Aston Villa Say That Shocked Manchester United Miss Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo

Claims that Manchester United miss the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo since the Portuguese star winger left for Real Madrid have revived again.

Did anyone hear about Manchester United’s shocking defeat at Old Trafford against Aston Villa last Saturday in the English Premier League?

The last time that Manchester United played against Aston Villa, Cristiano Ronaldo injected much of his star-studded influence.

The former number 7 Red Devil fired Manchester United in front with an excellent free-kick inside the penalty box in the first period.

After the break, Aston Villa found themselves 2-1 up but Cristiano Ronaldo’s low drive strike earned Ferguson’s side a vital equalizer.
Manchester United finally won 3-2 on that day as debutant Macheda lashed in the winner in injury time.

Last week though, there was nothing of this kind. Wayne Rooney worked out all of his abilities but was astonishingly denied by the crossbar at a point in the game. Dimitar Berbatov wasted the simplest opportunity when he misfired the ball in front of an empty net.

Well in the end, Gabriel Agbonlahor’s first half header proved enough to hand Manchester United their first home defeat against Aston Villa since 1983.

After shocking the Red Devils, Aston Villa’s Richard Dunne added more fuel to Sir Alex Ferguson’s anger. The former Manchester City defender declared:

“It’s going to count for any team, losing a player like Ronaldo.

“[Manchester] United created a lot of chances and they dominated us for periods. But Brad Friedel wasn’t too busy,” Dunne stated just to underline the fact that Manchester United miss the attacking abilities of Cristiano Ronaldo.

There is a big majority of people who think that no player is bigger than a club and that Sir Alex Ferguson is wise enough to fill the hole that Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure created.
However, so many believe that the Red Devils miss the dazzling fire of the Portugal captain.

The Fastest Player In The World – It’s Cristiano Ronaldo, Football’s Usain Bolt!

Sir Alex Ferguson saying: “Ronaldo is just as fast with the ball as he is without it… maybe even faster”

Yes, he runs with the ball at the speed of light, he frightens and bypasses defenders with his dazzling moves, he flashes from one end of the field to the other in no time at all…

All these attributes make Cristiano “Rocket” Ronaldo the fastest man alive in the world of football according to Germany’s weekly magazine Der Spiegel.

The German study reveals that Cristiano Ronaldo clinches an average speed of 33,6 kilometers per hour while running with a ball at his feet during games.

In order words, the former Ballon d’Or and UEFA player of the Year winner is just a little less fast than his good buddy and sprinter, Usain Bolt, who ran at around 37,578 kilometers per hour (without a ball) in Berlin last summer.

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi did not make it in the top five fastest players on the planet. Instead, Arjen Robben, Theo Walcott, Wayne Rooney, and Robin Van Persie completed the list.

Full statistics:

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid): 33, 6 kph

Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich): 32, 9 kph

Theo Walcott (Arsenal): 32, 7 kph

Robin Van Persie (Arsenal): 32, 1 kph

Antonio Valencia: No Comparisons With Ex-Manchester United Star Cristiano Ronaldo

Former Wigan Athletic and current Manchester United player, Antonio Valencia, has once again hit out against comparisons made between him and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Ecuadorian is admired for his quick-feet style of play in the flanks for Manchester United and he is often compared to former Red Devil star Cristiano Ronaldo.

Antonio Valencia is still looking forward to reach his peak – something which keeps the fans wondering about his prospect of being the “new Cristiano Ronaldo” at Old Trafford.

However, this kind of quotation is not what Antonio Valencia likes to hear in his ears. He has therefore spoken to the media about himself as a unique player.

He stated:

“I’m my own man. I think that Cristiano Ronaldo was a very good player, but I always play according to what I think, what I want to do at that particular moment, and what I know.

“I never imitate anyone.

Antonio Valencia continued:

“He [Sir Alex Ferguson] said, ‘You don’t have to follow Cristiano, but you have to work’ and I am doing that.”

No Cristiano Ronaldo For Real Madrid v Valencia – So No Victory For Los Blancos?

Real Madrid will play their fourth big game of the season in La Liga but it will be their second without the services of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portuguese winger was the star man in Real Madrid’s 2-0 win against Villarreal earlier in the campaign. In his absence, Los Blancos lost to Sevilla in Andalusia. Cristiano Ronaldo also featured as a substitute against the Blaugrana and Real Madrid lost as well.

Speaking about what happened to Real Madrid in the Champions League, statistics recall that they lost 3-2 and only drew 1-1 in the second leg against AC Milan.

Are Real Madrid too weak without Cristiano Ronaldo?

It’s a question that keeps making the headlines. Following the Portugal captain’s dismissal against Almeria, Real Madrid will have to face Valencia without the services of the number 9. Adding to this loss is Ricardo Kaka’s absence through injury.

Real Madrid cannot afford anymore slip-ups in La Liga but Valencia could pose a strong challenge on Saturday evening.

Queiros: Be Fair On Cristiano Ronaldo, He’ll Shine For Portugal At The World Cup!

Cristiano Ronaldo is widely perceived as an under-performer for his country Portugal but Carlos Queiros has other opinions.

Portugal will be playing Brazil, the Ivory Coast, and underdogs North Korea in South Africa next summer.

Cristiano Ronaldo is rated among the top stars along players like Lionel Messi and Ricardo Kaka. However, few believe that the Portugal captain will shine and power his country to a memorable World Cup campaign.

But according to Portugal’s coach Carlos Queiros, doubters have no right to underestimate Ronaldo. He stated:

“It isn’t fair to say that Cristiano underperforms at the international level. He is already close to Portugal’s top scorers of all time for the national team. That speaks for itself.

“He didn’t have any injuries in the year that he was voted the best in the world. This [injury issue] affect his performance but he will reach the top again.

“In the World Cup, I expect him to win some games on his own.

“I have worked with Cristiano Ronaldo since he was 18-years-old. I know very well the kind of suffering that his body has suffered in terms of violent tackles which sometimes intended to hurt.”

Concerning the criticism surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s behavior and body language on the field, Carlos Queiros retorted:

“It isn’t just to say that Cristiano is immature following his red card against Almeria.”

The Portugal boss then switched back his focus on the World Cup in South Africa. Looking at their tough group which includes Brazil, he concluded:

“Brazil are five-time World champions. They are always favorites to win their group. However, in such a tournament, it is a level playing field. If a favorite makes a mistake, it could mean failure.

“I believe that we will have a great World Cup.”

Cristiano Ronaldo’s wonder goal sends Manchester United into the Champions League semis

It took a Portuguese to break Porto’s home record against English oppositions… Cristiano Ronaldo made history on Wednesday night.

The World Player of the Year was given the challenge by Ferguson to prove his worth following his unremarkable performance in the first leg of this quarterfinal clash and he responded in the most outraging manner.

Manchester United needed to score before they could progress to the next stage of the competition, and it was Cristiano Ronaldo’s sixth minute wonder goal from a ridiculous range that separated the Reds from the Blues and Whites.

The former Sporting Lisbon Star received the ball from club mate and ex-Porto midfielder Anderson and then quickly tried a fierce shot after making one or two touches on the ball. It flew like a rocket, beating Porto’s keeper Helton in the process, and hit the top corner of the net… a real beauty!

Manchester United’s away fans all at once became completely ecstatic and suddenly, their voices were those of a million supporters. Cristiano Ronaldo humbly celebrated his magnificent goal, with his teammates all around him, knowing that only protection would give it some eternal glory.

Still guilty of having given the ball away without trying to get it back in the first leg, Cristiano Ronaldo displayed the performance of a real hero to brush out his costly mistake. The Star winger was all over the pitch, threatening Porto’s defense as well as closing in their attackers in midfield.

Manchester United almost made it 2-0 when Ronaldo fed Berbatov upfront with a clever pass but the Bulgarian striker just wasn’t sharp enough to dribble past his two markers.
Cristiano Ronaldo showed no signs of frustration and anger like five years ago when he was booed and jeered by the home crowd at this same venue. This time Porto’s supporters held themselves and showed some respect to the national team’s captain Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portuguese number 7 seemed concentrated throughout the game and with the will of protecting his splendid 40 yards cracker. Porto continued to threaten in front with Van der Sar showing signs of nervousness. The 2004 Champions League winners knew that only a draw will see them edge past Manchester United on away goals.

Cristiano Ronaldo had a chance of his own in the dying minutes of the game. The reigning UEFA Top Scorer was just inches away from sealing his side’s victory with what would have been his second goal of the night and his third of the campaign this season. However, Helton stretched himself wide and got it right, tipping the ball away for a corner.

At this point, Manchester United were only a few minutes away from having their first clean sheet in all competitions since their 2-0 win at home to Inter Milan earlier last month.
United’s back four held on tight, and the midfielders started to play the game of keeping possession.

Then ultimately, the referee blew the final whistle to end all proceedings, meaning that Cristiano Ronaldo had sent the Red Devils triumphing over the Dragons on their own ground and into the Champions League semis to meet Arsenal who beat Villareal 3-0 at the Emirates.

History was made yesterday with Portuguese Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo being the hero of the night. His sixth minute absolute stunner from 40 yards could go down in football’s history books as the goal of the Champions League and as the goal of the year.

Coach Alex Ferguson branded this goal as “unbelievable” and “magnificent” while Manchester United’s official website were logically forced to extend their “Goal of the Season List” early this morning.

You can never take it all out from a man that raised the bar at a very high standard last season with a scintillating performance throughout the year.

This is why Cristiano Ronaldo is the World’s Best Player in a team made of champions…

Watch C. Ronaldo warming up before the Porto game:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuKj2h7csPE[/youtube]

Watch C. Ronaldo scoring the best goal of the year:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQTtcOCHFNQ[/youtube]

Watch C. Ronaldo’s interview after the match

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wEo_-CepoI[/youtube]

Cristiano Ronaldo v FC Porto: A Portuguese against his own people

Tonight is mission impossible for European Champions Manchester United… It’s a kill or be killed and a do or die affair. The Red Devils need to avoid the fate of English teams on the ground of the Dragons, and everyone’s eyes are on one man under no other name but Cristiano Ronaldo to deliver.

Ferguson to Ronaldo: Correct your guilt.
The 67-year-old Scot who is dreaming of clinching two more Champions League trophies before retiring in 2010 is getting more severe over his team’s performance after managing a disappointing 2-2 draw at Old Trafford.

Ferguson reprimanded Cristiano Ronaldo a few days ago for his costly mistake against Porto last week which led to Rodriguez’s 4th minute opener; now the manager demands some miracles from the United squad and from the World Player of the Year especially.

“At this stage of the season, with every game so big, you expect your key players to go into overdrive,” Ferguson stated.

“Of course we’ve got the players who can win the game for us. Match-winners who can rise to the big occasion, that’s really important.”

Cristiano Ronaldo will have a point to prove tonight as he faces the prospect of crushing out of Europe’s most prestigious competition – the UEFA Champions League. The reigning UEFA Top scorer found the net only once in Europe this season and he’s yet to torture his opponents with instant killers.

FC Porto and Cristiano Ronaldo, two great enemies
The Estadio do Dragao is such a significant venue for former Sporting Lisbon Star Cristiano Ronaldo!
This is where the Portuguese number 7 was booed off and jeered by the supporters of Sporting Lisbon’s rivals FC Porto in 2004. The pressure on Ronaldo was so intense that he had to be substituted; and his angry gesture as he reacted to the provoking crowd didn’t go unseen by UEFA’s officials who then handed him a one-match ban. Manchester United eventually got booted out of the competition that same night.

Many years have gone by since then, and the grown kid from the Madeira Island is now the captain of the Portuguese national team and the European and World Player of the Year.

The talismanic number 7 and his English club stand at the wrong side of a 2-2 first leg draw, so tonight’s game promises to be nothing less than a fierce battle.

After suffering a humiliating night at the Estadio do Dragao as a 19-year-old and after cheaply giving the ball away eight days ago (which was the source of Rodriguez’s opener), the pressure is on Cristiano Ronaldo to perform as a true World’s Best Player and ultimately help his teammates to overcome the Dragons on their own territory.

The bells of woes are ringing for the Red Devils to deliver…

Thierry Henri confession: Ronaldo is better than Messi

The long-running if not boring Ronaldo v Messidebate has filled forums with a lot of argument and created so much war between the two groups of supporters.

Barcelona’s Argentine Star Lionel Messi definitely looks determine to steal his rival’s pride and titles this season.The number 10 is very much on course to clinching the UEFA Top scorer of the year award which Ronaldo won last year as much as he is on course to help his club achieve a treble this season.

However, teammate Thierry Henri astonishingly revealed his respect for the “arrogant” Cristiano Ronaldo, placing him above his own friend and colleague Lionel Messi.

In an interview with Record, the former English Premiership player explained his opinion:

“First of all, you have to take into account that Leo [Messi] and Cristiano Ronaldo are different players,”

“For sure they can play on any position from the midfield up, they both have extraordinary technique, but they are different,” Henry stated.

“And, if Messi is scoring more goals nowadays, Ronaldo is a player that has scored more and topped the scoring charts last season.

“Then, the greatness of a player is measured by the titles he has helped his team conquer. Therefore, I have to recognise that Cristiano Ronaldo is better than Leo Messi.”

The French striker continued:

“When Messi is playing well, he can do things that no-one else can.

“I honestly understand why there are those who compare him to Maradona but I repeat: at least right now, Cristiano Ronaldo is the best. In the future… we will see.”

Both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are still in the Champions League but the fate of their respective team is completely different. While Barcelona have analytically sealed their place in the semi-finals with a 4-0 first leg victory over Bayern Munich, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United have some job to do when they meet FC Porto at the Estadio do Dragao tomorrow.

The Red Devils will be the 13th English side to play the Portuguese Champions in Porto and Cristiano Ronaldo is confident that the team will break the record by being the first English club to defeat the Dragaos in their own backyard at last.

Speaking to Fox Sports, the World Player of the Year boldly declared:

“We will win because Manchester United are the better team. I feel good and I’m ready,”

“I think we have a better team than Porto but we have to respect them. I want to finish the season by winning the Premier League, FA Cup and the Champions League. My team-mates are thinking like me.”

Cristiano Ronaldo’s daring dream of winning the quadruple remains a possibility… at least for now.

The reality of it could help Cristiano Ronaldo beat Lionel Messi once again to retain his individual trophies.

Cristiano Ronaldo forever!!!

Usain Bolt invited by Cristiano Ronaldo for dinner in Madrid

Two of the world’s greatest sports icons are also very good friends. Cristiano Ronaldo and Usain Bolt had dinner together in the Spanish capital after Real Madrid’s 3-2 La Liga victory over Deportivo La Coruna.

The 100 and 200 IAAF World Championship gold medalist was invited by Cristiano Ronaldo to share the rest of the evening with his family in his brand new Real Madrid mansion.

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday morning, the Jamaican described that moment as “wonderful” and “heartfelt”.

Usain Bolt honestly tipped himself as the champion, saying:

“Definitely I think I can do that. I don’t think Cristiano can beat me. I’m the fastest man in the world so I can do that.”

Cristiano Ronaldo, the irreplaceable winking hero

Out of his six years at Old Trafford, Cristiano Ronaldo spent three in the spotlight. After the infamous incident in the 2006 World Cup involving him and Wayne Rooney, critics and boos became part of Ronaldo’s professional and private lives.

The “Winking hero” suddenly transformed into England’s number one most hated personality. While a vast majority of football fans took pleasure in threatening him to move from Manchester United and from the country as well, most analysts tipped Ronaldo to suffer career nightmares whereas Rooney would excel.

But these predictions never came true. Cristiano Ronaldo received the backing of Alex Ferguson; the grown
kid from Madeira soon became Manchester United’s most impressive player – a real ace.

Cristiano Ronaldo gained more confidence and always went out to prove his critics wrong although they never seemed to shut up. The Portuguese winger visibly played under pressure – this pressure that was created by anti-Ronaldo supporters and by the fact that he had to play for a team that was NOT his childhood dream club.

Despite these problems, Cristiano Ronaldo battled hard to defend his worth by powering Manchester United to their first league title in three years. The winger netted 23 goals (17 in the English Premier League) and became Manchester United’s top scorer at the end of the 2006/2007 season.

Some called his achievement “luck” and once again predicted that he wouldn’t be able to match the standard that he had set.

Well, Cristiano Ronaldo even went steps further to break his own record. The following season, he netted 42 goals in all competition which helped Manchester United to land the Champions League and the English Premier League titles.

Last year, Ronaldo’s season was tarnished by the transfer saga and by an ankle operation which saw him miss the start of Manchester United’s campaign.

Either way, Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2008/2009 season can be marked by so many memorable things: his dazzling performance in Japan that helped the Red Devils to lift the Fifa World Club Cup trophy, his wonder goal against Porto FC that fired Manchester United to the semi-finals of the Champions League, his brace against Arsenal in Europe, his vital equalizer against Aston Villa, and the list goes on…

During that final year at Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo also scored his 100th goal for the club with a 30-yard free-kick against Stoke City. One person who keeps reflecting on Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence in Manchester is Chelsea’s Frank Lampard.

“You don’t replace him [Cristiano Ronaldo], apart from with Messi. He [Messi] is probably the only player you could do it with.

“With Ronaldo, the amount of goals he scores, the amount of times you flicked on the telly and saw he had scored and they had won 1-0 or 2-0.

“It is very difficult to replace him. I saw Ferguson say that himself, and I don’t think he will look to replace him.”

Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United and his goals are now part of the past. The “bad boy” knew how to blind defenders and punish them instantly with his pace and his mesmerizing dancing touches. He brought pride to the Red Devils all over the world with his particular skill on the ball. Cristiano Ronaldo was essential to Manchester United’s success in the 21st century, and that, surely, is a fact.

He seemed to play with his heart and mind despite the fact that he initially warned Alex Ferguson that Manchester and England were not part of his childhood dreams. The Red Devils shaped him into the world’s best footballer and in return, he performed all his tricks, flicks, and everything that personified him as the grown kid from Madeira.

As much as Manchester United may struggle to cop without Ronaldo, they may also find their way through to success again.

Michael Owen succeeds to Cristiano Ronaldo as Manchester United’s number 7 but the mesmerizing effect that the Portuguese had IS and will always be unique. As the proverb says, you must be either better or worse than a person [than Ronaldo]. As much as everyone is unique, you cannot equal someone in certain terms.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the “Winking Hero”, is forever irreplaceable.

Did Cristiano Ronaldo really had flu?

Less than 12 hours after Portugal’s game against Liechtenstein, Cristiano Ronaldo was seen training for Real Madrid. The Spanish Giants had released a statement to the Portuguese Football Association preventing Cristiano Ronaldo from joing his national team. According to Real Madrid, the 24-year-old was suffering from flu.

While some may believe the story, many will accept it with raised eyebrows. Anyway, today’s news was that Ronaldo attended training for Real Madrid.

The World Player of the Year was also joined by Marcelo, Sergio Ramos, Alvaro Negredo, and his former teammate at Manchester United Ruud Van Nilsterooy. Reports indicates that all these players are currently on Real Madrid’s injury list while they look to recover completely.

AS reported that Ronaldo showed some signs of weakness during training. The man whose legs are priced 100 million euros also trained alone with the ball. But was all that just theatrics? It’s easy to think that Real Madrid will do everything in their power to keep the legs of their superstar safe – not only before the start of the season, but also throughout the campaign.

Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to play for RealMadrid in their next pre-season match on August 19.

Ronaldo is phenomenal, normal, humble – Raul Albiol

The World Player of the Year and the Ballon d’Or titleholder Cristiano Ronaldo is a popular personality in football. Millions of fans adore him for his dazzling skills on the pitch and his attractive look characterized by his sun-tanned skin and his hairstyle.

For many though, the 24-year-old Portuguese winger is the portrait of arrogance, selfishness, immaturity, and incompleteness. Cristiano Ronaldo is certainly the number one footballer to count so many anti-supporters around the world who love to hate him.

Either way, Ronaldo still receives a lot of attention from the media and from a large part of enthusiast people who can’t wait to see him play competitive football for Los Blancos.

Ahead of the new season, predictions over Ronaldo’s performance for Real Madrid in La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey are vibrant in the atmosphere.

One man who is well aware of the attention that Cristiano Ronaldo attracts is Liverpool’s ex-defender Raul Albiol. He said:

“Everyone is curious to know [about Ronaldo].”

The Spanish international, who is one player among the bunch of stars that Florentino Perez signed this summer, then gave his own description of Real Madrid’s 94 million euro signing. The defender simply declared:

“He [Cristiano Ronaldo] is a phenomenal player and it is a pleasure to know him because he is a normal guy, humble and a worker.”

Contradictorily to what anti-Ronaldo fans predicted, Cristiano Ronaldo looks welcomed in the Spanish club. Under new coach Manuel Pellegrini, the atmosphere within the players of Real Madrid seems to be more harmonious than it was last season, despite the hierarchy that exists in the squad in terms of wages.

Is Cristiano Ronaldo really an unsupportable lad as Barcelona’s Xavi Hernandez and some other people think?

Cristiano Ronaldo: It’s easy to be me.

“There is only one Ronaldo”; Cristiano Ronaldo fans are proud to chant this popular line. For anti-Ronaldo supporters, this is more than an insult.

The former iconic number 7 superstar now wears the number 9 jersey in Real Madrid, with his name ‘Ronaldo’ written at the back. Coincidently, two years after the Brazilian Ronaldo left the talismanic number 9 shirt hanging, another man with the same name is carrying it – Cristiano Ronaldo.

After making the headlines with his 94 million Euros move from Old Trafford to the Santiago Bernabeu, Cristiano Ronaldo hasn’t stop being at the centre of attraction. The World Player of the Year is cleary the people’s favorite in Madrid. The 24-year-old, who was often in the limelight in his time at Manchester is being even more spotlighted these days.

Ronaldo, who was recently asked about his new life where every move is under the spotlight, declared:

“It’s very easy to be Ronaldo. I am not changing my lifestyle. I like being Ronaldo.”

Many predicted that Ronaldo’s inclusion in Real Madrid’s squad was going to provoke tension in the dressing room, not only because of his character but also because of his astronomical wages. However, things do not seem to go that way.

On the pitch, the Portugal captain looks equal to his teammates and his relationship with Raul appears to be positive.