IS RONALDO STRUGGLING? GET A GRIP!
It’s special for me to return here where I have so many memories
Super-cool Cristiano breezes back into Old Trafford and says: ‘I’m always smiling, I’m a happy man, I’m blessed that I play for a fantastic club, I have a fantastic family, I have four kids, I’m healthy. I have everything. So the rest, it doesn’t affect me’
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, immaculately coiffured 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
against Valencia in the Champions League a month ago.
Even with his reputation on the line with the rape allegation, Ronaldo will be afforded a hero’s reception from both sets of fans when he emerges from the tunnel tomorrow, just as he was on his last visit to Old Trafford, with Real Madrid in 2013.
On that occasion, he scored the winner that knocked out United in what would prove to be Sir Alex Ferguson’s final Champions League game, although out of respect he did not celebrate the goal.
Asked if he would show the same deference tonight should he score, Ronaldo, whose 292 appearances for United brought 118 goals, replied: “My reaction will be the same. It’s special for me to return to Manchester. Here I have many memories of victories and affection, and in particular with 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, we’ve a good chance to win. But we can’t underestimate our opponents.”
After nine years, five Champions League titles, two La Liga triumphs, 438 appearances and 450 goals, Ronaldo ended his association with Real in July with a £99million switch to Juve.
“I’m happy to be at such a great team like Juventus,” he said. “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.”