Cristiano Ronaldo continued his sensational scoring form as Real Madrid again flattered to deceive before overwhelming bottom club Xerez 5-0 to take top spot in Spain.
Ronaldo netted two more goals, the first after only 45 seconds, to maintain his record of having scored in every game for his new club following his world-record $130 million transfer from Manchester United.
The Portugal forward followed up his brace from the midweek Champions League win in Zurich as he gave Real the perfect start, picking up a loose ball in midfield and firing in a low shot from the right edge of the penalty area.
However, the home fans had to wait another 74 minutes for another goal as Real struggled to break down a side who have yet to win a point in their first season in La Liga.
It was Ronaldo again who finally settled his side's anxiety, rising high to powerfully head home a right-wing corner from substitute Esteban Granero.
That opened the floodgates as three minutes later substitute Guti scored his third goal in three matches -- matching his sum for the whole of last season -- when he drove home a loose ball after Karim Benzema twice fluffed his attempted shots.
Ronaldo made way for Ruud van Nistelrooy after that, with his former United teammate making his first appearance in 10 months due to injury.
Summer signing Benzema finally scored his first goal for Real in the 82nd minute, with his fierce shot taking a slight deflection on its way into the net.
Van Nistelrooy then capped his comeback in the 89th minute when he coolly slotted through the legs of the goalkeeper after being found in space by Guti, putting Manuel Pellegrini's side top of the table on goal difference ahead of defending champions Barcelona, who crushed Atletico Madrid 5-2 on Saturday night.
Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo is showing he is worth his hefty $131 million price tag, when he scored 2 goals in Madrid’s 5-2 win against Switzerland’s FC Zurich Sept. 15.
Ronaldo, 24, has been under intense pressure to perform ever since his record-breaking transfer from Manchester United this summer.
The Portuguese international winger has been solid in his initial games this season. On Sept. 12, Cristiano scored a goal in Madrid’s win over Espanyol Barcelona.
Ronaldo, who is the reigning FIFA World Player of the Year, has been adjusting to his new football club well and isn’t fazed by all the media scrutiny. When pressed, the intensely private Cristiano says he tries his best to be a good role model.
“I try to behave well on and off the field, although that is not always easy for different reasons,” says Ronaldo. “I try to be good, especially for the children. It is important to grow up with good examples. That is a big responsibility for me. I do believe I am a good role model.”
While the press is obsessed with the single Cristiano’s love life, he insists he tries to stay out of the public eye as much as possible.
“I come under intense media scrutiny so I am very private about the girls I date,” says Ronaldo. “I am a gentleman, and I do not want them to experience the media pressure, which I have learned to ignore. For me, a girl does not need to be famous for me to like her. I do have my romantic moments but I am sensible.”
Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s coach has openly stated that Cristiano has overtaken Brazilian superstar Kaká as the world’s best football player. So what is Ronaldo’s secret for being the best? “I must always step on to the pitch with my right foot first when playing a match,” he says.
Adds Ronaldo: “You can never just relax and think that you have reached your best. You have to keep training hard, improving, learning new things.”
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice on his debut for Real Madrid in the Champions League. Portugese winger was one of the protagnists in the 5-2 win over Zurich and in the end, did not hide satisfaction with the result, leaving praise for captain Raul.
"It's always good to get a win in the group stage, we did so well, because scoring five goals in Europe is never easy," said Ronaldo, after the match. The winger says the team "still evolving" and surrendered to Castro. "It's fantastic!"
The Real coach, Manuel Pellegrini, said the importance of Ronaldo in the team, "demonstrated its weight in the team in every game, and part of that weight is its free. These two goals are a confirmation of what had been doing."
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice from free kicks as Real Madrid began their Champions League campaign with a 5-2 win at FC Zurich on Tuesday despite a brave fightback from the rank outsiders.
The nine-times European champion Real Madrid appeared to be cruising when Ronaldo, Raul and Gonzalo Higuain scored in a devastating 18-minute spell before halftime in the Group C game.
Ronaldo converted a free kick in the 27th minute, Raul slid in Higuain's angled shot seven minutes later and Higuain fired in the third in first-half stoppage time.
Zurich, who failed to test keeper Iker Casillas in the first hour, hit back when Xavier Margairaz converted a 64th-minute penalty and Silvan Aegerter headed another from a corner.
Ronaldo scored with a long-range effort in the 89th which slipped through goalkeeper Johnny Leoni's hands before Guti got the fifth in stoppage time.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored his second goal in as many matches as Real Madrid tuned up for the Champions League with a 3-0 win over Espanyol on Saturday in Spain's La Liga.
Ronaldo converted a penalty kick in a 3-2 win over Deportivo in his Real debut and capped the new-look side's second win in the 90th minute. Esteban Granero and Guti also scored.
Real Madrid opens group play in the Champions League on Tuesday at Switzerland side FC Zurich.
Granero handed Madrid the lead in the 39th, Guti doubled the lead in the 77th, and Ronaldo, who did not start, sealed the convincing win.
Gut set up Ronaldo on the final goal, and the former Manchester United player slotted between Espanyol goalie Carlos Kameni's legs in the first match at new Cornella-El Prat stadium.
Barcelona also continued its perfect start, getting second-half goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Lionel Messi in a 2-0 win over Getafe. Barca, which won the Spanish La Liga and Champions League last season, leads Madrid on goal differential.
Barcelona visits Italian champion Inter Milan on Wednesday to open defense of its Champions League crown.
Also Saturday, Luis Fabiano bagged a double as Sevilla beat Real Zaragoza 4-1, and Oscar Serrano scored and 10-man Racing held on for a 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid. Atletico Madrid hosts APOEL and Sevilla hosts Unirea during the week to open the group stage of the Champions League.
Portugal and world player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo still have a chance to make it to next year's World Cup.
Pepe scored in the ninth minute, giving Portugal a 1-0 victory at Hungary on Wednesday night.
"There are still four candidates in the group, because with two more wins any of the teams can reach the World Cup," Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz said.
Portugal (3-1-4) is third on Europe Group One with 13 points, five behind Denmark (5-0-3) and two back of Sweden (4-3-1) but ahead of Hungary (4-3-1) on goal difference.
Portugal closes at home against Hungary on Oct. 10 and Malta four days later, while Denmark finishes at home against Sweden and Hungary. Sweden hosts Albania on Oct. 14.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese team captain, took the victory, this time, arrived in a less bright than the players wanted. "Against Denmark there had thirty opportunities and we could not score. Today we did not play as we should have done a beautiful game, but sometimes you have to play ugly and win and that's what happened. We must continue to dream to qualification. Today, our obligation was to win and we did. The players are happy with that, but there is still a long way to go." he admitted.
Cristiano Ronaldo, was disappointed after the match with Denmark referring to sadness by the result because"we have to make better value."
"Sometimes we have attained our goals, sometimes not. The team played well, created chances but miss more goals. We are sad because we know we have to make better value." Asked about the possibility of Portugal going into the South Africa World Cup, the end was clear, "do not depend on us, but we continue to believe."
Cristiano Ronaldo believes he will be able to show it's worth the hundred million that Real Madrid paid for it. In an interview with El Pais, the extreme of what is said to be the CR9, popularity, money and about who might be the next best player in the world. Or rather, avoiding "vote" in itself, the player Luso addressed this question: "Do not know. If I say a ... I have many friends. FIFA to decide. Messi? You can also earn. Why not? "
It's easy to Cristiano Ronaldo? "Yes, because I'm already adapted to my life. There are times for everything to football, to have fun, to be with the family. I feel good about being who I am. Of course, sometimes it is not easy, but this is my life and I adapted to it. "
Have been the most expensive contract does not limit Cristiano Ronaldo. Winger likes to make compliments, but is aware that there will never be unanimity: "God, who is God, not please everyone and I'm not going to please. I am calm and I'll prove myself, my family and who hired me I am worth what they paid for me. I just have to work and give my best. "
Ronaldo chose not to dwell on considerations about money. Soon, did not respond directly when asked if he would agree with the existence of a salary cap in football: "I do not want to talk about it. Each has what he deserves. "
Giggs, in ManUtd, and Raul, Real Madrid are among the few players that have taken root in the clubs where they are. Ronaldo recalled that times have changed: "There are very few cases in which the players are a club for over 15 years. Are cases that are counted on the fingers of one hand. But we have to give value to these players, because it is easy to grow in a club and stay there until you finish the race. Nowadays it is very difficult to happen. The players who play five or six years in a club not playing with pleasure, to play your best and win. That's what I did in Manchester and that is what I will do here. "
"I am a normal person who does something different '
The journalist asked if Cristiano Ronaldo knew how many references appeared on Google when searching for your name. The extreme at first did not know what to say, at the insistence of the interviewer. "20 million and 800 thousand references, many or too few?" The Portuguese said "many" and was not surprised that the U.S. president, Barack Obama, have more than 80 million. He was more concerned about whether there was any player with more. At least Beckham leads the way with more than 40 million.
Today Cristiano Ronaldo laughs more than cries. But there were times when every day the tears streamed down his face. The longing for family and the difficulties in adapting to a new reality was difficult to overcome, but gave him strength: "My childhood was a little difficult, but I never missed anything. My parents worked hard to give us everything we needed. But it was not easy to change a city, to 11 years. She cried every day. But it helped me learn to cope with the pressure. If you still cry? Yes, happy ¿and sadness when you lose. "
Despite the money and fame, Cristiano Ronaldo believes he lives "in the real world." "I am a normal person who does something different," noted, underlined the idea that only thinks about achieving success. "I do not like losing," he said.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the world's most expensive player, scored a dream debut goal as Real Madrid's new generation of expensive 'Galacticos' defeated Deportivo La Coruna 3-2 in Saturday's Spanish league curtain-raiser.
Real spent over 250 million euros in the summer with Ronaldo accounting for 94 million euros of that, and the Portuguese star got off to a great start converting a first half penalty for his first competitive goal in the famous white shirt.
The cameras were out in force for Ronaldo and Kaka, the past two Ballon d'Or winners, but it was a player that cost Real nothing, captain and youth product Raul, who stole the first half headlines.
Raul, the club's all-time leading scorer, netted the first goal of the new season with a simple tap-in on 26 minutes and won Ronaldo's penalty on 35 minutes after Depor had equalised.
Real twice went ahead only to be pegged back at 1-1 and 2-2 through Riki (30min) and Juan Carlos Valeron (46).
French midfielder Lass Diarra was the unlikely hero firing in on the hour mark to ensure new coach Manuel Pellegrini and his Galacticos got off to a winning start.
The world watched on as Real's new superstars took to the field and there was a special guest appearance as Jamaican sprint king Usain Bolt dribbled a ball onto the pitch to wild applause.
It was Bolt's first time on the Bernabeu pitch and there were seven other debutants for Real with Ronaldo, Kaka and Karim Benzema forming an attacking trio alongside Real veteran Raul.
Xabi Alonso, a 30 million euro summer arrival from Liverpool, made his bow alongside Diarra in midfield while his old Liverpool team-mate Alvaro Arbeloa began at right back.
With Pepe suspended, Argentine Ezequiel Garay began in central defence alongside fellow debutant Raul Albiol.
With just 48 seconds gone Kaka, a 68.5 million euro purchase from AC Milan, almost scored a debut goal but dragged his shot wide of the post.
Real's formation resembled a 4-2-2-2 but Ronaldo, sporting the number nine shirt, often roamed in from the right into a central striker's role.
Depor had beaten Real 2-1 on the opening day of last season but were expected to be the first victims of Real's Galacticos.
They were under the cosh for the first 20 minutes and the breakthrough came on 26 minutes with Benzema racing onto Kaka's pass.
The Frenchman fired against the post but Raul was on hand to roll in one of the easiest goals of his career.
Depor replied quickly with Riki heading in on the half hour mark after some poor defending.
Raul then won a penalty as goalkeeper Daniel Aranzubia clipped him and Ronaldo stepped up to smash his spot-kick low into the corner for his first Real goal.
A minute after the interval Depor caught Real off-guard with veteran Valeron thundering a volley past Casillas to make it 2-2.
Ronaldo screamed a shot past the post with his supposedly weaker left foot before Diarra, hardly prolific in front of goal, fired in the winner.
Title holders Barcelona are not in action until Monday when they host Sporting Gijon at Camp Nou.
Barcelona have been impressive in pre-season lifting the Spanish Super Cup and European Super Cup to add to their historic league, Champions League and Kings Cup treble last season.
Later on Saturday two promoted sides face off when Real Zaragoza host islanders Tenerife.
The Portuguese winger says he is not afraid of criticism...
Real Madrid midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo says he has "nothing to prove" and has no worries about his middling pre-season form.
With the new season kicking off in three days, the 24-year-old says the whole Galacticos squad is looking forward to competitive football, which starts with an away tie against Deportivo La Coruna.
"The entire team is waiting for the start of the league, I hope things go well and we can enjoy a win at Depor," said Ronaldo, according to AS.
"I don't worry about my form. The only important thing is that Madrid win. I am calm, working hard and I am with a fantastic group."
While he sought to avoid comparisons with treble champions Barcelona, the former Manchester United superstar says that there is no pressure on Los Blancos.
"We don't think about Barcelona. We must do a good job all year and see how far we get. We have no pressure," he remarked.
Major contracts in the season of Real Madrid, Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo interview granted together the channel "Televisión Española" and discard any rivalry between them at the club. The Portuguese also said that the current team can not be called "Galactic". The Brazilian showed his intimacy with the sleeve 9 and called the friend of "crisis" during the interview
- Want to make competition between me and Cris and that does not exist and will not exist during our time together here at Real - Kaka said. - The age of Galactic already ended. It was a time for everything that I admire and that meant that the players had. Made history in this club. Now we are a new team with a new mentality and just want to win - 9 shirt said, recalling the first administration of Florentino Perez who contracted the ace Figo, Zidane, Ronaldo and Beckham. Kaká made a point of saying that no jealousy between him and Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid, which was confirmed by the Portuguese. In the interview, said the other one was the best player who has already faced. - He wants to win and I also. We want to live and new objectives are prepared for that. We want to win everything - said Ronaldo. - The big motivation is to win the Champions League. It would be fantastic to play end in Santiago Bernabeu - Kaka completed, since the decision of the tournament will be the stadium of Real, on May 22 of next year.
Real Madrid’s dream team, after an incredible summer spending spree, finally took to the field at BMO Field. Kaka, Benzema, Ronaldo and Raul Gonzalez were all accommodated in the starting formation. New signings Alvaro Arbeloa and Raul Albiol also featured in the starting lineup for the Merengues. Their last outing was a defeat at the hands of Juventus. Florentino Perez’s expensively assembled squad was finally out in full force handing debuts to Kaka and Arbeloa with Xabi Alonso on the bench.....More
Cristiano Ronaldo converted a penalty Friday but suffered his first defeat as a Real Madrid player in a 2-1 loss against Juventus in the Peace Cup semifinal.
Fabio Cannavaro opened the scoring and Hasan Salihamidzic notched the winning goal for the Italian club, which will meet Aston Villa in Sunday's final of the 12-team pre-season tournament.
Playing his fourth game since his world-record 94-million-euro (C$144 million) transfer from Manchester United, Ronaldo equalized in the 41st minute after Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini had brought down Madrid captain Raul Gonzalez in the area.
The goal was Ronaldo's second for Madrid. The first also came from a spot-kick in the team's 4-2 win over Liga de Quito on Tuesday.
However, Madrid's new No. 9 endured a frustrating game and escaped punishment in the 14th minute for kicking out at midfielder Felipe Melo after a tough tackle. Melo was given a yellow card.
Ronaldo had to briefly leave the field after a wild challenge in the 89th minute by defender Zdenet Grygera, and was then involved in two minor skirmishes with Juventus players.
Somber music was played briefly before kickoff at Ramon Sanchez de Pizjuan stadium as a mark of respect for former England manager Bobby Robson, who died on Friday, and two Civil Guards who were killed in a car bombing in Mallorca the previous day.
Veteran defender Cannavaro scored against his former club when he burst past the Madrid defence to meet Alessandro Del Piero's inswinging free kick with his head at the near post. Cannavaro returned to Juventus this off-season after three seasons with Madrid.
In a similar goal to the first, Salihamidzic restored Juventus' lead in the 49th minute when he beat Madrid's defense to nod home from Del Piero's corner.
New Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini again omitted Kaka, the second most expensive signing in the club's 214-million-euro (C$328.5 million) spending spree since Florentino Perez regained the presidency last month, as he only began training with the team on Monday.
Meanwhile, Juventus' new coach Ciro Ferrara fielded only one of two recent Brazilian signings - Melo - as forward Diego was injured.
Although happy to have scored his first goal as a Madridista, Cristiano Ronaldo stressed the importance of reaching peak form after Tuesday's match.
"I am very happy to have scored my first goal for Real Madrid. It isn't always possible to do those plays because opponents don't let you. One objective is crossed off the list, but all that matters is getting in form, taking one match at a time and improving."
"The coach is running tests and we must respect his work. We are just starting off and need to stay calm. This isn't very important. Winning is important, but even more important is reaching peak form."
"The match against Juventus is good preparation for La Liga. We are all getting to know one another on the team."
Real Madrid will set up a Peace Cup semi-final showdown with Juventus after a 4-2 win over LDU Quito.
Cristiano Ronaldo opened the floodgates from the penalty spot, before Esteban Granero, Christoph Metzelder and Alvaro Negredo all got on the scoresheet to secure a victory after LDU had put up a resilient fightback.
First half
With Kaka still not part of the squad's plans for this match, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo were the only summer signings included in the starting XI.
The first 30 minutes only showed glimpses of the football Real Madrid are trying to introduce, with the home side rarely capable of constructing chances on goal.
Liga de Quito had two great opportunities in the 37th minute. Their first one came when Bieler met a cross from the right wing after a slip by Michel Salgado and tried to score with a volley towards the left side of the goal but Dudek was there to keep the match scoreless......More
Cristiano Ronaldo was happy with his debut match at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. The player said that getting back into shape is what really matters at this stage.
"We wanted to win, but we faced a tough team. It doesn't matter because this is still the preseason and the important thing is for us to get back into shape. I'm happy."
"We have to think about reaching good form. We've only been working for 17 days and we have to work hard to be in optimum for at the start of La Liga."
"We all have to improve, not just myself and Benzema. We are working very hard and playing friendly games. It is always important to win fixtures, but we have to focus on gaining resistance level for La Liga."
"Many new players have arrived on the team and we are beginning to understand each other. I think it's natural that our hard work still doesn't show."
"I am happy with my debut at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. The crowd applauded. I had a lot of fun."
Surprise in the Santiago Bernabéu, with Al Ittihad maintained in respect to Real Madrid, the twenty minutes of the end (1-1). In the game of the second day of the Peace Cup, Raul scored first for the merengues (57 m), taking a good pass from Benzema, but seven minutes after the Saudi team froze the Spanish fans, the tie coming in the wake of a free, head for Aboucherouen. Cristiano Ronaldo, replaced on 65 minutes, was the first holder of the Real Madrid game at home and noticed the affection of fans when he received a big ovation the first time they touched the ball.
Its high point came at 44 minutes when combined with Benzema shot and strong, standing left, to the defense of Zaid, what was the best at Real Madrid's goal in the first part. This was also the best initiative to Ronaldo, who for a few minutes to cross the half-hour until he disappeared.
The Portuguese began the game easy to play, playing at first, trying to schedule with colleagues and create situations of completion. Especially tried to be helpful from a collective, playing more to the team than for himself. In the retina was still a shot over the bar and a pass to Raul has not arrived by centimeters. After all accounts, the display of Ronaldo was not at the level of the best player in the world, but Real Madrid is itself far from the level that was expected. Although shorn of names like Casillas, Kaká and Pepe, among others, the team of Manuel Pellegrini has experienced bad bits, with Miguel Torres and Dudek prevented the goal of Al-Ittihad, once the initial minutes.
Cristiano Ronaldo did not disappoint in his debut for Real Madrid. The Portuguese star was very participative during the 45 minutes he was on the field, and on his opinion "it is too early to draw conclusions." In statements to the channel "La Sexta" Cristiano said to feel good among his companions and with the game system of Pellegrini, saying that he is anxious to play in the Bernabéu: "It will be very special."
"We can not yet draw conclusions, the most important is to keep trying, winning, and then try to shoot more, Score more goals ... We are beginning, nothing is set, I'm giving along with my companions, but it is still the first contact we have on the field. " "For me it is the same to play on the right, left or through the middle, what I want is to play and help the team and to integrate with my colleagues as soon as possible." "I am working well, calm, and I hope to make many goals here. I really want to play at the Bernabéu this Sunday, it will be a very special moment for me and I hope that things continue to flow as well as they are now.
Cristiano Ronaldo gave a press conference and shared his impressions on his first days as a Madridista. The Portuguese star said the entire team is doing a good job.
Michel Salgado said you are as fast as a plane. What did you do in your holidays? I rested a lot. It makes me very happy to receive such praise from Michel because he is used to playing with great footballers. I didn't do any specific workouts during my holidays.
What do you think of Manchester City's new project? Have you been tempted by them at times? Never. Manchester City is a great team. It has great players, but that's not my problem. It is rather United's, Chelsea's and Arsenal's problem. I am a Real Madrid player and all I should worry about is preparing with my team.
What have you talked to Pellegrini about these days? We are working together and getting to know each other. I will not reveal what our conversations were about, but they have been typical of those between a player and his coach. I hope to keep up the good relationship we have.
How important is your signing after the great investment the Club has made in you? The season is obviously very important. The Club has made a great investment and we all have to do our best. We have a great chance because we've got excellent players.
Are the physical workouts different here? I had never trained three times in one day, but I think it's a good thing because we do both physical and ball exercises. The difference really lies in the fact that these are different but equally good players.
Do you think everything you are seeing is normal? I don't find it strange. I think's it's normal for the press to ask questions and I'm here to answer them.
Was it hard to leave Manchester United for Real Madrid? It wasn't easy. I arrived at ManU when I was 18 years old. I won many collective and individual accolades in six years. This is a great challenge, but I am a man who likes challenges.
How are the captains up-close? My first impression was very good. All of the captains and members of the squad gave we a warm welcome. I am very haappy and I will try to do my best. I am happy and motivated. I feel great on this squad.
Who has surprised you the most on the pitch? They all have. They are all training very well, but you always end up having a greater understanding with some more than with others. Guti is training hard, and so are the rest. The entire group is in phenomenal form and we will keep this up.
There are many players fighting for the same spot. Could that tarnish the atmosphere? It's a hard job for the coach, but we all respect each other. Competition is good. I am proud and very happy for being part of this group of players.
What chances has the team got to win titles? We must think about winning it all; that's what Real Madrid is used to. We have great players and a fantastic coach.
You'll face Shamrock Rovers on Monday. What do you know of them? I honestly don't know anything. I would like to play the game. I'm sure it will be a good match. It will be good for us at this stage.
Who are you more anxious to play next to? With everyone. It's hard to choose because they are all frankly good. It's hard to pick out of so many quality players. Pellegrini will have to decide.
Barcelona signed Maxwell for 4.5 millon euuros. How does a 95-million signing regard that? Very well. I think quality has nothing to do with the price each player has. Maxwell is a great player, but I'm not interested in Barcelona's signings. I'm focused on Real Madrid and on preparing for the season.
Do you prefer the Spanish or the English press?[/] The English are very good and the Spaniards 'fantasticos' (laughs). I understand the job the press does, just like I do mine. Some focus on my personal life, but I'm not worried about that. I will always be the same guy.
Were you surprised by Manchester United's singing of Michael Owen and the fact that he now has the number '7' shirt? Could that have a negative impact on him? Owen is an experienced player and I don't think the pressure will affect him. He is a great footballer who has played for many of the most important teams in the world. I think ManU did well in giving him the number '7' shirt.
Are you excited about facing Barcelona after what happened in the Champions League final? I want to face them, but I am also excited about playing against the other teams. The season is very long and winning against Barcelona but losing to the rest amounts to nothing.
Do you regard yourself as a 'galactico' or as the best player on the squad? I'm just another player who's here to help Real Madrid. That's all. I'm the same as the rest, neither better nor worse. In order to win titles we must make a collective effort. I don't like the term 'galactico'.
Do you think failing to win La Liga or the Champions League could turn the investment Real Madrid made in you into a failure? We will win, but if we don't the entire squad will be to blame. I won't be just me. I think we shouldn't get ahead of ourselves. We have a great team and we will fight to achieve great things.
What have you most liked since you joined the team? I didn't expect the atmosphere on the squad to be so good because people many times say that it isn't. I loved how I was welcomed onto the team.
Do you prefer to play as a winger or as a striker? I've lately been playing as a striker, but I prefer to be a winger. I won't mind being a striker if that's what the coach wants.
How has the change from ManU to Real Madrid been like? My life has always been based on challenges. I left Lisboa when I was 18 years old to join ManU when I could have waited a bit longer. I am happy about starting a new stage in my career at Real Madrid now.
Cristiano Ronaldo was greeted by a huge crowd of adoring fans as he was officially unveiled as a Real Madrid player on Monday evening.
The former Manchester United player, who moved to the Bernabeu in a world record £80m deal, said that it was a "childhood dream" to sign for the Spanish giants.
It is thought 80,000 fans flocked to the club's stadium for the event - the largest such gathering since Diego Maradona attracted 75,000 when signing for Napoli from Barcelona in 1984.
"I am just so happy to be here,'' he told the supporters inside the ground. "For me, I have made my childhood dream a reality, which was nothing less than playing for Real Madrid.
"I didn't expect a jam-packed stadium - this is truly impressive.''
Speaking at a press conference after his presentation, Ronaldo again said that Real are "the closest club to my heart'' - but admitted it was a wrench to leave England.
"Thank you to all (United) supporters, the boss (Sir Alex Ferguson), friends and team-mates - I've been there six years and have friends there. But people respect my decision,'' he said.
"The great challenge now, and dream, is to play at Real Madrid but I'm going to miss many things in Manchester.''
He said there was no bad blood over his exit. "It was good,'' he said of his departure. "My relationship with him [Sir Alex Ferguson] was always good and will stay that way forever.
"I went to Manchester, spoke to them and everything was fine. Life goes on.''
On his transfer fee, he added: "I have always thought that the best clubs, to have the best players, have to pay - so Real Madrid did a good thing. It was a correct decision.
"I understand...it is not your everyday thing to manage these figures, but I'm happy to be the most expensive player in the history of football and I'm going to prove that they paid good money for me and it was worth it.''
Ronaldo will wear the number nine shirt. Ronaldo registered the CR9 trademark at the start of the year.
Returning Real president Florentino Perez said: "We are very satisfied to know that you made the firm decision to play for Real Madrid. They [the fans] will ask of you the very best, but will also give you their all.''
As with Kaka last week, Ronaldo was brought out onto a stage which displayed all of the club's European Cups.
Raul Albiol has also signed with Karim Benzema set to move from Lyon shortly.
Ronaldo completed his medical earlier on Monday with Carlos Diez, Real's medical chief, told the club's official website: "(Ronaldo) is in perfect condition and very eager to start the season as soon as possible.
"He has an extraordinary cardiac and lung capacity. We have complemented everything that we already did in Portugal and done all the specific tests.
"Now we will be able to start working using an individual plan in order to improve his performance.
"For him (Ronaldo), it's a dream, and this dream starts to convert into reality from today.
Cristiano Ronaldo is now familiar with the Santiago Bernabeu. The player arrived shortly after 14:00 and had a quick tour of the inner confines including a stop at the Presidential Balcony.
After being given the green light at Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital, Cristiano Ronaldo was driven to the Santiago Bernabeu where he was welcomed by Jorge Valdano.
The Director General and Presidential Aide gave the player a bried tour of the stadium and took several minutes to overlook his new pitch from the Presidential Balcony. The two later made their way to Puerta 57 restaurant, where Ronaldo could look out the window to see the sight of where he hopes to have many magical nights of football.
Hundreds of members of the media and dozens of fans gathered at Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital to greet Cristiano Ronaldo prior to his medical checkup. According to Carlos Diez, Chief of Real Madrid's Medical Services, the player is "in perfect condition and looking forward to the beginning of the season."
Cristiano Ronaldo arrived in Madrid for one of the most intense days of his life. The player arrived at Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital shortly after 13:00 to undergo his required medical checkup.
Chief of Real Madrid's Medical Services, Carlos Diez affirmed that Ronaldo has "extraordinary lung and cardiac capacity" and explained that the checkup "complemented everything we did in Portugal and all the specific tests." After Ronaldo successfully completed a biomechanics study, "we can now begin working in a personlized manner in order to improve performance," added the Doctor.
Real Madrid will be expecting great things from Cristiano Ronaldo, but they may have to be patient...
Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that he will take time to adapt to playing for Real Madrid and to life in his new surroundings when he eventually completes his mammoth move.
The Portuguese star will be expected to begin playing at his best from the off, but he has explained that may not be possible while he acclimatises to his new club.
Having spent six seasons at Manchester United, Ronaldo has opted to move after Real Madrid's €94 million-bid was accepted by the Red Devils.
"It will be a little difficult at the start because I was at Manchester United for six years," he told reporters in Portugal.
"In England, they play a more physical style of football, faster, but that is not an excuse. I only hope that I can adapt as quickly as possible.
"My life is based on challenges. Every year at Manchester United I had that. This is a different season because everything is new and that's why it's a different challenge.
"Winning titles is the challenge. Madrid are used to winning things, the same as Manchester United. I have high hopes and I'm certain that everything will turn out well."
Manchester United have accepted a potential world record £80m bid from Real Madrid for Cristiano Ronaldo.
"United have agreed to give Real Madrid permission to talk to the player," read a statement from the Old Trafford club.
It added the decision came at the 24-year-old winger's request after he "again expressed his desire to leave".
United said the offer was unconditional and want the matter to be concluded by 30 June, while Madrid hope to agree personal terms "in the next few days".
"Real Madrid confirm they have made an offer to Manchester United for the acquisition of the rights of the player Cristiano Ronaldo," said the Spanish club in a statement.
But the BBC's Steve Kingstone in Madrid stated that Real had yet to confirm the agreed price of £80m stated by United.
A spokesman for United's owners, the Glazer family, insisted that the decision to sell Ronaldo was taken solely by manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The spokesman told the BBC: "It was purely a football decision and had nothing to do with the financial structure of the club."......More
A goal from Bruno Alves, already in the period of discounts, allows Canada to continue to dream of the presence in the World 2010. The center was the spearhead in the final of the encounter with Albania and believed until the end, ultimately making the goal of victory (1-2). For those who knew only a victory interested, the team gave a display of machines very weak but managed 'in extremis' win three points which continue to dream. But be warned: you get to South Africa we must show more.
"We live under pressure, but it isn't from now, it is part of the job. The major players live with that pressure and we must give a positive response because we know that not all win the clearance is compromised. If you do not win in Albania ... not be in the World ", he stressed.
Upon arrival at the selection stage of the Portuguese, in Óbidos, Cristiano Ronaldo said, "the group is phenomenal and the coach is spectacular, and therefore those who come, it is always well received."
"I think we are the best team in the group. We have shown, it is true, but sometimes, the teams and clubs have their own ups and downs and that is what happened with us a few months ago, also due to a little luck, that is not the sky, looking up. I am hoping that we will improve and make goals to win, "he said. Cristiano Ronaldo expect "difficulties" in Albania, noting that "with the new coach will try to give your best and try to win in Portugal."
"We have difficulties, but we are hoping that we will bring to three points, which is the goal. Now, we must be focused, work well this week and win the game to go on holiday rest, "he said.
Cristiano Ronaldo still not forgotten the defeat of Manchester United before the FC Barcelona by 2-0 in the final of the Champions League on Wednesday in Rome. "It's complicated, it is clear that nobody likes to lose, I do not like to lose. When is a game that size it is clear that leaves marks, and left me and my colleagues. But part of football, "revealed.
On the possibility of acting as a point of encounter with launches in Albania, said that Cristiano Ronaldo plays "where to play."
"My original position is extreme, but where I play stuff, there is no problem. I am accustomed to me increasingly to play the point-of-spear. There is a position that I love, but little by little and little I 'm accustomed, "he concluded.
Portugal today began preparing to travel to Albania on Saturday in qualifying for the meeting Mundial2010. Four days later, the formation of "corners" closes the sports season, in particular, in Estonia.
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I'm not Ronaldo. I am Cristiano Ronaldo. I like my name. I like wearing shirts written Ronaldo on my back.... 17cr
" I'ma goodsingleton...I'm happywith that.At this moment,Marriage...is NOTon the agenda."- CR -
....According to the newspapers,I have 20 girlfriends...But I have onlymet two or threeof them....- CR -
.....When I left Madeira for Lisbon
l was only 11, was very difficult.
I used to cry everyday,
I will never forget it. I learn how to survie by myself......
"...I was very easy to please.At Christmas and on my birthday,I always wantedto have a football.In those dayswe didn't havethe moneyget nice presents,but if I was given a ball"I was happy.....- CR -
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