Highly-rated Sporting Lisbon winger Nani admits he wants to play in England amidst interest from Man United and Tottenham.
Archive for May, 2007
cristiano wants nani
May 24, 2007
cr about 2007 (translated from portuguese)
May 20, 2007 
Cristiano Ronaldo confessed, today, in declaration to the TVI, that does not wait to make a so good time.
‘I won’t let the divers ruin a big day’
May 18, 2007 
, says Cup Final ref Bennett
Steve Bennett goes into Saturday’s FA Cup Final maintaining it is unhealthy for a referee to have more than a nodding acquaintance with a manager. All things considered, that’s a good job.
Jose Mourinho probably bears Bennett no malice for being sent to the stands after his provocative finger-to-the-lips gesture infuriated Liverpool fans during the Carling Cup Final three years ago.
Sir Alex Ferguson, though, is unlikely to harbour any warm thoughts towards the Kent official, 46, who has the honour of controlling the first final at the newWembley.
Bennett is the referee, after all, who copped the full hairdryer treatment for sending off Cristiano Ronaldo in a dramatic defeat by Manchester City barely a year ago.
Ronaldo saw red for a lunge at Andy Cole which did not make contact, while Ferguson was furious at what he saw as the lack of protection for his players “when we needed a strong referee and didn’t get it”.
Sir Alex’s considered opinion back then of Bennett was reportedly “you f***ing cheating bastard” and United’s manager was quoted as telling Bennett: “You will need a police escort out of here”.
Bennett says now: “You move on. Sometimes players put you in positions where you have to react. That was a situation where he [Ronaldo] has launched himself through the air and the intentions were clear.
“The laws of the game are clear and I have to apply them. When the boot is on the other foot, would they expect the opposite to happen if somebody did it to one of their players?
“Whatever the managers’ characters, they have a job to do. We shouldn’t have contact, but I respect them, they do a brilliant job given what they have achieved. They are both excellent coaches.”
Fair play does not include what the authorities quaintly label simulation and 90,000 Wembley fans would call diving. Fingers have been pointed at Ronaldo and Chelsea’s Didier Drogba.
“A referee has to be aware,” said Bennett. “Simulation is a huge difficulty. There are some very clever players who instigate contact, who make it incredibly difficult for the referee.
“Sometimes there’s contact but an exaggerated reaction in an attempt to deceive the referee. At 150mph, it’s nigh-on impossible to be sure. Let’s hope we keep on top of it.
“I’ll make honest decisions from the heart. Most players are honest, they’ll put their hands up. The majority are genuine. You have to say to a few: ‘There’s the boundary, you’ve overstepped it’.
“Players will try to push you to the limit. But the clubs know what you will do if someone steps out of line. I’m a fairly strict referee.
“I apply the laws. If players play football, there’s no need for me to get involved. Every referee wants to keep 22 players on the field. I’d love to see 22 players at the end.
“Players have a responsibility to play within the spirit and the laws of the game. I’d like to take a step back and see a great game.”
Bennett added: “Managers are entitled to their opinion but the moment we start using common sense we get accused of being inconsistent.”
Common sense? Referees? Sir Alex’s eyes will be glinting as he contemplates that one.
Cristiano happy
May 15, 2007
Cristiano Ronaldo received further recognition for his starring role in Manchester United’s Premiership title win on Monday night as he scooped two more personal awards.The Portuguese winger, who was named Professional Footballers Association’s Player and Young Player of the Year last month, has now been officially honoured by his club and the United fans.
The 22-year-old was named Matt Busby Player of the Year and Fans’ Player of the Year at an awards dinner at Old Trafford.
Paul Scholes received the goal of the season award for his volley against Aston Villa in December, while defender Kieran Lee was reserves player of the year.
Congratulalations manu on the win of the season !
CR7 boutique part II
May 13, 2007
FOOTIE hunk Cristiano Ronaldo has done a Posh and Becks by turning to cutting-edge fashion and opening his own boutique.The Portuguese star used his initials and shirt number to name the trendy new store CR7.
But instead of setting up near Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground, his boutique is 2,000 miles away – in his home town of Funchal, on Madeira.
So if Cristiano, 22, wants to get the cash-rich WAGs to flock to his new store, they will have to jump on a plane first.
The move into fashion matches former United player and fashion icon David Beckham, 31, and his wife Victoria, 33, who famously created her own line in jeans.
Cristiano has been very involved in choosing kit for this upmarket store. CR7 is stuffed with T-shirts and jeans for fellas, as well as clothes, handbags, necklaces and belts for the girls.
And the star has picked a glam range of funky jewellery for the fellas too, including chunky shark-tooth bracelets and necklaces.
But shoppers could get a shock if they pick up one of the sweatshirts – it carries the words “De Puta Madre”, Portuguese for “Son of a Bitch”.
While Cristiano is in Britain earning his £31million five-year pay packet with United, he has hired sisters Katia and Elma as managers to run the place.
Within hours the shop was mobbed. One fan said: “Cristiano has made everyone on the island very proud. It’s fitting he chose his birth city for the shop.”
Cr7 design
May 11, 2007
Using to advantage the vacation time, Cristiano Ronaldo goes to support a parade that will designate the presentation of mark CR7.
Cristiano ronaldo tell all 