Squad: Cristiano Ronaldo (7)

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo was born and raised in a working class neighborhood on the Portuguese island of Madeira. He officially began playing football in 2003 for Clube Futebol Andorinha de Santo Antonio. By the age of ten, the islands more prominent teams began expressing interest in the phenom. Ronaldo joined Nacional da Ilha da Madeira, where he continued his meteoric rise and one year later was on the move to Lisbon, where he signed for Sporting in 2001. He is still the only player in club history to be promoted by four academy teams until debuting with the first team in one season. Ronaldo scored a brace in his first match against Deportivo Moreirense and went on to win the Superliga that same year as a mainstay One season later he made his European debut in a Champions League qualifier against Inter.

The turning point of his career was a brilliant performance during a friendly against Manchester United in 2001. Ferguson later admitted that his players couldn’t stop talking about Ronaldo. Even on the flight back to England, players of the likes of Roy Keane and Van Nistelrooy insisted that the manager sign Cristiano. The official announcement was made one week later after ManU paid £12.24 million for his services; a record transfer fee for an adolescent.

Cristiano Ronaldo perfected his skills in the following years and also managed to stand out for his intelligence and great physique. He would go on to win the Ballon d’Or, the Golden Boot, the FIFA World Player award, the FIFPro award, the UEFA Club Forward of the Year distinction, and became the top-scorer of the Champions League.

The Madridista forward made his international debut on 20 August 2003 against Kazakhstan and has since become the captain of Portugal, who he led into action in the 2010 World Cup.

Data

• Place of Birth: Madeira, Portugal
• Date of Birth: 05/02/1985
• Position: Forward
• Weight: 84.5 kg
• Height: 186.5 cm
• Nationality: Portuguese

Honours

• Super League: 2002
• FA Cup: 2004
• Football League Cup: 2006, 2009
• Premier League: 2007, 2008, 2009
• Community Shield: 2007, 2008
• UEFA Champions League: 2008
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2008
• Copa del Rey: 2011

• Bravo Trophy: 2004
• FIFPro Special Young Player of the Year: 2005, 2006
• Portuguese Footballer of the Year: 2006, 2007
• FA Premier League Player of the Year 2007
• Ballon d'Or runner-up: 2007
• FIFA World Player, third place: 2007
• UEFA Champions League Top-Scorer: 2008
• Golden Boot: 2008
• UEFA Club Footballer of the Year: 2008
• UEFA Club Forward of the Year: 2008
• FIFPro World Player of the Year: 2008
• Ballon d'Or: 2008
• FIFA World Player 2008

Cristiano Ronaldo: UEFA Best Player 2010/11 nominee

Cristiano Ronaldo is in the three-man nominee list for the UEFA Best Player in Europe 2010/11 award. A jury made up of 53 sports journalists will vote for the winner, who will be announced on August 25 in Monaco. Xavi Hernandez, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are in the running for the inaugural UEFA Best Player in Europe Award after the shortlist was announced today.

Cristiano Ronaldo

According to UEFA, "the award aims to recognise the best player, irrespective of his nationality, who has played for a football club within the territory of a UEFA member national association during the season to which the award relates. Players will be judged for their performance during the 2010/11 season in all competitions, both domestically and internationally, at either club or national team level".

Cristiano Ronaldo scored 53 goals with Real Madrid (40 in La Liga, 6 in the Champions League, 7 in the Copa del Rey), and three with the Portuguese national team. He won the Golden Boot award thanks to his tally in the Spanish league, with which he broke the record previously held by Zarra and Hugo Sanchez. Also, his goal in the Copa del Rey final gave the team the title.

As explained by UEFA,: "A jury of 53 sports journalists representing each of the UEFA member associations whittled down the 2010/11 long list to FC Barcelona pair Xavi and Messi and Real Madrid CF's Ronaldo. The journalists will vote live, via an electronic voting system, during the UEFA Champions League group stage draw, which takes place in Monaco, to determine the winner amongst the three nominees".

Positions four to ten are already fixed after each journalist provided a list of their three best-ranked players, with the first player receiving five points, the second three points and the third one point:

• 4 Andres Iniesta (ESP) – FC Barcelona (33 points)
• 5 Falcao (COL) – FC Porto (17)
• 6 Wayne Rooney (ENG) – Manchester United FC (15)
• 7 Nemanja Vidic (SRB) – Manchester United FC (5)
• 8 Zlatan Ibrahimovic (SWE) – AC Milan (4)
• 9 Gerard Pique (ESP) – FC Barcelona (4)
• 10 Manuel Neuer (GER) – FC Schalke 04 (3)

Cristiano: "We must continue working"

Cristiano Ronaldo is an ultracompetitive animal, is something we already knew long ago. However, the Portuguese striker is determined to remind it us whenever he can. The game against Chivas demonstrated again that this is an exceptional player. If for most players, this game was a friendly, for CR7 was a Champions League match.

After the game against Chivas, Cristiano was satisfied with the three goals scored in the victory in the friendly, though, rather than its success, the Portuguese star of Real Madrid preferred to highlight the work of his new teammates.

Cristiano Ronaldo

"We are very well, starting the season to get in shape. Three goals in ten minutes? Yeah, it's okay... But we must continue working to get well at the beginning of the season. The game was a good test and I'm happy because we won", he said.

Finally, despite his great performance, the Portuguese player wanted to highlight the contribution of the new additions: "All new players are surprising me. They are doing very well", concluded.

Friendly Match (2): Chivas Guadalajara 0 - 3 Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo was the star of the match

Real Madrid's game is based on 'Cristiano Law', which is to play the friendly games as official competition matches. Portuguese was angry, fought, was warned and enraged until score his first goal on 72 minutes. Even in the celebration seemed upset because the team had not scored before against Chivas Guadalajara.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first strike finishing off a good cross from Benzema down the right (72'), he then hit the crossbar after receiving a long pass from Callejon (73'), he scored the second goal from a penalty awarded from an Arellano tackle on Pepe (75'), and the third by finishing off an assists from Ozil (81'). And, as if in competition, Cristiano played the entire game, with Coentrao and Granero.

But yesterday also highlighted Varane who dominated the Mexican front. Varane put the light in a first part in which the Madrid left some shadows. The French central defender demonstrated the qualities for which he was signed by Zidane, involved in three actions in which the defender was perfect thanks to his speed. Varane can walk alone in this project, but for now, under the guidance of Carvalho, protecting him on the left. He left a good feeling on a night in which the team lacked scoring. Even he came close to scoring a headed goal on 35 minutes. Chivas, with more pace than Real Madrid (begins its league on Saturday), failed in first half against a the defense formed by Arbeloa, Varane, Carvlaho and Marcelo, with Adam as goalkeeper.

Mourinho repeated five players who were starters against the Galaxy. Carvalho, Marcelo, Granero Coentrao and Kaka. Coentrao made the starting lineup due to Xabi Alonso's last minute drop. The Portuguese player was active as central midfielder making steals and creating ball movement. Kaka shone in Los Angeles, but against Chivas was a shadow of what he was in the first game. Özil and Brazilian do not fit well. The German started on the right and took the role less creative. The team inadvertently played to the left with Cristiano on that side. Marcelo, Coentrao, Kaka, Özil... Mourinho saw the problem and changed it after the break with a substitution: Callejon by Kaka. Until then, the chances of danger were created by Benzema (pass from Arbeloa) in 10' and an strategy play, in 38', failed with a Cristiano's shot to the side of the goal.

With new players on the pitch, the game's pace slowed down in the second half but Real still reached Chivas' goal often. Luis Michel (Chivas goalkeeper) was forced to save a shot from outside the box by Callejon, and later a chance by Benzema, who had been served an excellent pass by Ozil. The French striker tried again six minutes later, but the goalie saved the day with his fists once again. Real did not score until Cristiano Ronaldo appeared. Another season, same script. The Portuguese star imposed his law and was the man of the match.

Summary

Stadium: Qualcomm Stadium
Attendance: 38,211
Goals: 0-1 (72'): Cristiano. 0-2 (75'): Cristiano (penalty). 0-3 (81'): Cristiano.

Interview: Cristiano Ronaldo

CRISTIANO RONALDO: "I WILL NOT LEAVE REAL MADRID"

Cristiano Ronaldo at Lisbon

How are you?

Okay. I was in the Algarve with family.

Do you have the wish for start the next season?
No, I want to vacation. Give it time. Now we have to rest the body.

You realizes that your numbers are brutal...
Yes. It was my second year in the league and I was more comfortable. On a personal level was the best for goals and individual actions. I'd rather score the half and win the Champions League or the League.

How many goals will you score in the next season?
I will not say a number. If you work, if you are concentrated, if the team is good, it's easier. If I could score the same of this season, I sign it.

What grade have you get in this year?
Well, it's difficult. I'm not a very vain person. But from 0 to 10, I do not know... 8 or 9.

And Real Madrid?
Also 8 or 9. With another title the season would have been phenomenal.

To win just the Spanish Cup seems poor result...
Yes, for me it does. We had the potential to earn more, the Champions League or the League. We do not need to complain nor talk about the referees but many things have happened in the League and the Champions League. I do not want to talk about it. I'm sure, and also the coach that in his second year, all will be better.

Barcelona was the best?
At regular level, was the best. Had a major advantage. Everyone knows what happened.

The referees have lost respect for Madrid?
I do not know if it is a question of losing respect or not. Can not be just the referees. I will not go into polemics. If I speak what I think, they kill me.

Which team played better: Madrid or Barcelona?
What people remember is the team that wins. They played better and did not win by chance, were better.

If Real Madrid would have played more brave...
In questions of tactics and football, Mourinho is the number 1 and knows what is best. His arrival was important for me. For me the best are those that show in many leagues. If you're good in England, have to be good in Spain or Italy. He is the best because he won all the championships in which he battled. People have no idea of what happens in the dressing room. He is phenomenal.

Is he the best in the world? Better than Ferguson?
It's different. We can not compare Ferrari with Porsche. Do you like Ferrari or Porsche? They are the best. Mourinho impressed me by his training methods, which are the best.

After the Barcelona match (UCL Semifinal) you said you did not like playing as well...
Sometimes what we think is not what we should say. We said things that we did not want to say. It was not with evil intent, but I was frustrated by the match and the Pepe's send-off.

You are the striker of Real Madrid?
I am playing in the same position where I played in Manchester, in the wing. Nine is not the position I like, but if I have to play, I do. I prefer the wing.

Are you obsessed with the Tenth (European Cup)?
Obsessed, no. I'm not obsessed with anything, but I'm excited, a lot. I am sure that if Real Madrid wins the Tenth, the city of Madrid will stop.

Can you overthrow the Barcelona? Soon?
No team is unbeatable. Barcelona has a great team, but we'll get, we showed it in the Spanish Cup.

How does the competition with Messi?
I do not compete with him, I compete with myself, with the teams in the league. Messi is a great player and plays for a great team. I really like, he is good, may be the best, and he is doing something very important for Barcelona.

Would you like to play with him?
I do not see Messi leaving Barcelona nor Cristiano leaving Madrid. At least for now. But you never know, why not?

You would never play in Barcelona?
Never is a strong word. I chose between Madrid and Barcelona and it was due to something. The money is not important. I could have the double. For me the personal issue is more important than money and in Madrid, I'm great. If my dependent, I sign 10 years to stay in Madrid until the end of my career.

Would you like to leave football in Madrid?
Why not? But in football there are circumstances that can change an idea. You never know. But at this point, I would like.

Did you have the chance to sign for Barcelona?
For many more clubs.

Were you born to play for Real Madrid?
I chose Madrid because I liked more than anything else.

Manchester City has made an offer of 170 million for you...
Not bad, eh? I will not leave Real. You have my word.

Do you feel valued?
I feel comfortable. I want to fulfill my contract. Now, if they offer me a renewal, I will renew for many years.

Do you like Neymar or Kun Aguero?
Do you speak about those players for Real? I'm out. They are two great players.

Can you imagine playing with Kun Aguero?
Not yet. He is not in Real Madrid, so I can not imagine.

And Neymar?
I saw only two games and I liked him. He is very good.

What would bring Coentrao?
He is versatile. He can play left, front, in the center. He is the best Portuguese player in Portugal. It would be a great signing. He is a good guy, ambitious, plays well and runs.

What do you think about Sahin, Callejon and Altintop?
Madrid thinks they are good players to help the team, so we have to support them when they arrive.

Will Sahin throw any free-kick?
(Laughs). The coach will decide. We respect what he says but... I will shoot in my side.

Would you buy to Adebayor?
If I was the president, he would stay on the team. Sometimes it is not only important to be a good player, but what lies behind.

What about the signings of Barcelona?
I do not care. They can sign Maradona, Cruyff, with all my respect. I do not care what they sign.

Have you felt sorry for the dismissal of Valdano?
Well ... The club issues, I do not remit. It is a decision of the president.

Would you like Figo in that job?
He is a former Real Madrid player with experience... I would like.

Where do you feel more recognized and valued, in England or Spain?
In the two sites. I am a player who can play in every league and show I am good. The numbers speak for themselves. In both places I am valued.

Where are you more insulted?
I have no doubt: in Spain. I do not understand some things.

Cristiano vs Messi: Draw

End of the season, time to take stock. First conclusion: two football giants have been focused during the season; Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Their goals and assists were crucial to drive Real Madrid and Barcelona far above the other clubs.

As a significant number, the scoring production: 53 goals each. More equality is impossible. The Portuguese gets the honor of the Spanish Cup and the Golden Boot with 40 goals in the League (one goal every 72 minutes), the Argentine reached only 31 (one every 83 minutes), but can boast of adding the Spanish League and the European Champions League to his curriculum.

Cristiano and Messi, in the order you prefer, have stunned the football world from the Spanish Championship and the Champions League. The Real Madrid star has risen from 26 League goals last season to 40 of this just finished. The Barcelona player has dropped three in the League (from 34 to 31) but ... added four more in the European Cup (8 to 12) and there is an argument for the recently conquered title by Barcelona at Wembley. Messi was named best player in the UEFA Champions League final.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi

The sum of 72 goals in the Spanish League signed by Cristiano and Messi shatters all European data. In no other tournament has been anything like it. Di Natale (Udinese) and Cavani (Naples) added 54 in the Scudetto. As a reference, saying that Eto'o has managed 35 goals in all competitions, Agüero reached 27 and Ibrahimovic 22 as Milan striker.

But there is more equality and success of Messi and Cristiano. Average goals scored and minutes played, give an almost identical result: a goal every 86 minutes. To be exact, Messi win for the invaluable difference of 86.2 minutes vs. 86.8 of Real Madrid player. This ratio includes the three goals that Messi scored in the Super Cup of Spain.

In short, we see two stars of world football. They will return to fight for the top international awards next season. Messi has the advantage of the newly acquired Champions League title, while Christian has the top scorer trophy (Pichichi) in his pocket and the European Golden Boot. Bipolarity in Spanish football also has two names.

Cristiano Ronaldo: "Collective titles are the most important"

Hugo Sanchez and Cristiano Ronaldo appeared together on Real Madrid TV to talk about the record of 38 goals that holds the Mexican, with Zarra, which tomorrow can be beaten by the Portuguese. "It's a great honour match to someone like Hugo. To me it would be a pleasure to make the record, but I'm not obsessed. I do not feel totally satisfied with what has been achieved because the individual titles are important, but even more the collective titles", said Cristiano. And he confessed his envy for Hugo: "I would have liked to do his chilean (against Logroñés)".

Hugo Sanchez and Cristiano Ronaldo

"I always wanted that was someone from Real Madrid who beat my record. I would not have liked that was Messi, who is from Barcelona. If Cristiano overcomes it, I will congratulate him. The record is in his boots. I would prefer that there was a tie with Zarra, but Cristiano is on a scoring streak. He has scored nine goals in the last three games of the season, the best average ever", said Hugo.

The Mexican explained that his motivation in the 89-90 season, when scored the 38 goals in the League, came from outside: "I was thinking to score as many goals as possible with an eye to Stoichkov, who then played in Bulgaria. I was looking for the Golden Boot because I was assured the Spanish top scorer trophy (Pichichi). It was the first time I chose it. Before, there was no factor depending on the category of the leagues. It was hard to win it playing in a major tournament. In fact, I could only match the 38 goals of Stoichkov".

It is said strikers remember every goal they have scored, and that they are capable of describing all of them in detail. Both men prove this to be right. "My favourite in my 38 goal run was the last because it was the one that allowed me to catch up with Zarra and win the Golden Boot", says Sanchez, "It came from a cross by Michel. I overtook the defender and shot on target". Cristiano also chooses the goal that allowed him to equal the historic record: "My favourite is the second strike I netted against Villarreal. I like many of the goals I've scored, but I prefer that one because it's the most recent".

Cristiano also revealed what Mourinho has asked the team: "Mourinho wants that we fight for being the highest scoring team in the League. I will try to score one or two more, but with the 38, I am happy. It was not easy but my peers helped me to get them. This is a prize for everyone".

Cristiano Ronaldo: CR38, Pichichi and Golden Boot

The impressive final sprint of the Portuguese, with nine goals in the last three days, has helped him to achieve the impassable barrier of 38 goals, a record first reached by Zarra, in the season 1950-51, and matched by Hugo Sanchez, in the 1989-90. Cristiano reaches a stratospheric figure with one match to play. Against Almería, Portugal striker has the chance to sing 40. Crazy.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Golden Boot 2007-2008

Against Villarreal, CR7 scored again twice, something that is little more than his specialty. Ronaldo has scored more than one goal on 24 occasions since he is playing for Real Madrid: 16 doubles, six "hat-trick" and two "poker". Moreover, with his goals put Real Madrid ahead of Barcelona as the highest scoring team in the League Championship.

The Portuguese finished consolidating his status as king of goal in Spain and Europe, beating Messi, who follows him by far with 31 goals. The spectacular record of Barcelona player in the League has been dwarfed by Crristiano, who has been a scoring machine throughout the season. But the "Pichichi" and the Golden Boot is not the only what CR7 can rush to Leo. He also scored in Villarreal the 51st goal of the season. The Argentine has scored 52 in all competitions.

Since Hugo Sanchez was the Golden Boot in 1990, an award he shared with Bulgarian Hristo Stoichkov, then CSKA Sofia player, any other Real Madrid striker was top scorer in Europe. Cristiano finally will break this jinx. With one match to finish the league, CR7 leads with 38 goals, seven ahead of Messi, who has scored 31 goals, and ten ahead of Di Natale, Udinese striker, who has scored 28 goals in Italian Serie A.

Indeed, overcoming Messi scoring record is another objective of Cristiano within that duel that kept the two best players in the world. After leaving virtually clinched the "Pichichi" and the Golden Boot, he would win another battle in the fight for the Golden Ball. Cristiano will present his credentials to retrieve the prestigious award.

Cristiano is signing the best year of his career. With one match to close down the season, has already surpassed his best record, made ​​with Man. United in the 07-08 season, when he scored 42 goals. This campaign has already accumulated 51: ​​38 League, 6 Champions League and 7 in Spanish Cup. Except in Europe, where his record is 8 goals in a season, CR7 has broken his best numbers in the rest competitions. Definitely Cristiano comes into the history of the Spanish League.

Spanish League (Day 36): Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo's hat-trick against Getafe increases his goal cout in "La Liga" this season to 36, just two shy of Hugo Sanchez's record. The Portuguese player, who gave his shirt to a fan he accidentally hit with the ball from a clearance, expressed his satisfaction with his performance tonight.

Cristiano Ronaldo was very happy after the game

"We are playing at a very high level. It is our priority to win our remaining league games and that's just what we're doing. The coach has asked us to keep up the good work and we've responded well".

"I'm fighting to tally an important number of goals, but I'm not obsessed about it. It's true my teammates have looked for me at times in particular so that I would score more, but collective efforts are always more important than individual exploits".

Aitor Karanka, also talked about Cristiano Ronaldo and team involvement to help in yourpersonal goal: "Ronaldo's numbers are truly impressive, and his quality allows him to do this and much more. It is also the product of the work done by the entire team, which also has impressive collective numbers this season".

"There's always some motivational factor, and the greatest of all is to play for Real Madrid. Let's not obssess about it, but some players have looked to assist Cristiano tonight, but I insist: there is no greater motivation than to wear this shirt. What is paramount on this squad is comradeship and to have a good atmosphere, so it's even better for us if we're able to help a teammate achieve a personal goal".

League (Day 35): Cristiano Ronaldo reactions

CRISTIANO RONALDO: " WE PLAYED EXTREMELY WELL"

Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid striker, Cristiano Ronaldo, was delighted after scoring 4 goals in his team'svictory against Sevilla: "We earned an excellent result after losing the Champions League semifinal, and that isn't easy to do. This is a tough place to play in and Sevilla are no pushover. We need to stay on track and win the three matches that we have left". "It's always important to score, the later Barcelona wins the League the best. But we have to win every game without thinking about Barcelona​,​" said Cristiano.

The striker, however, recognizes that it is a little frustrating to play these games knowing that winning the Spanish League is almost impossible: "We feel a little disappointed but that's football and we will try to win the next matches".

About the team's play against Sevilla said: "Great, We played extremely well tonight and scored 6 goals, which is not easy. We have three matches left and we need to play like we did tonight. We played well, and not just because we changed tactics. We were very motivated. The coach has given a positive mindset to start well next season ".

In addition, he thanked his teammates for helping him score goals: "Score four goals is not easy but I have to give merit to my teammates because they helped me. I do not want to think about the top scorer becuase there are three games reamaining".

Champions League (Semifinals, 2nd Leg): Cristiano

CRISTIANO RONALDO: " IT WAS MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 4"

"It was Mission impossible 4". So Cristiano Ronaldo described the second leg of the Champions League for Real Madrid. The Portuguese said his team has gone to Barcelona because it is "A gentleman club", but said that "Had been better not to come". "Next season would be better than give the cup to Barcelona directly", he charged.

Cristiano Ronaldo 

"The team is sad, but we knew it was an uphill battle. The name of the match is Mission Impossible 4. Once again it was the referee that didn't allow us to dictate the outcome. We knew we could beat Barça, but the referee didn't let us. Higuain's goal was good. Pique pushed me and I landed on Mascherano. He didn't used to fall to the ground in England, but he's picked up the bad habit of doing it here like everyone else".

"The referee in the first match took away our chances of playing the final. Whoever knows anything about football knows that Barcelona get preferential treatment. We knew something would happen. We knew that if we scored a goal that everything would be done to keep us from going through. This isn't good for football. We should just stay home and allow Barcelona to play alone if things don't change".

"Barcelona have a lot of power off the pitch. We would have drawn 0-0 without the Alves incident and tonight's draw would have seen us through. There are no differences between the teams as was seen thoughout the four matches. We won the Copa del Rey by playing fairly. I don't feel that Barcelona were better than us, but rather that they have a lot of help from the referees".

Cristiano Ronaldo was asked if he kept his idea, launched after the 0-2 at the Bernabeu, that he does not like Mourinho's style of play. The Portuguese called a "tempest in a teapot" these demonstrations. "I feel more comfortable playing in a place than in another. That message is not what I meant. I'm used to the arbitration and the press, we must learn to live with it", he said.

Mourinho punishes Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo was not called to the squad for this evening's game against Zaragoza. An important decision and surprising at the same time, because it is the second time all season that the Portuguese is not called by technical decision. The first and last until yesterday was the last December, in the insignificant match (Spanish Cup) against Levante, after the first leg 8-0 at the Bernabeu.

Cristiano will be today in his private box at the Bernabeu Stadium, as punishment. Mourinho did not call him yesterday to give him a warning for his comments after the 0-2 last Wednesday in which he indirectly criticized the technical approach: "I like to play well, but I have to adapt myself to what they ask me...".

Mourinho decided to show the yellow card to his star. It is no rest. Setúbal coach has said repeatedly, most recently on February 19 during the preview against Levante, that Cristiano never rests unless it was requested by the star player: "He likes to play, no need to rest and why to change?" was what Mourinho said. But Mou, without explanation, has fueled the suspicion that the absence is a warning according to Cristiano statements after the game against Barcelona, considering the effort that Mourinho has always made in order that CR7 could play resolved or irrelevant games: the second half in San Mames (0-3), Valencia (3-6) or even at White Hart Lane after the 4-0 first-leg are the latest examples.

Cristiano Ronaldo will not play against Zaragoza

Mourinho did not like either Cristiano's angry gestures on Wednesday, complaining with his hands up to his teammates for not helping in the pressure up. Paradoxically, the television cameras caught the coach, reproaching him at the Cup final in Mestalla by keeping protesting a foul instead of trying to steal a ball.

But we know that Ronaldo thinks there is no irrelevant matches. His ambition knows no bounds and with the League lost, left his fight for the top scorer against Messi. The Argentine, to the chagrin of Real Madrid player, can increase the distance today. Messi adds 31 goals by Cristiano's 30 and after this weekend there will be only four days of League ...

Champions League (Semifinals, 1st Leg): Adebayor

ADEBAYOR: "THEY ARE ALWAYS CRYING LIKE BABIES"

Emmanuel Adebayor during the match

Yesterday, Emmanuel Adebayor, like the rest of his teammates, was very angry after the semifinal match of the Champions League against Barcelona. The Togolese complained bitterly about the referee and also the attitude of his opponents. "Football is a game of men". "Whenever you play against Barcelona, whenever you touch them, they are on the floor crying like a baby. Whenever you make contact in a 50-50 they are on the floor, crying, putting their hand over their face, and their manager, their fans, they are always crying", said Adebayor.

"I have played against them three times and each time we have to play with ten. Everyone talks about Barcelona fair play, but I think they are far from fair play. With any contact in a body to body or in a disputed ball, they drop themselves and start to cry, pressing their hands on their faces", he says. "His coach, his fans and bench players are always crying. Barcelona is a great club which makes a fantastic football, but they have to stop that".

CRISTIANO: "WE WILL FIGHT IN BARCELONA"

Cristiano Ronaldo also spoke about the match and the strange circumstances around it: "I don't understand. It is very difficult to play in such circumstances. We had a strategy. It was a 0-0 game and Kaka was warming up so we would attack more in the last 20 minutes. We weren't playing well. but we were playing for a 0-0. This has happened in the last four years. Barcelona have power, a lot of power. The same thing happens every year. It happened against Chelsea, Inter Milan... and now against Real Madrid. I don't know how this can be fixed".

"I am a professional footballer and I like to enjoy myself when I play. But these situations suck all the joy out of you. We're sad because it's the same every year. Mourinho is right. Referees know football. I wish I had the chance to face a team of 10. It is very different to face a team of 11 and a team of 10, especially against Barcelona". "It is very difficult to turn a 2-0 score around away from home, but anything can happen in football. We will fight in Barcelona".

Cristiano: "I can't imagine Madrid two years without a title"

The Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo admits he is "excited" by the four matches that his team, Real Madrid, will play against Barcelona in the coming days: in the Spanish League Championship, the Spanish Cup (Copa del Rey) Final and the semifinals of the Champions League.

In an interview published today by the Italian sports daily "Corriere dello Sport ", the Portuguese star does not skimp on praise for his compatriot and coach Jose Mourinho and expresses the importance has for the white club not to end another season with empty hands of titles.

Cristiano Ronaldo

"I'm not worried, no... I'm excited. It's the moment when we can win all or do not win anything", says Real Madrid player in the pages of the newspaper. "I can not think that Real Madrid spends two or three years without winning anything. We are talking about the biggest club in the world, or perhaps one of the greatest. Last year we did not win anything, but this year and next year I hope we can get some target. We have fantastic players and a great coach", he adds.

The striker says he was in "very good fitness" to face the matches against Barcelona and indicates that fatigue due to matches and so much traveling condensate in the calendar, is the same for everyone: "That's life", he says although his coach talked about it in oher way.

Ronaldo says that Mourinho, with whom he hopes to win many titles with Real Madrid, is very important for the team and he is "very happy" because the former Inter Milan coach now leads the white team.

After passing through the English Championship, the Portuguese claims that the Spanish League is, along with the "Premiere League", the "strongest". "I'm happy to play in La Liga, the most competitive and strongest in the world, in which I face with so many good players", said Ronaldo. "In Spain the game is more tactical. The players have greater ability to play the ball. But I also really liked England. It is a more physical football. The game is faster than in Spain. I'm sure they're the best national tournaments", he adds.

The striker also spoke of his scoring ability: "I always want to score, play well and help the team, giving assists to my teammates. The goals come naturally, thanks to talent and aptitudes, so I do not care. If my team and I play well, all comes naturally".

Cristiano Ronaldo faces his "Nemesis"

Cristiano faces the Classics serial, which begins tomorrow, with a personal challenge: to mark his first goal against Barcelona. The Portuguese forward has faced the Catalan side on six occasions, with Manchester United and Real Madrid, but still does not know what is to beat the Barcelona goalkeeper. Cristiano comes to the four Classics in good streak, having scored in the last three games.

Cristiano Ronaldo

However, the Portuguese recognized not to be obsessed with it: "I do not think 'I have to score in every game'. If you think that way, you will not score. The goals come naturally, come from the hand of your talent , your quality, so I'm not worried", he said on the presentation of the boots "Mercurial Vapor Superfly III", which will debut tomorrow on his feet.

But that may not be entirely true. His teammates know that Cristiano is obsessively devoted to a long list of issues. His abdominals, his eyebrows, his hair, the fight against snuff smoke, his titles, his goals, and above all, the reconquest of the Ballon d'Or, cause him a kind of spiritual impatience. And the Ballon d'Or since 2009, is owned by Messi, his opponent tomorrow in the first of four classic between Madrid and Barcelona in the next three weeks.

"He is very anxious", witnesses said yesterday, astonished at the intensity with which he trains lately. No doubt that, despite his idea of the world of soccer, Cristiano is a fabulous player. None dispute that is the most destabilizing player of the team. And that, in practices like yesterday, when approaching the first of four games with Barcelona, he works with feverish devotion. "He feels as the best in the world and believes that in the coming days the world will be watching him" says a colleague. "It's on fire. He believes that time to reclaim his position as the best player in the world has come".

Mourinho will play with Cristiano and Marcelo

Mourinho received good news yesterday; Cristiano and Marcelo are willing to force to play tomorrow against Tottenham. Neither have the medical discharge, but want to help the team and will risk a relapse. Who is practically ruled out is Benzema. French striker would also like to contribute with his "grain of sand", but his muscular contraction could result in breakage and that means three weeks off.

After Saturday's defeat, Mourinho hinted at the possibility of using the injured players in the game against the English team: "If Cristiano plays is because we are risking. The doctor says he will be prepared to play against Bilbao. Marcelo is out for two weeks and Benzema could play against Bilbao and in London. Maybe I will step over the medical department and then they will kill me...". Well, yesterday, Cristiano and Marcelo reported in Valdebebas they want to help the team against Tottenham and assume the consequences.

Cristiano and Marcelo

Mourinho has no choice. He has to risk because the League is lost and in April, are at stake the two major competitions for the white team: Champions League and Spanish Cup. Against Tottenham he must put the best eleven possible. Cristiano and Marcelo are essential to get options for the second leg in London. Portuguese for what he represents for the team... and the rival. Brazilian showed his verticality against Lyon, making the goal that opened the road to success.

Starter team will not have only news from Cristiano and Marcelo, but also with Xabi and Pepe. Spanish player did not play on Saturday because suspension and center defense because he was reserved for tomorrow. Both, will return against Tottenham. Another that will also start is Di Maria.The side midfielder requested the change against Sporting due to a huge blow in his left leg, but he is recovered. Higuain is not able to play as starter. The Argentine came back after four months out, but it is still early to play 90 minutes. Therefore, Adebayor will be in the starting lineup

Cristiano keeps on training to play against Tottenham

Cristiano has been proposed to reach the Champions meeting of April 5 against Tottenham Hotspur in perfect condition. So, the past weekend he did not have vacation and stayed in Madrid working hard on Valdebebas under the supervision of a trainer. The Portuguese have been exercised 6-7 hours a day, in morning and afternoon sessions.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano relapsed (March 19, at the Vicente Calderon) of the grade 1 muscle injury in the femoral biceps in his left leg that he suffered against Malaga three weeks earlier. At the moment, he is in the early recovery phase. This means that the striker only does strengthening exercises in the gym and undergoes physiotherapy.

Since the exact extent of the Cristiano's injury became known, he has set April 5 as the date of his comeback. The evolution of the disease is on the right track and would not be surprising that even he could play some minutes in the match against Sporting, if finally there is no strike. Anyway, Cristiano is willing to overcome the injury that drag him: "I hate not being able to train and play. I want to recover fully from this injury. The last few games I could not play in perfect conditions and I'm tired", said the striker last week.

Cristiano: "I'm sick of this injury"

Cristiano went yesterday evening to the Portuguese town of Óbidos (10:10 pm) to be reviewed by Henrique Jones, head of medical services of his national team, the relapse he suffered last Saturday at Calderon Stadium. After assessing his physical condition, Paulo Bento decided to release him so he could return to Madrid and continue with the rehabilitation. "I'm very limited. The doctor saw the pictures and the resonance and confirmed that I am not well. I want to recover one hundred percent, I do not want it any longer days because I'm sick of this injury", said Cristiano.

Obidos: Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid star pulled out of the pitch on Saturday, accusing the injury that forced him to miss the games against Racing (1-3) at El Sardinero and Hercules (2-0) at the Bernabeu. After the scan he underwent hours later, it was determined that the Portuguese suffered a grade 1 hamstring injury in the femoral biceps of the left leg with edema and liquid component. The estimated injury time will be two to three weeks, so he will miss two friendlies with Portugal and probably the next league match against Sporting Gijón. At this time, the striker is undergoing physiotherapy.

Carvalho also traveled to Óbidos to be examined by team doctors because he ended the derby with a concussion in the lumbosacral region and a tightness in the right hamstring muscles. However, it was determined that his condition was not sufficiently significant to not recover in time to play the two games, so he was not released.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Out for two or three weeks

Mourinho had warned of the risk if Cristiano played against Atletico and his worst fears have come true. Cristiano has fallen from the injury he suffered last March 3 against Malaga and in the medical examination was diagnosed that "He should remain out two or three weeks, depending on the clinical course". So that he will miss the two games that should play with Portugal against Chile and Finland, and surely not arrive in time for the visit of Sporting Gijón to the Bernabeu. In any case, it seems that Potuguese player will be in top condition for the Champions League tie with Tottenham (1st leg, Madrid on 5 April).

Cristiano has played injured the last games

Cristiano has stopped playing only 3 games of 45 of the season. He rested against Levante in the Spanish Cup and missed Racing and Hercules mathes due to injury. Should he play the last derby match? "The final decision is taken by the player" Mourinho and Cristiano cleared, then he added: "I'm not good ... and it shows".

The forward words came after displaying a distant level than usual against Lyon and Atletico."We reached the limit of risk, would have been better a day between games. But he had to play for the League not finished here", said Mourinho. Playing some games injured (as Mourinho admitted) achieved in January an average of 22 League goals in 18 games, approaching the record of Hugo and Zarra.

Whether by necessity or the desire to overcome Messi goals (37 vs 42 from Argentina player),Cristiano has tempted fate too much. His worst run since he came to Madrid, 458 minutes without scoring, between Espanyol and Deportivo including the first leg against Lyon, is explained in a couple of ailments. Against Espanyol received a hard tackle (did not train the next day and played with sore muscles against Levante) and then Cris fell on his left ankle in Lyon.

But Cristiano did not stop and neither did in the derby, where in 62 minutes Mourinho asked him if he wants to go out of the field. Portuguese player said "No". Nine minutes after, came out injured and without scoring his goal. But the most important are yet to be scored.

League (Day 29): Cristiano and Casillas reactions

CRISTIANO RONALDO: " IT WAS A DIFFICULT MATCH FOR ME"

"The team played very well in a complicated match, especially in the second half, during which we felt exhaustion. I was very nervous while watching the game from the bench when the score was 2-1 because I'm not used to following a game from there."

"I'm not 100% fit and it was a difficult game for me. Those who know me could tell I wasn't myself during the match, especially in the second half. I think I've got an injury of some sort. We'll see what shows up in the scan."

Cristiano Ronaldo visited today the clinic "Sanitas La Moraleja" where has undergone an MRI to check the status of his left hamstring, the muscle that is giving him problems in recent days.

Ronaldo ended the derby with pain and swelling in the affected area as the club announced in a medical report published on its website. The player's physical condition makes him doubtful for the call to Portugal, like Carvalho, although in principle they will travel with the medical report.

IKER CASILLAS: "WE WILL LOST AGAINST ATLETICO SOME DAY"

"We'll lose against Atletico some day, but I hope it arrives as late as possible. Atletico pressurised much more and had more chances on goal. The final score may be unfair."

"Goalkeepers are there to make saves. I managed to pull off most of them due more to positioning than to concentration. They weren't very spectacular. Atletico didn't capitalise on their chances and we did. We are good at scoring goals and used this to our advantage. Benzema has changed radically and we are all delighted about it because he is a phenomenal person. I hope he keeps it up for a long time."

"The team feels slightly tired after playing so many important games. We've earned numbers worthy of a champion side. We're solid and firm. We have to keep this up. Complicated away games against Sevilla, Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao wait in store for us. Tonight we won and took three points. We must now think about our match against Sporting Gijon."