Cris:I Will Need Time To Adapt

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."

CR's Last Interview on United's 08/09 Season Interview

Goodbye Cris.....

Man Utd accept £80m Ronaldo bid

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

Portugal 2:1 Albania

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.

If we don't win to Albanis we don't deserve to go to the WorldCup

"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.

Relexes in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, Italy

We didn't play well

Cristiano Ronaldo has echoed Sir Alex Ferguson’s opinion that the best team won in Rome on Wednesday night.

Ronaldo and his Reds team-mates were left to watch Barcelona lift the Champions League trophy after a game in which the Catalan side outplayed United for 80 minutes.

United – and Ronaldo, in particular – started the match brightly, but Samuel Eto’o pounced on 10 minutes to send Barcelona into the lead. That, Cristiano admits, was the moment the game turned.

“We started very well but after [the goal] I didn’t see any more of Manchester United," he told MUTV. "Barcelona played better than us, they controlled the game, created more opportunities and they deserved to win.

“You lose games because you make bad mistakes and this is what happened [on Wednesday]. We didn’t play well, we didn’t play compact. “

Despite the disappointment of losing in Rome, Ronaldo is confident United fans will see more European silverware at Old Trafford in the coming years.

“It’s really hard to retain this trophy but I still believe Manchester has the chance to win more in the next seasons.”

MU 0:2 Barcelona ; Cris: Barca defeat a big disappointment

We were told this Champions League final would be a game displaying the beauty of the counter-attack; no two teams in Europe more adept at carrying it out. But United would certainly have hoped not to be so heartbreakingly on the end of its devastation.

Twice United looked to be in control of proceedings here in Rome, and both times Barcelona hit the Reds on the break as goals from Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi secured a 2-0 win for the Spanish champions. Make no mistake, the intricate passing football of Pepe Guardiola's side was brilliant at times, and there is no real injustice in the result.....More

Cristiano Ronaldo had admitted tonight's Champions League defeat to Barcelona was one of the biggest disappointments of his career.

Goals from Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi were enough to overcome Manchester United in Rome's Stadio Olimpico, denying Sir Alex Ferguson's men the chance to become the first side to successfully defend the trophy since it was rebranded in 1992.

Ronaldo did cause Barca some early problems, but ultimately the Portuguese winger faded like his team, with Messi now set to claim the World Player of the Year prize he has cherished.

"This is one of the biggest disappointments of my career,'' said Ronaldo. "We were always confident before the game but unfortunately we couldn't do it.''

Speculation is now bound to surface once more about whether the 24-year-old has played his final game for the Old Trafford outfit. It was not a subject up for discussion this evening as Ronaldo came to terms with the defeat.

"It is always bad when you lose a final,'' said Ronaldo. "But we didn't play well. We did okay in the first 10 minutes but you have to say Barcelona deserved to win.''

Wayne Rooney was equally distressed at United's first European Cup final defeat, although few would argue Barcelona fully deserved their victory.

"It is a big disappointment but Barcelona were the better team,'' said the England forward. "Barcelona scored two good goals and unfortunately for us, they came at good times. That made it very difficult for us.

"Barcelona are a brilliant team. Andres Iniesta is the best player in the world in my opinion. If you don't take your chances against them, they will punish you and that is what has happened.

"It is very disappointing and the feeling at the moment is not a good one. We are hurting. But we have to forget it and look forward to next season.''

Cristiano Ronaldo interview Cristiano Ronaldo

CR set on team glory

The notion goes that whomever comes out on top - Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi - then the World's best player tag is automatically theirs.

Cristiano is on the throne currently, but he says retaining his crown will not be his motivation in front of a packed Stadio Olimpico crowd on Wednesday. Believe it or not, his aim is shared glory.

“Whoever wins the final will have a better chance [of winning the award]," Ronny said. "But I don’t care about that, what I want is to win the Champions League – that’s it. Some players in my team have played fantastic football this season - they deserve it.”

Ronaldo is aware that the TV cameras and photographers' lenses will focus on him all night, but it's a pressure he's learned to live with. “It’s normal for people to talk about me," he says. "I’m 100 per cent focused on the game. I try to help my team, I will try to score and win the game.

"It's a great stadium. I feel very good to play here. I’ve played here a few times and, in my opinion, I played well. I have to play well now. The pitch, the stadium, the fans… they’re amazing; I look forward to playing here and winning. It’s going to be special.”

Cup-final suite photoshot

New BES commercial & interview

Cris win Goal of the Season(Vs Porto)

Ronaldo and Anderson hilarious interview - EPL champions 2009

Cris proud on 'special day'

Cristiano Ronaldo beamed with pride as he reflected on clinching the third Premier League title of his United career.

The Portuguese winger, United's top scorer for a third successive season, revelled in the post-match celebrations after the Reds' draw with Arsenal had given the reigning champions an unassailable lead at the head of the table.

"It's unbelievable, it's a special day," Ronaldo told MUTV. "We've won the league again and now we get to celebrate with our families. I'm enjoying it a lot. It's a fantastic achievement. It's not easy to win three times, the lads worked for that and it's a special, special moment. We have to enjoy the moment."

The Reds' triumph secured an 18th league title, equalling the longstanding record of Liverpool, but Ronaldo admits United need only concentrate on winning more silverware.

"We don't need to care about other teams," he said. "It's always good to be on the top, and we are in a good moment. We've won a few things and this club needs to carry on. It doesn't matter which players are here or which coach is here, the mentality of this club is always to win. I'm looking forward, and proud to be in the history of this team."

With one half of last season's Double now safely retained, United's attentions will now switch to overcoming Barcelona in the Champions League final. Should the Reds reign in Rome, Ronaldo believes this campaign can be held in the fondest regard, admitting: "If we win that then it's an unbelievable year."

MU 0:0 Arsenal; Champion again!

United are once again champions of England and inevitably, it was achieved the hard way, with a nail-biting goalless draw against Arsenal at Old Trafford.

A tense, nerve-wracking afternoon saw few chances at either at end, as a largely dour match dragged agonisingly to its conclusion. Hearts were in mouths for United fans throughout the afternoon, and never more than when Cesc Fabregas struck the post with six minutes remaining.....More

MU 2:1 Wigan

United moved to the brink of the Barclays Premier League title with a pulsating second-half performance and two wonderful goals at Wigan.

Man of the moment Carlos Tevez came off the bench to equalise before midfield maestro Michael Carrick sealed a superb away win for the champions with five minutes remaining. This rally put Steve Bruce’s plucky Wigan side to the sword and no doubt destroyed the morale of a certain club on Merseyside, who’d no doubt been buoyed by Hugo Rodallega’s shock opener for the home team.

Sir Alex made five changes to his derby-winning side, the return of John O’Shea, Anderson, Michael Carrick, Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney suggesting this eleven was picked with the Reds’ next midweek fixure in mind, the Champions League final.....More

Sir Alex defends CR reaction

Sir Alex Ferguson explained Cristiano Ronaldo’s frustrated response to being substituted in the second half against Manchester City as the winger’s determination to play.

Ronaldo was clearly disappointed at his early departure from the action, after setting United on the way to a comfortable 2-0 win in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford, but Sir Alex believes it was a healthy reaction.

“He wanted to stay on, that’s the simple reason,” said the boss. “He’s in great form, but I have got to look at the bigger picture. He had an incredible performance at Arsenal in midweek, he ran his socks off. We have to think about how we get through our games and keeping him fresh.

“It’s great when players want to play. Take Jonny Evans, who was taken ill this morning. We put him on medication but he still said he wanted to play. He was feeling his hamstring at half time but again he wanted to play on. That’s the guts you want. I brought him off because I can’t take chances at this stage of the season.”

United’s other goalscorer, Carlos Tevez, was another player to make a gesture that will make the headlines. After scoring the Reds’ brilliant second, he held his hands behind his ears. The Argentinian’s future remains unclear, but Sir Alex was again unmoved over the issue.

“I didn’t read [what he was quoted as saying in] the papers. You hear things… but, look, he is a Manchester United player. The fans love him. Our fans love triers. When players try, the fans love that.” Asked when Tevez’s future would be sorted out, the boss responded curtly: “I’m not getting into that, OK?"

MU 2:0 City

United now need just four points from three games to win a third successive league title after the Reds brushed aside Mark Hughes’ men in the Manchester derby on Sunday.

First-half goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez sealed the points on a day when United’s back four were rarely troubled. The Blues were no match for a United side determined to regain top spot after Liverpool’s win at West Ham on Saturday had sent the Scousers temporarily to the summit.

Now, however, three points clear and with a game in hand, the Reds are favourites to secure an 11th Premier League trophy and could do so at Old Trafford next Saturday should Sir Alex's men beat Wigan Athletic on Wednesday night.....More