June 21, 2008
Cristiano Ronaldo says he hopes to “complete his dream” of moving to Real Madrid, despite Manchester United insisting he is “not for sale”.
The European champions said on Friday: “We are not listening to offers.”
But the Portugal winger, 23, has signalled his intention to “take advantage of a great opportunity”.
“Everybody knows what I want but things don’t only depend on me,” he said. “I am not the person who decides but I hope to complete my dream.”
Ronaldo stated that he made up his mind before the Champions League final that he wanted to leave United for Real.
And he revealed that Luiz Felipe Scolari, about to take over at Chelsea after Portugal’s exit from Euro 2008, advised him to make the move.
“It is a dream, a step forward,” Ronaldo replied when asked about the prospect of playing at the Bernabau.
“For me, it is a great opportunity and, as Scolari says, that train passes by only once and we have to take advantage of it.”
[BBC]
June 16, 2008
Cristiano Ronaldo thinks Manchester United will have a difficult task overcoming Chelsea next season with Luiz Felipe Scolari at the helm.
The Brazilian will take charge at Stamford Bridge after he has finished his duties with Portugal at Euro 2008.
And Ronaldo, who is under Scolari’s charge in Austria and Switzerland, is tipping his boss to have a big impact on the Premier League.
“Scolari gives his players the ambition to play attractive, attacking football. He is a great man, a great coach,” Ronaldo told The People.
“With him at Chelsea, it is going to be difficult for United.”
Ronaldo is fully behind Scolari’s decision to quit his role with Portugal.
“He needs to look after his future and I respect that. If you have better conditions, better things for his family and himself, I respect that he should go.”
[Skysports]
June 12, 2008
Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo inspired Portugal to a 3-1 win over the Czech Republic.
Portugal went ahead through Deco in the eighth minute. Ronaldo played a neat one-two with Nuno Gomes and, after Petr Cech had initially done well to save at the feet of the Manchester United winger, Deco scrambled home from close range.
Czech Republic instantly hit back as Libor Sionko dived to nod in Jaroslav Plasil’s corner on 17 minutes.
Chelsea keeper Cech could do nothing in the 63rd minute when Ronaldo smashed Deco’s cross low into the far corner with a crisp first-time effort from inside the box.
Czech Republic poured forward in the dying moments but they were a dealt a sucker punch in the first minute of extra time when a long punt upfield released Ronaldo, who closed on Cech and simply squared for Ricardo Quaresma to slide home into an empty net.
[Premierleague]
May 22, 2008
Manchester United claimed the UEFA Champions League trophy in a dramatic match in Moscow. The game was decided with penalty shoot-outs after a 1-1 draw, and United were the luckier team to triumph at 6-5 with the spot kicks.
Ronaldo almost turned from hero to villain in the match, scoring the opening goal for United but missed a crucial penalty during the penalty shoot-out. Fortunately John Terry (unfortunate for him) missed a penalty later which could have gave Chelsea the cup and thus given United the lifeline again… and Van der Sar eventually took advantage of with a fine save against Nicholas Anelka for United’s triumph.
It was a tense and tight game; either side could have won it, and either side would be deserving winner if they won it. United dominated the first half, but Chelsea dominated the later part of the game. Lady luck was obviously on United side though, as Chelsea twice hit the woodwork… and there is nothing to explain how Terry could have missed the penalty besides luck (or no luck).
With this trophy it seems like Ronaldo is on course to claim both the European and world title as the best footballer of the year. Well, that is unless some messiah appears during the Euro competition which outshines the 42 goals Ronaldo has scored this season… but who knows, Ronaldo could yet again be the shinniest star in Euro 2008.
May 16, 2008
Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted he will consider his Manchester United future after the Champions League final and would be tempted by a move to Real Madrid.
The Portuguese winger has become one of the hottest properties in world football after scoring 41 goals this season to help United retain their Premier League title and reach the Champions League showpiece.
Madrid have consistently voiced their interest in the 23-year-old and reports have suggested they would be prepared to part with around £100million.
Ahead of next Wednesday’s meeting with Chelsea in Moscow, Ronaldo told Spanish TV network Antena 3: ‘I am happy here but let’s see what happens after the Champions League final.
‘I am feeling calm here. I’m happy but in the future I don’t know. I know Real Madrid like how I play and I know that other teams in Spain like my game as well, so that’s good.
‘It is good to know that other clubs are interested in you. I have said millions of times that I would love to play in Spain.’
[Soccernet]