EURO 08 ...... Portugal 1:1 Serbia

CRISTIANO Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes for Portugal in their 1-1 draw with Serbia on Wednesday night. There had been injury doubts over United's star winger, who picked up an ankle knock in training, but he played a full part in the Euro 2008 qualifier. Tiago scored for Portugal before Bosko Jankovic equalised.

CR in doubt for Serbia match

Manchester United could be dealt a huge blow if the injury Cristiano Ronaldo picked up with Portugal turns out to be serious. The wing wizard twisted his foot and suffered an injury to his left heel during his country's training session on Tuesday in Belgrade as they prepared for Wednesday night's Euro 2008 qualifier with Serbia.

Ronaldo has now been rated doubtful for the game but Portugal team doctor Onofre Costa is more positive on the problem. "At this time we don't know if he will play. He sprained his heel. It doesn't look very serious, but we are not sure if he will be fit," he told Sky Sports.

The 22-year-old bagged a brace in Saturday's 4-0 win and was a constant menace to the Belgium defence, meaning Luiz Felipe Scolari could be tempted to play his influential attacker despite his injury. Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson will be hoping the Portugal manager opts against it, as an aggravation to the problem which could lead to Ronaldo missing crucial club fixtures is the last thing the Scot needs.

CR : I hope playing in MU for many years

...Financially I'm doing fine, and what really matters is to show my football. It’s always good to hear about other clubs interest, but I’m very happy right now,and hope I'll be playing in Manchester for many years....

CR has finally pledged his future to Manchester United and insisted he has no intention of leaving Old Trafford this summer. Red-hot Ronaldo has been consistently linked with a move to Barcelona or Real Madrid this summer but the £45million-rated star has committed himself to United and declared his intention to stay there for the best years of his career.

"I have a good contract in financial terms and what really matters to me now is to show my game," said Ronaldo. "It's a good sign to know I have so many clubs interested in me, such as Real Madrid. "It means I am valued and that my work pleases. But I'm very happy where I am and I hope to stay at Manchester United for many years."

Ronaldo's confirmation of his desire to stay is a huge boost for boss Sir Alex Ferguson. United want to reward the 22-year-old with a new deal that will make him the club's joint-highest earner on £110,000-a-week.

MU line up Deco pair with CR

Manchester United reportedly want to pair Barcelona star Deco with Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford so are lining up a £15million summer bid. Catalan giants Barca are planning to overhaul their squad at the end of this season and according to reports, Sir Alex Ferguson is planning to sign the unsettled Portuguese playmaker.

Deco has already hinted he wants a fresh challenge after three years at the Nou Camp and it is thought that bringing him to Old Trafford would help ensure Ronaldo pens a new contract with the Red Devils. Although Ronaldo's new deal is expected to be five years, there are still disputes over the pay with the player holding out for more than £100,000 per week.

Keane would pay to watch Cris

ROY KEANE has admitted that he would PAY to watch Cristiano Ronaldo play for Manchester United. The Red Devils winger has received rave reviews for his performances this season with pundits queuing up by the dozen to label him "the best in the world".

Now, his former United captain has chipped in with high praise for the Portuguese trickster. In an exclusive interview with Sunday Mirror Sport, Old Trafford legend Keane said: "I think Ronaldo is outstanding.

"If you had asked me two or three years ago I would have told you he could go on to be the best player in the world. "I thought that would happen after he had been playing over a longer period of time, but his form this season has been a different class.

"The skills Ronaldo has are frightening.
"He is an entertainer, and fans at United love that.
"It is great to see and they are the type of players you would pay to watch.
"All credit to him, he's been brilliant.
"You have to remember the age of the lad as well.
"He's still young at 22, but he has matured quickly."
"We all thought he was excellent at United."
"He is a joy to watch, he is a bubbly character and he is great in the dressing room."
"People shouldn't underestimate that. He works hard in training, too."

Ronaldo's sweet 16 goals from midfield this season make him top scorer at United - no mean feat for a playmaker with Wayne Rooney and Louis Saha ahead of him.

Big Phil told CR : Just play your football

Portugal hammered Belgium on Saturday but coach Luiz Felipe Scolari admits his team still has a lot of work to do to qualify for Euro 2008. "All that was missing were goals in the first half. We had the best chances to win and the players had to break down an opposing team that had eight players in defence. In the end it was good, we won and we are happy. We have a long road in front of us but we have a chance. We are trying to put a run together."

Regarding reports before the game that Belgium were singling out Ronaldo for special treatment, "Big Phil" said: "I told him he would be one of the most targeted by the Belgians. I told him just to play his football and not to complicate things."

Belgian players apologised to Ronaldo after the game for remarks that had been reported in the media. Scolari said: "I think they did not think about what they were saying and I am sure that nothing like that would happen between professionals. Football is to make friends and not for acts of savagery."

CR double as Portugal crush Belgium 4-0

Get Your Rudebox!!

Winger Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Portugal crushed Belgium 4-0 in their Euro 2008 qualifier in Group A on Saturday. Two goals in the space of two minutes paved the way for Portugal's victory, with Nuno Gomes breaking the deadlock in the 52nd minute and Ronaldo getting his first of the night almost immediately afterwards with a header.

Ricardo Quaresma added the third in the 68th minute before Ronaldo completed a rout which left the Euro 2004 hosts in a promising position in their group.

Poland are top on 13 points, having played a game more, after trouncing Azerbaijan 5-0. Finland are second on 11 points, while Portugal moved up to third on 10. Serbia, who also have 10 points, lost 2-1 to Kazakhstan on Saturday.

The goalkeeper apologize to me
“I went to shake hands with Belgian goalkeeper at the end and he has apologized for what has happened. I understand players try to intimidate me, but I'm used to it. I didn’t felt they were more or less malicious. I think both teams did well, aggressive, and the most important thing was our win.
The team started second half with more determination, we managed to score in the first minutes, Belgium opened up and with that the opportunity to score more goals, which eventually happened."

About Deco and Simão absence
"They are part of this group, they are very important, but those who play are the ones who always get people’s attention and support."

About the possible nomination to be considered world’s best player
"I have been working to play well. This season I’m in great shape and feel mature. Those who play by my side in Manchester and in the national team have been helping me out. Of course I want to be one of the best players."

CR fight for the Portuguese " Golden Globes"

Cristiano Ronaldo has been nominated for the best player award of "2007 Portugal Golden Globes awards", which held on 1st April. The other three nominees on this category are Deco, Ricardo Carvalho and Simão Sabrosa.

Cris In leg break fear !!!

...One player suggested that the best way to stop Cristiano Ronaldo... would be break his leg at the first opportunity......

Sir Alex Ferguson’s fears of a witch-hunt against Cristiano Ronaldo were heightened yesterday when the Manchester United winger was subjected to astonishing threats from the Belgium camp before Portugal’s European Championship qualifying match in Lisbon on Saturday.

Gilberto Madail, the president of the Portuguese football federation, has demanded that Uefa, European football’s governing body, investigate comments made by Stijn Stijnen, the Belgium goalkeeper, which came only 24 hours after George Boateng, the Middles-brough captain, gave warning that “someone will hurt Ronaldo properly and he will be out for a long time” if he continues to “take the mickey” out of opponents.

Ferguson, the United manager, has complained for much of the season that Ronaldo is being subjected to unfair treatment by opposition players and, having issued a passionate defence of the winger’s role in Monday’s FA Cup sixth-round replay victory over Middles-brough, will be appalled by the comments from Stijnen.

“After two minutes we will normally have massacred him so much that he will have to leave the pitch on a stretcher,” Stijnen, the FC Bruges goalkeeper, said when asked how Belgium intend to deal with the threat of Ronaldo. “What else do we need to do? Portugal have greater quality and that’s why we have to do things our way. If we try to play like them we will certainly lose.”

Stijnen claimed later that his interview with the Gazet van Antwerpen newspaper had been misinterpreted, but his attempts to play down the controversy were clumsy at best. “I don’t think my words are shocking,” he said. “We’re the visiting team and have to do things our way. I didn’t mean to say that we have to specifically get Cristiano Ronaldo off the pitch, but we have to play hard against the Portuguese players. I’m not saying Belgium have to break anyone’s leg, but we have to be aggressive. We have to play with character and not spare our opponents’ tibias.”

Uefa has promised to investigate Stijnen’s comments if they receive a complaint from the Portuguese Football Federation, but there will be more interest at Old Trafford in the outcome of today’s meeting of Uefa’s control and disciplinary body, which is investigating the crowd disturbances at the Barclays Premiership leaders’ Champions League match away to Lille at the Félix-Bol-laert Stadium, Lens, last month.

United were appalled by the treatment of their supporters in Lens, with the French police firing teargas into the visiting fans’ section of the ground, but, while Lille face the threat of heavy sanctions, United could also be fined for “failing to control their supporters”, after the French club complained that overcrowding in the stadium was caused by counterfeit tickets produced in England.

Uefa confirmed last night that a weighty dossier had been sent from Manchester, with United forwarding statements and e-mails from fans complaining about their treatment.

Lille seem certain to face censure — with one possibility that they will be banned from staging European matches in Lens, having been forced to do so because their stadium does not meet Uefa’s requirements — but they, too, have submitted statements, blaming United’s fans for some of the issues that arose on the night.

“According to our regulations, Lille theoretically could be suspended from playing matches at this stadium,” a Uefa official said last night. “But it is wrong to speculate as there is a lot to discuss.”

75 - Fouls committed against Cristiano Ronaldo in the Barclays Premiership this season .

2 more years

Wing king Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed he is not interested in joining Real Madrid - and wants to extend his stay at Manchester United. The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with moves to both Real and Barcelona in recent weeks but Barca claimed on Tuesday they have made no approach, and Real's hopes of signing him now appear to have been dashed.

The Portuguese winger said: "I consider myself a United footballer who is playing well and trying to help the team. "If things keep going well, I want to stay here. I'm not a Galactico. I'm only thinking about United and I want to stay here for more than two more years. I want to leave my mark on this era, win titles and be a figure in the history of this club."

Acting in new advertisement

THE Portuguese star gave show with the ball, but should have repeated the scene sometimes, with the stairs it will be a hard obstacle. The 'cachet' of Ronaldo is going to be paid in cash and in actions of the bank Ronaldo recorded yesterday an announcement in Lisbon.

The star of the Selection was the protagonist of an announcement for the Bank Holy Spirit – with which has contract until 2008 – and was surrounded of strong safety measures. Whenever the player saía of the localities of the engravings – in the Avenue of the Liberty – soon be surrounded by nine securities. Even so, Ronaldo still obtained to give autographs dozen half to the extras.

The cachet was not widespread, but spring of the BES said to the CM that Ronaldo is going to receive a part in cash and another one in actions.

The extreme of the Manchester United showed dowries of actor, but confused itself when should have gone up stairs with the ball. Juvenal Boy, double of Ronaldo in the engravings, to itself left better than the superputo. "It play soccer eleven years, by that was to at ease", Boy said, of 23 years. "Was a good experience. I removed a photograph with him. Was always well arranged. Was five stars."

Rita Towers Baptist, director of strategic marketing of the bank, underlined the qualities of the star that justified the choice for the announcement: "It is a charismatic figure and that awakes a feeling of affection".

ANNOTATIONS
RULOTE
The Portuguese extreme did not do no demand in private, but arranged of a rulote alone for during the engravings of the advertising announcement, a procedure considered "normal" second springs of the output.

I HAVE LUNCH
In full Real Prince, in Lisbon, where was installed the catering for the elements of the engravings, Cristiano Ronaldo had lunch beside technical and securities. The meal of the star of the Manchester United was esparguete with pieces of ham and panados.

FAN DISILLUSIONED
Martim Cohen expected to obtain speak with the Portuguese star, but the restraints of access rendered useless the desire of the youth of 17 years: "I am a fan of the Cristiano Ronaldo. It will want to speak with him for know as is that began the career and for say that I like very of him see play."

FUIGURANTE WITHOUT LUCK
Joana Cantaniga participated for the second time in announcements, but was to first time that saw the international one Portuguese so nearby. "It should be very pleasant and I find that is it like. At least it has very smiling state", affirmed to young of 20 years.

SIX HOURS IT RECORD
Ronaldo arrived about the 11h30 and alone abandoned the building of the bank already by the 18 hours and "did not complain", spring said of the output.

CR treatment irks Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson pulled no punches in his assessment of the latest controversy to surround Cristiano Ronaldo after the winger's matchwinning penalty against Middlesbrough.

The winger won and converted the spot-kick in Monday night's FA Cup win over Boro, but the reaction of the Teesiders and Sky television to the incident clearly irked the Boss.

"It's a clear penalty kick," he told MUTV. "I don't know what they're going on about. If it had been any other player they wouldn't have bothered. I think it's because it was Ronaldo, it's a shame that. It's putting a stigma on the boy which is not deserved.

"And I saw the interview he had and he was magnificent. It was a poor interview, a disgraceful interview. Just stretching it out, hoping the boy trips himself up.

"He (Sky interviewer Geoff Shreeves) doesn't understand how intelligent the boy is. It was a poor interview and I was disgusted with it. Sky should have a good look at themselves."

Despite being asked about the validity of the penalty, if there had been contact, if he could have stayed on his feet and why he is stalked by controversy, Ronaldo was given Sky's man of the match award.

And after his latest matchwinning display, Sir Alex was again full of praise for the sensational 22-year-old.

"He's a great player, a fantastic player, phenomenal," he said. "We've had some great players at this club and I've been proud to say in my 20 years we've had fantastic players. He's up there with the best of them, without question."

"I'm too good"

"Why when Cristiano is involved is it always political? Maybe some people don’t like me because maybe I’m too good."

Cristiano Ronaldo converted a late penalty to see off the dogged challenge of Middlesbrough and book United an FA Cup semi-final against Watford. The Reds' winger netted his 18th of the season from the penalty spot after he was tripped by Jonathan Woodgate. Middlesbrough's players were incensed by the decision, but television replays cleared showed there was contact.
“For me it is a penalty," insisted Ronaldo afterwards. I felt contact, that is why I slipped. He touched me. If he touches me I lose my movement and that is why I go down. He kicked me. "Why when Cristiano is involved is it always political? Maybe some people don’t like me because maybe I’m too good."
The Reds now face a semi-final trip to Villa Park where they'll play Watford. With Wembley just one step away, Ronaldo is determined to help the team book their place at the stadium's opening showpiece.

"It'll be a difficult game but when you have a good team then you have a good chance to get to the final," he insisted. "I feel confident. I’m in good form and the team is feeling good too. Hopefully we can make it."

MU 4 : 1 Bolton... Non-stop CR

Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to have a significant say in whether the Premiership trophy returns to Old Trafford this season after another commanding display in the 4-1 win over Bolton.

The 22-year-old was at the heart of almost every United attack in a blistering first 45 minutes, which saw the Portuguese winger play a part in three of the Reds’ goals, leaving Bolton stumped as to how to stop him.

Ronaldo admits he is in a rich vein of form as the season enters its critical stage, but he attributes his scintillating displays in part to the contribution of the players around him.

“My confidence is high, I’m in good form and I’m enjoying every game,” he told MUTV...

“But when the team is winning it is easier to play, everyone feels good and wants to perform. That’s a big reason why I am playing the way I am.

“When you play with great players it is easy. I am enjoying playing with Giggsy, Scholesy, Wayne, Gaby, everyone. The team feels good and every player feels confident when we go out on the pitch.”

The potency of United’s counter-attacking play took full advantage of an off-colour Bolton side, with Ronaldo acknowledging that the first half display proved decisive.

“We finisged the game in the first half. It was a great performance and we scored some good goals. There are eight matches left and they will all be tough, but confidence is high and we just have to keep going.”

MU 4:3 Europe XI, CR goal

Cristiano Ronaldo gave a further glimpse of a potentially glittering future as Manchester United paid tribute to their European past on Tuesday.

United celebrated 50 years of European competition by beating a Europe XI 4-3 and Ronaldo was the undoubted star of the show in front of 74,343 supporters at Old Trafford.

Bobby Charlton, a member of Matt Busby's team that fulfilled a burning ambition by winning United's first European Cup in 1968, had tipped Ronaldo to be one of the game's great players in the build-up to the showpiece match.

The 22-year-old Portuguese international did not disappoint him with a dazzling display capped by a stunning set-piece goal in his 45-minute appearance which further explained United's desire to secure his long-term future on a new contract.

Ronaldo's quick feet bewitched the European defence and 10 minutes before halftime he curled a 35-metre free kick past Valencia goalkeeper Santiago Canizares and into the top corner.

It was the kind of goal which made David Beckham's name during his days as United's set-piece wizard, although he was unable to play after injuring his knee while playing for Real Madrid earlier this month.

Beckham was given a thunderous reception, however, on returning for his first United match since leaving for Spain in 2003.

"It's amazing to be back...I am devastated to be injured but just being here is enough. The time I spent at this club was the best time of my career," Beckham told the crowd at halftime.

"I have waited four years to say thank you to the fans and the people at the club who supported me throughout my career."

"You've got the best manager in the world and I think this team is going to be incredible and will win many things for years to come."

CR's autobiography

Cristiano Ronaldo will pocket up to £5million for his autobiography. The 22-year-old Manchester United hunk will lift the lid on his romance with soap babe Gemma Atkinson, 22. And he will give his account of his astonishing relationship with United team-mate Wayne Rooney.

Ronaldo was blamed for the 21-year-old being sent off in Portugal’s World Cup win over England last summer. But – according to United sources – not only have he and Rooney made up but they have become firm friends, regularly joining forces to play pranks on their team-mates.

Rooney’s own book deal was the biggest in sport history – with a £5m advance, plus royalties, for five volumes charting his career. Ronaldo has signed a deal with Portuguese publisher Ideias e Rumos. It will be written by veteran journalist Manuela Brändao.

A club source said: “This book will offer a unique behind-the-scenes insight into his life. “While he is flamboyant on the pitch, he is intensely private off it. It’s a sure-fire best-seller.’

CR earns replay

Cristian Ronaldo's penalty earned Manchester United a replay after Middlesbrough threatened a shock in the FA Cup quarter-final at the Riverside.

United lost keeper Edwin van der Sar in the warm-up, but Wayne Rooney's low drive put them ahead after 23 minutes. Lee Cattermole volleyed Middlesbrough level on the stroke of half-time.

George Boateng headed Boro's second a minute after the interval, but then handled Rio Ferdinand's header after 66 minutes and Ronaldo equalised.

The replay will be at Old Trafford on 19 March, giving England coach Steve McClaren a fixture headache as he prepares to fly out with his squad to Tel Aviv for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Israel.

Become legend before leaving

Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed the talks on his new deal at Manchester United are moving well and that he wants to earn a legendary status at Old Trafford before leaving for Spain.

The 22-year-old, who has scored 16 goals for United this season, said his agent was making good progress towards securing more years to his existing contract, which runs out in 2010.

Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson also confirmed that the negotiations have been going on."We have been negotiating for a few weeks now and hopefully we can come to an agreement where he will stay with us for the next few years."

On his potention plans, Ronaldo told Icons.com: “One day I will end up in Spain, but I am very happy here (Old Trafford). I want to make my mark in Manchester. I want to win titles and enter the folklore of the club.

“We are negotiating and everything is in place to keep me here. I believe things are going well and I am going to remain here.”

New contract......New value

Manchester United have opened talks with Cristiano Ronaldo over a new contract, but they may have to break their wage structure and offer him more than £120,000 a week if they are to persuade him to reject the persistent overtures from Barcelona and Real Madrid at the end of the season.

Ronaldo revealed yesterday that negotiations over a new deal had begun, telling a Portuguese radio station that “I hope to reach an agreement as soon as possible”, but he also reiterated his longstanding ambition to play in Spain. At 22, he has time on his side, but his words serve as a warning that retaining his services in the long term is likely to be one battle after another.

For now, United are quietly confident that the Portugal winger will commit his future to the club by signing a second new contract in 16 months. His present deal, which was signed in November 2005, runs until June 2010 and is worth an estimated £70,000 a week.

United are prepared to increase that to £100,000 a week, which would put him alongside Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney at the top of the Old Trafford payroll, but sources indicated last night that Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, is seeking a sum closer to £120,000 a week to reflect his value as one of the world’s elite players.

United would prefer to retain their existing wage structure, which operates on several tiers, but they will do everything possible to accommodate Ronaldo in recognition of his outstanding form since signing his most recent contract.

With more than three years left on that deal, it is less a question of securing his future than of rewarding him for his performances in an attempt to stave off interest from Real, who have informed third parties that they would be prepared to offer United a world-record fee in excess of £48 million to take him to Madrid this summer, and Barcelona.

Both Spanish clubs have been encouraged to believe that Ronaldo plans to join them sooner rather than later, but his personal circumstances have changed since last summer, when a Spanish girlfriend — from whom he has since separated — was understood to be encouraging him to move to Madrid, particularly in the immediate aftermath of the World Cup finals, when he was vilified by sections of the media for his role in Portugal’s elimination of England at the quarter-final stage.

Sir Alex Ferguson, among others, has spoken of Ronaldo’s newfound contentment in Manchester, the manager saying that all Spain has to offer is better weather. As the player left Old Trafford on Wednesday night, after United’s Champions League victory over Lille, he said: “I would like to play in Spain one day, but I am happy here at Manchester. We have talked [about a new contract]. Nothing has been decided yet and I would like to stay.”

Ronaldo’s feelings for United have been strengthened by their success this season, with the 1-0 second-leg win over Lille continuing their quest for honours on three fronts.

That mission has been hit in the past week by injuries — most notably Mikaël Silvestre’s dislocated shoulder and Louis Saha’s pulled hamstring — but David Beckham, the Real midfield player, believes that his former club can repeat their feat of 1999, when they won the Premiership title, the FA Cup and the Champions League.

“I can see United winning everything this season,” Beckham said in an interview promoting the exhibition match at Old Trafford on Tuesday between United and a Rest of Europe XI.

“I believe that because I’ve seen the football they play and I’ve seen the togetherness of the team. They’ve played some amazing football this season and I do believe that they can go all the way.”

Want to stay at MU.... but play in Spain one day

..."You can never be
certain of anything in life, In football there are
no guarantees...But I am happyand want to stay here.

Manchester United and negotiating a new deal at Old Trafford, despite continuing reports linking him with a move to Spain. "We have talked and I hope to reach an agreement as soon as possible," Ronaldo, 22, told radio station Antena1. "I would like to stay, but nothing has been decided yet."

Ronaldo, who set up United's solitary goal for Henrik Larsson in Wednesday evening's UEFA Champions League win over Lille with an electric run and cross, admitted that he admires the Spanish game - but that a move there is some way off.

"Everyone knows that I love Spain," he said. "I would like to play in Spain one day. However I am happy here at Manchester. If I don't leave now, if I leave in two, three, four, five years, I would be happy. I am at a great club."

He sounded a note of caution to the Red Devils' hierarchy however.

"You can never be certain of anything in life," he warned. "In football there are no guarantees. But as I said, I am happy and I want to stay here."

United assistant boss Carlos Quieroz praised Ronaldo added that he is hopeful that the star will sign on for years to come - and said he is not worried by the overtures coming out of Madrid and Barcelona.

"He is more mature and makes better decisions now, he is faster and efficient," he said. "We are waiting to see if he will continue to give this to us in the future. All great players are sought after by the big clubs and therefore for them to desire Cristiano Ronaldo is exactly the same as us wanting to sign other players."

MU 1:0 Lille

Much like the performances against Fulham and Liverpool in the league, United were far from their best against Lille in this Champions League second leg tie at Old Trafford on Wednesday, but once again the Reds got the required result.

It took a show of Cristiano Ronaldo’s blistering pace and a well-placed header from Henrik Larsson, the perfect goodbye to Old Trafford, to separate the two teams and give United the win.

Lille offered very little in the way of an attacking threat and in truth United’s performance rarely rose above the minimum requirements to reach the Champions League last eight for the first time since 2002/03..... Full report