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'This United team will go down in history'
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FORGET THE tantrums, forget the flirtation with Real Madrid, forget the longing in those Spanish eyes.
Today, Cristiano Ronaldo nails once and for all the idea that he will conquer Barcelona on Wednesday - and then head off to the Bernabeu.
Sure, we've heard it before. But never this definitive, never this passionate, never this convincing. If he leaves Old Trafford after this proclamation of loyalty, Ronaldo will go down as one of the most insincere, double-dealing football superstars. A man whose word means nothing.
The European and World Player of the Year has chosen the build-up to this week's epic Champions League showdown in Rome as the moment to pledge his heart, body and soul to Manchester United.
Ronaldo declares: "This is my home now. I think even when I say my heart is here, people are still going to speak and make things up. But this is where I want to play.
"We are part of an era that can go down in history for the way we are playing and for the trophies we are winning. The boss believes in this team and so do I. And this is where I want to be. Manchester United is now my house."
Ah, the boss. The one who would no longer have been with us had Portuguese looks been able to kill during the Manchester derby just a fortnight ago.
Bond
That, it seems, was just a tiff between dad and lad. Famously, Sir Alex Ferguson interrupted his holiday last summer to have a heart-to-heart with Ronaldo as the pressure from Madrid seemed sure to pay dividends.
At the time, it was suggested Ronaldo was not happy with Ferguson's stance. Now, it seems to have strengthened the bond between the two.
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Ronaldo explains: "He is two different people and they have both helped me become who I am today. Firstly, he is probably the most knowledgeable football coach in the world. I learn from him every day.
"No matter how good I become, I know he is a man who will always be able to teach me that little bit more. I don't get tired of learning from him because I know every bit of advice he gives me will make me a better player.
"The second person he is, is a father to me. Ever since I joined Manchester United, he has been like a second father to me. And I don't just respect him, I have the affection for him a child has for his father.
"When he gives me advice that is non-football, I listen because it will make me a better person."
Ronaldo's prolonged, often intense, dalliance with his persistent Spanish suitors appeared to have affected his form for a short but worrying while.
But he has quickly returned to his imperious best, two magnificent goals at The Emirates sealing United's passage to a second successive Champions League final. And he is convinced that - under the guidance of Ferguson - there is a lot more to come from a player who has already established himself as the outstanding talent of his generation.
He explained: "That is the goal, to always get better. And the manager we have here is not the sort of man to say 'right you are good enough now, don't try and get any better'.
"He is a winner and he wants all of us to get better and works with us all individually to make sure that happens.
"If you look at somebody like Ryan Giggs, he keeps working to get better even at his age and he keeps winning.
"Maybe as you get older your game changes and you have to adapt your style but I don't think I am quite there yet.
"I don't know how much better I can get but I do know every day I turn up for work will be a day I am trying to improve as Cristiano Ronaldo the football player."
And his dedication is matched by an unshakeable self-belief, a confidence that was instilled in him by his country's most celebrated player.
He recalled: "When I was growing up, Luis Figo was the biggest player in Portugal. Luis was his own player who had belief in himself and that is what he has taught me.
"When I was 17 and with the national squad, he came up to me after the first training session and said that some of the things I did with a football, he had never seen anybody in the world do before.
"It is that sort of belief in you that gives you the confidence. I decided then only to have my own style of play. I don't want to imitate anybody, individuality is everything to me."
But it's not all instinct. He goes on: "Most things on the pitch come naturally, without even thinking about it. But at times you might be in training and think 'I would like to try this in a match'.
"Nothing comes easy. When you see the best players in the world, they, of course, have natural ability. But you still have to work, work, work."
Deny
And Ronaldo's work ethic, allied to his prodigious ability, has already brought him three Premier League medals and a Champions League medal.
But most people still thought this would be his last season at Old Trafford and, two days ago, Real were forced to deny reports that they had signed a pre-contract agreement with the player.
However, although they are now playing down the prospects of capturing the World Player of the Year, Real are sure to come calling as soon as their presidential elections are complete.
But such is the emphatic nature of this commitment to the United cause, the more likely happening is Ronaldo's advisers will call United officials to the negotiating table this summer and try and thrash out a new, extended contract. The Premier League top scorer still has three years of his current deal left to run, on a wage believed to be in the region of £120,000 a week.
But in return for his long-term pledge, Ronaldo's agent is likely to look for a hefty pay rise to make him the Premier League's top earner.
In the not too distant future, he could become the first Premier League player to earn £200,000 a week.
Respect
But, for the moment, all that matters to Ronaldo is silverware rather than silver coins - and the small matter of the showdown with Barcelona.
And having already wrapped up the domestic title, Ronaldo is convinced United can secure successive Premier-Champions League doubles.
He said: "This year, it is the final between the two best teams in the world and I think it is the showpiece that, perhaps, the football fan wanted to see.
"They have an excellent player in every position on the pitch but so do we. We know how well we have to play to beat them and we know how much respect we need to show them by playing to the top of ability.
"But we are full of confidence at the moment and believe we can be the first team to win it back to back."
RONALDO ON ROONEY
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YOU look at Rooney on the pitch and just one word springs to mind - WINNER. You will never see him have a game where he doesn't give 100 percent.
You can see the pain and frustration on his face when results don't go right. Every team wants players who play with their heart and soul - and he is one of those.
Our understanding on the pitch has even improved from last season. As we get to play with each other more we know where the other one is going to run - it has become like second nature now.
RONALDO ON FANS
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THEY are fantastic and they are another reason why Manchester is now my house.
They are so loyal and it is nice to be able to reward them with a trip to Rome and another European Cup final.
We hope to win it again for them. We know how hard it is to win it back to back but, if any fans deserve to see their team do that, then it is them.
RONALDO ON FAMILY
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THE first European Cup final I remember was AC Milan v Juventus and then I was not thinking about playing in European Cup finals - my aim was just to make a living out of being a professional football player.
It is a dream come true and I owe so much of it to my parents.
Last year - after we won the semi-final - my mother called me up right away and I thought she was calling up to congratulate me. But she said ... 'Don't forget, your mama wants tickets for the final.
I said 'Don't worry Mama - of course you are coming'.
It will be the same this year and it makes me feel so good to know she wants to watch me and is proud of me.
RONALDO ON MESSI
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IT is not good to go on to the pitch in awe of somebody but I very much respect Lionel Messi as a player.
He has a great style of play and I am sure he will be as excited about the final as I am.
Btw; Here is the link.'
http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/sport/3201...in-history.html
Suddenly i feel good abt Ronaldo...
This post has been edited by Vidic15: 11 June 2009 - 09:37 AM
