Cristiano Ronaldo says he thoroughly enjoyed the experience of touring with United throughout the Far East this summer.
The 22-year-old overcame a stubbed toe to come on as a late substitute in the 3-0 win over Guangzhou on Friday - showing off his customary tricks and flicks. As expected, Ronaldo was well-received by fans in Asia but the Portuguese winger says it is the team that commands the greatest following.
“It’s a great opportunity to come to Asia,” he told MUTV. “Here in Asia you have a lot of support and you see in these games how much everyone enjoys it. For me it’s important the fans like us, not just me but all the players. It’s important for us because United are so big all over the world and I’m very proud of that.”
As with all pre-season tours, the number one priority is gaining fitness and match sharpness. That objective, Ronaldo says, has been achieved.
“It’s very good for me. I feel fit and I’m very happy for that. But I must keep my form going. The Premiership starts soon and I must be ready for that. I hope to play well. My ambition is still the same – I want to play well, score goals and provide assists. I tried to do the same last year and I worked hard to do that. I hope things come good for me.”
Ronaldo knows all about fellow countryman Nani, who scored his second goal in as many matches against Guangzhou, but he is excited about the prospect of playing alongside Owen Hargreaves, who is suffering from a knee injury, and Brazilian Anderson, who joins the rest of the squad at the start of August.
“We have signed three fantastic players and I hope they never leave,” Ronaldo says. “They will be great for the club and the team.”
Cristiano Ronaldo has rejected the chance to make it a hat-trick of winning wagers with Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Portugal winger has emerged triumphant on the personal wagers in the past two seasons by easily eclipsing the 15 and 20 goal totals set by Ferguson and landing £400 in the process.
However, sick of always finishing a loser, the wily Scot has decided to up the ante this time around. And having presented Ronaldo with a massive 35 goals to aim for, the 22-year-old politely declined.
“I won’t be having a bet with Ronaldo this season because he has refused my offer,” laughed Ferguson.
“I told him that I would be asking for 35 goals from him this year, but he said no, so there will be no betting this season.”
Ronaldo scored the first goal of the match in United’s 4-0 victory against FC Seoul, the 2nd game of Manchester United Asia tour.
United boss tried some new tactic, partnering Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney up front… the trial worked quite well as Rooney managed to score a goal as well.
The other 2 goals were scored by Chris Eagles and Patrice Evra.
Cristiano Ronaldo vs Urawa Red Diamonds in Manchester United pre-season friendly. The match ended 2-2. Ronaldo scored a goal and was named Player of the Match.
Here is the video with some of his show during the match…
Manchester United could only manage a 2-2 draw with Japanese J-League champions Urawa Red Diamonds in the opening match of their Asia tour on Tuesday (July 17).
Edwin Van der Sar let in a blunder in the 1st half, but United fought back with goals from Darren Fletcher and Cristiano Ronaldo. A fine solo effort from former Feyenoord midfielder Shinji Ono near the end of the game denied United the victory.
Manchester United played the game with the best players possible (minus injuries and a few that are rested due to previous international duties).
“All the joy of that meeting with my favourite footballer has evaporated.
“For God’s sake, that photograph just cannot be taken seriously! Is that how newspapers define a lip-lock? I’m horrified. Suddenly, because of that photograph, I am internationally famous. But do I want fame at this cost?
Guess what? Ronaldo’s new lover Bipasha Basu has a boyfriend in India. His name is John Abraham (real name Farhan), a famous model and actor.
While Ronaldo has kept her relationship with Gemma Atkinson as trickery as his soccer skill; Bipasha’s relationship with John is quite well known in India, some reports actually mentioned that the couple is already engaged.
