"I've learned my lesson"

Cristiano Ronaldo has vowed not to react to provocation as he returns to Premier League action with Manchester United.

The 22-year-old has served a three-match ban following his dismissal at Portsmouth, where Sir Alex Ferguson criticised the Portugal international for being provoked. And Ronaldo has insisted he will no longer retaliate on the pitch.

He told the Daily Mail: "I've learned a lot from this punishment.

"Now I am mentally prepared to tolerate anything my rivals throw at me. They cannot provoke me any more.

"This is a promise I've made to the manager. It will never happen. I wouldn't wish the experience of the past few weeks on anybody and I know I'm of no use to the club if I'm not on the field.

"I live for football and during the last few weeks I've suffered more than at any time in the past three years.

"It has been an incredible feeling not to be able to help the team."

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