

Would Galaxy ever be an option for Ronaldo? “Yes, you know Beckham plays there and I spoke with him a few times and he says it's great to play here, so maybe in the future you never know. Maybe one day, I will play here.”

Cristiano, who was nominated for “Best Male International Athlete,” was excited for his nomination. “I feel good, when you work all season, all year to be one of the best players to be nominated," he says. "I feel very good,I feel very proud, it’s a good moment for me.”

The soccer ace adds, “I want to keep going like that. I want to improve every season.”

Cristiano is in a painful position right now with an injured ankle. With high hopes he says, “I do a good preparation, I am injured now but I hope to come back soon because I love to play football.”

In regards to all the girls drooling over him Ronaldo joked, “Maybe they love me maybe because I play good footbal.”

La fiancée de Cristiano Ronaldo veut qu’il aille à Madrid !

Alors qu’il est en vacances après que son équipe, le Portugal, ait été éliminée lors de l’Euro 2008, Cristiano Ronaldo fait couler beaucoup d’encre à propos de son possible transfert au Real Madrid pour la prochaine saison de foot.

En effet, le joueur, actuellement sous contrat avec le club anglais de Manchester United, semblerait prêt à aller poser ses valises en Espagne… Et ce, pour le plus grand bonheur de sa chérie, le mannequin espagnol Nereida Gallardo. D’ailleurs, la demoiselle ferait tout ce qu’elle pourrait pour forcer les événements au point de faire perdre complètement la tête à son homme, qui se serait déjà rétracté… Cristiano changera-t-il de club la saison prochaine ? Affaire à suivre…

La biographie

Cristiano est né le 5 février 1985 à Funchal sur l’île de Madère. Dès son plus jeune âge, il se passionne pour le football. Il joue d’abord au Maritimo Funchal : le club de sa ville natale, puis au Nationale Madère. Les grands clubs portugais s’intéressent rapidement à lui. A l’âge de 11 ans, il arrive au Sporting Club de Lisbonne où il débute sa formation. Il connaît une scolarité difficile, il a de mauvaises notes et on lui reproche son agressivité. En revanche son évolution sportive est impressionnante !

L’entraîneur roumain du Sporting fait appel à lui alors qu’il est seulement âgé de seize ans. Mais de mauvais tests de psychomotricité retardent son entrée dans le monde du football professionnel. C’est seulement deux ans après qu’il intègre l’équipe. Cristiano connaît une ascension fulgurante puisqu’ il évolue à Manchester United en 2004.

Il a 18 ans lorsqu’il est engagé par Alex Ferguson. L’entraîneur mise sur ce jeune talent qu’il suit depuis plusieurs années. Le joueur signe alors un contrat de 5 ans pour 22,5 millions d’euros ! Le championnat anglais lui réussit puisqu’il remporte la coupe d’Angleterre en 2004 ! La meme année il est meme élu l'homme le plus sexy de l'Euro.

Ce footballeur polyvalent et talentueux est capable d’occuper tous les postes de milieu de terrain. C’est pourquoi, le sélectionneur du Portugal : Louis Felipe Scolari l’intègre à l’équipe nationale en août 2003. Il terminera Finaliste du championnat d'Europe en 2004 avec l'équipe nationale du Portugal.

En 2006,il remporte la coupe de la ligue avec Manchester United. Ce jeune joueur est à l'aube d'une grande carrière très prometteuse... Mais le joueur âgé de 21 ans seulement voudrait quitter le club anglais pour partir en Espagne où il voudrait relancer sa carrière.
Le jeune joueur voudrait rejoindre soit le FC Barcelone ou le Real de Madrid… mais pour l’instant rien n’est encore fait.

Pendant la Coupe du Monde en Allemagne, Cristiano Ronaldo emmène son pays le Portugal jusqu'en demi-finale ou ils perdent contre la France.
Le séduisant attaquant est de nouvau élu le joueur le plus sexy!

Il n'y a pas que le foot dans la vie de Cristiano. Grace son physique plus qu'avantageux, il a plusieurs contrats avec des grandes marques. Il apparait dans les spots de Suzuki, Nike ou Pepe Jeans. Il fait meme la couverture du jeu video Fifa Street 2.