IS RONALDO STRUGGLING? GET A GRIP!
IF he was feeling the strain of the rape allegation hanging over him, Cristiano Ronaldo did not show it on his return to Manchester United.
United’s iconic former No.7 sauntered into the appropriately-named No.7 suite at Old Trafford at 6.15pm and turned on the charm with his mega-watt smile, immaculatelycoiffured hair and requisite bling.
On his left wrist he sported a huge diamondencrusted watch, matching studs in each ear and an equally flamboyant Liberace-style ring on his left little finger. No one wears the trappings of success quite so ostentatiously as Ronaldo. Pictures of him from his glittering six-year spell at United adorned the walls of the vast suite where the returning hero was holding court ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League tie with Juventus.
He spoke of his affection for the club and his time spent playing under Sir Alex Ferguson, and paid United due respect, despite their problems on the pitch this season.
Ronaldo side-stepped questions about the current crisis at his former club Real Madrid, insisting it was not his concern now he was at Juventus.
But it was when asked about being a role model, in the context of the rape claim against him, that Ronaldo opened up and spoke publicly for the first time about the 2009 allegation made by Kathryn Mayorga.
The American accused him of sexually assaulting her in a Las Vegas hotel before paying her £287,000 to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Police have reopened an investigation.
“I know I’m an example,” said Ronaldo. “I know, 100 per cent. On the pitch and outside the pitch.
“So I’m always smiling, I’m happy man, I’m blessed that I play in a fantastic club, I have a fantastic family, I have four kids, I’m healthy. I have everything.
“So the rest, it doesn’t interfere on me. I’m very, very well.”
At 33, there are few signs of the five-time Ballon d’or winner slowing down on the pitch and he has begun the new chapter of his career in Italy with typical flair and swagger.
With five goals from 10 appearances, the only blot to date was a red card
It’s special for me to return here where I have so many memories