RONALDO: WHY I STAYED AT UNITED
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30 August 2006
Mirror Sport EXCLUSIVE Why I stayed at Man United
By John Cross
CRISTIANO RONALDO last night declared his ambition to become a Manchester United legend after finally breaking his silence over his decision to stay at Old Trafford.
The Portuguese winger has become a hate figure amongst Premiership fans for his part in getting England star Wayne Rooney sent off during the World Cup.
But in his first interview since then, Ronaldo insists that he would still do the same again to protect his country's "honour" and claims that he wants to emulate George Best and become a United "phenomenon".
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It is a remarkable turnaround for Ronaldo, who said during the World Cup that he wanted to quit United for Spanish giants Real Madrid.
He now says he would be happy to stay for life, adding: "When we are hot-headed, sometimes we say things we don't mean to, or, at least, that are not appropriate.
"I have been here since I was 18 years old, the club have supported me from the first to the last minute of my career, things have gone well. I have developed a lot in all aspects, physically as well as mentally, which has all been very gratifying for me."
And on becoming a United legend, he said: "It is an important phenomenon. To stay at the club until the end of my career...we will see what happens.
"It is true that I said that one day I would like to play in Spain. But if that does not happen, it will not be a problem. I am at United and I feel very good.
"This is one of the biggest clubs in the world. My ambition was always to play for a big club - and here I am. There is one thing I am sure of: Manchester United are the ideal club for me."
Despite the furore surrounding his World Cup antics, Ronaldo insists that he would always put his country before anything.
Ronaldo's behaviour as Rooney was sent off - including the wink to his bench - made him public enemy No.1 in England.
Ronaldo admits that he received death threats and had extra security put on his house in Manchester, but insists that he never fell out with Rooney.
"Most people think that I had a hassle with him, but that isn't true," said Ronaldo.
"Throughout my career I have always defended, and in any circumstances, my country.
"It could be that my best friends play for other teams but, firstly, I will defend my country and my shirt.
"Secondly, what actually happened was an absolutely normal thing, and I believe any player who was in my situation would have done the same thing.
"And thirdly, I haven't had any problem with Wayne Rooney. He is my colleague and my friend, and we continue to get along fine."
Ronaldo also insists that United are capable of beating Chelsea to the Premiership title this season.
He said: "I really hope so. This is now my fourth season at Manchester United - I hope we can do it this year.
"The team are good enough, we are confident enough and we are playing very attractive football. I hope this can be our year.
"Chelsea got beaten in their second Premiership match, which was good, but above all we have to be concerned about ourselves.
"We have to play our game, to think week by week about being consistent and, if we can do that, Manchester United will have a great chance." -
FERGIE IS BACKING HOT SHOT
RONALDO EXCLUSIVE: Controversial winger reveals why he's happy to be terrace target
By John Cross
SIR ALEX Ferguson has had a £400 bet with Cristiano Ronaldo that he would set a new personal best goals tally.
Manchester United boss Ferguson had the wager after the Portugal winger insisted he will score 15 goals this season after losing out last year when he only managed 12.
Ronaldo said: "I've raised the stakes. We bet I would score 15 goals. He wanted to bet £100 and I suggested £400. I raised the bar...and there you are, the bet was on.
"I have a lot of faith. I think this year I'm going to win. This time I am going to do it. With the help of my team-mates, of course, I really think I am going to do it."
Ronaldo also revealed that he is ditching his famous step-overs in favour of a new trick.
He said: "I will only try it when we are winning two or three nil, but I think you're going to like it.
"I was planning to do it at the World Cup, but I was saving it for the Final." -
thats gd....lets see him score more goals
rather than doing useless step-overs and lousy crosses
which comes to nothing
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he is talking way too much. why dun he let his foot do the talking instead? united legend? he and rooney are just acting big. dun think either of them will stay there thru out their careers
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I don't believe talk is everything too.
alan smith vow that he will stay with leeds united even if they are relagated.. but where is he now.....
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Originally posted by Dead_Man_Inc:
If I'm not wrong this is a form of "kelong" isn't it?
[b]FERGIE IS BACKING HOT SHOT
RONALDO EXCLUSIVE: Controversial winger reveals why he's happy to be terrace target
By John Cross
SIR ALEX Ferguson has had a £400 bet with Cristiano Ronaldo that he would set a new personal best goals tally.
Manchester United boss Ferguson had the wager after the Portugal winger insisted he will score 15 goals this season after losing out last year when he only managed 12.
Ronaldo said: "I've raised the stakes. We bet I would score 15 goals. He wanted to bet £100 and I suggested £400. I raised the bar...and there you are, the bet was on.
"I have a lot of faith. I think this year I'm going to win. This time I am going to do it. With the help of my team-mates, of course, I really think I am going to do it."
Ronaldo also revealed that he is ditching his famous step-overs in favour of a new trick.
He said: "I will only try it when we are winning two or three nil, but I think you're going to like it.
"I was planning to do it at the World Cup, but I was saving it for the Final."[/b] -
i still dont see the GOOD in him leh , why everyone praise him so much
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errrr, don't know leh..Originally posted by dinky1409:If I'm not wrong this is a form of "kelong" isn't it? -
wat kind of kelongOriginally posted by dinky1409:If I'm not wrong this is a form of "kelong" isn't it?
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Don't know leh.. If I'm not wrong, pardon me if I am, Abbas Saad's case of kelong was something similar. Abbas Saad was paid to win games instead of losing them. And he still kena..