Diamond geezer Ron n a charm offensive
IF HE was feeling the strain of the rape allegation hanging over him, then 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, immaculately-coiffured hair and the requisite bling.
On his left wrist he sported a huge diamond-encrusted 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 the Portuguese star from his glittering six-year spell at United adorn the walls of the vast suite, as the returning hero held court ahead of tonight’s Champions League tie with Juventus.
He spoke of his affection for United and his time spent playing under Sir Alex Ferguson and paid his former club the requisite respect, despite their problems on the pitch this season.
Ronaldo also side-stepped questions about the crisis at his former club Real Madrid, insisting it was not his concern as he was now a Juve player.
But it was when he was 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 allegation made by Kathryn Mayorga.
The 34-year-old American has accused him of sexually assaulting her in a Las Vegas hotel in 2009.
Ronaldo paid her £287,000 to sign a nondisclosure agreement, with police now having reopened an investigation into the claim.
“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 a 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 five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo slowing down on the pitch and he has begun the new chapter of his career at Juventus with typical flair and swagger.
With five goals from 10 appearances, the only on-pitch blot so far since his move was a red card against Valencia in the Champions League a month ago.
Respect
Even with his reputation on the line, Ronaldo will be afforded a hero’s reception from both sets of fans when he emerges from the tunnel, just as he was on his last visit to Old Trafford, with Real Madrid in 2013.
On that occasion, he scored the winner in a 2-1 victory that knocked United out in what would prove to be Sir Alex Ferguson’s final game in the Champions League.
Out of his respect to his former club he refused to celebrate the goal.
Asked if a repeat was on the cards if he scored again, Ronaldo, who made 292 appearances for United, scoring 118 goals, was unequivocal: “My reaction will be the same.
“It’s special to return to Manchester. “Here I have many memories of victories and affection, and in particular for Sir Alex Ferguson, to whom I send a big hug. He’s a person who helped me so much.
“It’s going to be a tough match. Manchester United are strong, but if we play the way the coach wants, then we have a good chance.”
After nine years, five Champions League titles, two La
Liga triumphs, 438 appearances and 450 goals, Ronaldo ended his time at Real in the summer with his £99m transfer to Juventus.
“I’m happy to be at such a great team like Juventus,” said Ronaldo. “It’s a new chapter in my life after Manchester United and Real Madrid.
“I’m still getting used to things, but everyone, from team-mates to people at the club, have helped me settle in and I’m really enjoying the experience.”