Ronaldo- Does this change feelings...

Rob Bowman · 5th September 2008, 10:30

Just wondering if anyone on here can remeber when they were in their young 20s and said and did some questionable stuff? So do his new comments make you inclined to forgive?

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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/foo...-Football.html

Man United winger Cristiano Ronaldo admits he was 'naive' to push for Real Madrid move
Cristiano Ronaldo has attempted to smooth over differences with Manchester United supporters as he gets ready to make his long-awaited return for the club at the end of the month.

By Vicki Hodges
Last Updated: 9:56AM BST 05 Sep 2008

Building bridges: Cristiano Ronaldo is 100 per cent focused on giving his all for Sir Alex Ferguson and United next season. Photo: AP
For much of the summer it was anticipated that United fans had seen the last of their Portuguese star with Real Madrid relentless in their pursuit of the 23-year-old.

Ronaldo hardly helped the situation by refusing to commit his future to Old Trafford. But the former Sporting Lisbon winger has since taken responsibility for his actions and admitted being “naïve” to push for a move to Spain.

"After we'd won the Champions League I felt that I'd help win everything there was to win," Ronaldo, who is expected to make his return from ankle surgery on Sept 27, said. "I felt maybe I needed a new challenge.

"I never hid the fact that I wanted to play in Spain, at Real Madrid in particular, and I thought it could be the right moment.

"Apart from the challenge, everyone realises that Spanish and Portuguese culture and lifestyle are more similar. I also have to recognise that my family would welcome the change,” Ronaldo added in an interview with Inside United magazine.

"The chance of being an hour's flight from my family was very attractive. The people at United, particularly the manager, understood my reasons.

"What I said publicly, which was maybe a little naive, I take total responsibility for. I just said what I thought: I have a dream of playing at Real and I thought it was time to move on.”

After winning the Champions League, Ronaldo admits his head was swayed by the prospect of fulfilling a childhood dream and was desperate for United to sanction a move to the Bernabeu.

"I knew Real were interested in me and they had, allegedly, made a substantial offer. For a while, I wanted United to accept. If we hadn't been European champions, I probably wouldn't have thought about going to Madrid. And another thing - I never wanted to leave against United's will.

"I'm 100 per cent professional and have always given my heart and soul to this club.

"If one day I leave, I want to do it knowing I did everything I could to help the club win as much as possible."

Bilbo · 5th September 2008, 10:41

Nothing much to forgive, if you ask me. I always backed him over the summer.

MUFCgal · 5th September 2008, 10:47

A lot of the opposition fans are creaming themselves over Ronnie coming back because they think he isn't gonna give a 100% for us. They are gonna be in for a huge shock because I don't expect anything less than full committment from Ronnie. He will come back and give it his all, he will put his heart & soul into winning for United and he'll want the fans behind him again.

ThatOldRedMagic · 5th September 2008, 10:48

There's not a lot that can be said that hasn't already been said. But much of the negativity surrounding his summer saga was media-fuelled, and the denouement of the stories of certain other players towards the end of the transfer window seemed to cast Ronaldo in the light of honour and integrity.

There's nothing to forgive in my book. To expect professional footballers in today's game to put loyalty to club above personal career is not merely naive on the part of the fans, but arrogant and conceited.

Viva Ronaldo!!

FlawlessThaw · 5th September 2008, 10:49

He's still a cock unless he signs a new contract. If he is off next season it feels wrong cheering him on but I agree with MUFCgal, I envisage Ronaldo giving his all on the pitch because that's the type of player he is. If he was giving less than 100%, Ferguson wouldn't stand for it.

Virtuoso · 5th September 2008, 10:50

There wasn't that much to forgive especially after that long interview he did in the Portuguese mag I think it was, but more importantly when Sir Alex cleared most of it up just before that. I was never hugely upset or angered by Ronaldo, more disappointed. At no point did he even attempt to make his position at our club untenable by taking a swipe at the club or management, he felt he wanted to move and he never destroyed all the bridges with the club over it as others this summer have. In my honest opinion, he's handled the whole situation better than any other player this summer in the Prem who was in one of these long will-he-won't-he sagas and thinking of moving from their club. At the time of all the fuss, he stayed quiet which was frustrating for us fans but at least the main thing was that the club and him were in contact and at the end of it all - the best outcome for us has come out. He definitely could have handled the whole situation better, but he's been completely honest about his part in the whole affair unlike the vast majority of players in similar situations (Lampard?) and though having been frustrated, my respect and support for him is still well and truly in tact.

Red For Ever · 5th September 2008, 10:52

Someone is giving him good advice ( at last ) it needs to be done
but it will take a lot more than one piece in a magazine

Trippin_Stoned · 5th September 2008, 10:52

Ronaldo is many things but when he goes on the pitch I've never questioned his desire to win, I don't think anyone can. I'm sure that won't change.

I forgive him for his role in the whole Real Madrid saga. Others might not yet but the way to get them back on his side is to do what he does best, and better than anyone else. Play football.

Can't wait to see him back in action, its been too long.

Bilbo · 5th September 2008, 10:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlawlessThaw

He's still a cock unless he signs a new contract. If he is off next season it feels wrong cheering him on but I agree with MUFCgal, I envisage Ronaldo giving his all on the pitch because that's the type of player he is. If he was giving less than 100%, Ferguson wouldn't stand for it.

Why does he have to sign a contract? He already has one. Not sure how negotiating another pay increase out of the club would earn him respect.

MUFCgal · 5th September 2008, 10:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Virtuoso

There wasn't that much to forgive especially after that long interview he did in the Portuguese mag I think it was, but more importantly when Sir Alex cleared most of it up just before that. I was never hugely upset or angered by Ronaldo, more disappointed. At no point did he even attempt to make his position at our club untenable by taking a swipe at the club or management, he felt he wanted to move and he never destroyed all the bridges with the club over it as others this summer have. In my honest opinion, he's handled the whole situation better than any other player this summer in the Prem who was in one of these long will-he-won't-he sagas and thinking of moving from their club. At the time of all the fuss, he stayed quiet which was frustrating for us fans but at least the main thing was that the club and him were in contact and at the end of it all - the best outcome for us has come out. He definitely could have handled the whole situation better, but he's been completely honest about his part in the whole affair unlike the vast majority of players in similar situations (Lampard?) and though having been frustrated, my respect and support for him is still well and truly in tact.

I think that's well put. Yes he's always stated his dream is to play for Real and yes his head was turned by them, he's a 23yr old egomanic so who's head wouldn't be turned? But he never once refused to play for us, he never said about the possibility of trying to force his move and he never, ever handed in a transfer request. Yes he was naive and it was frustrating but he handled the whole thing a lot better than others from other clubs.

FlawlessThaw · 5th September 2008, 11:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bilbo

Why does he have to sign a contract? He already has one. Not sure how negotiating another pay increase out of the club would earn him respect.

He will get a pay increase one way or another. As he is behind both Rio and Rooney as the highest earners at the club. Whether it's with the club or with Madrid, who knows. Looks like it will be with the latter.

born&raisedred · 5th September 2008, 11:09

I think his high profile meant that the media blew a lot of what happened out of proportion, berbatov did far worse to spurs, forcing a move against their will, but these are professionals playing hundreds of miles away from their home towns, can you really expect the same loyalty as local lads.

Tibs · 5th September 2008, 11:21

Viva Ronaldo.

Bilbo · 5th September 2008, 11:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlawlessThaw

He will get a pay increase one way or another. As he is behind both Rio and Rooney as the highest earners at the club. Whether it's with the club or with Madrid, who knows. Looks like it will be with the latter.

He doesn't appear to be pushing for one, and its clear that the Madrid situation was never about money, rather a lifestyle and career choice.

I think there is a lot to admire about Ronaldo's character. Fundamentally, he seems like a decent lad. For all of the talk this summer of him disrespecting the club, he didn't even go so far as handing us a transfer request. Compare that to Adebayor or the despicable Robinho, and Ronaldo comes out in an extremely good light.

I have always, and still do, expect him to be at United until Ferguson retires.

Bilbo · 5th September 2008, 11:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by born&raisedred

I think his high profile meant that the media blew a lot of what happened out of proportion, berbatov did far worse to spurs, forcing a move against their will, but these are professionals playing hundreds of miles away from their home towns, can you really expect the same loyalty as local lads.

No doubt about it. The media were a pack of rabid dogs, and its dissappointing how the public lapped up every word of it, even though we are all aware of how much bollox is printed on any subject.

That Ronaldo thread will make embarrassing reading for quite a few posters on here in the coming months.

Jacob · 5th September 2008, 11:29

Yet again he has opened his mouth in vain. And yet again has he reiterated his stance to join Madrid one day.

Please Ronaldo shut it and let the football do your talking.

ThatOldRedMagic · 5th September 2008, 11:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red For Ever

Someone is giving him good advice ( at last ) it needs to be done
but it will take a lot more than one piece in a magazine

Pompous tit

FlawlessThaw · 5th September 2008, 11:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bilbo

He doesn't appear to be pushing for one, and its clear that the Madrid situation was never about money, rather a lifestyle and career choice.

I think there is a lot to admire about Ronaldo's character. Fundamentally, he seems like a decent lad. For all of the talk this summer of him disrespecting the club, he didn't even go so far as handing us a transfer request. Compare that to Adebayor or the despicable Robinho, and Ronaldo comes out in an extremely good light.

I have always, and still do, expect him to be at United until Ferguson retires.

Aside from the fact that he can't stop going on about wanting to play for Madrid. It is quite clear that if given the slightest chance he would be off. I don't mind the fact that he wants to leave, just wish he would have to courtesy to not keep going on about it.

A1Dan · 5th September 2008, 11:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlawlessThaw

He's still a cock unless he signs a new contract.

He did that just a few months back... didn't make much difference to anythinng, did it?

cw1984 · 5th September 2008, 11:43

He's a young lad and about 200k a week was being waved under his nose. I dont blame him for having his head turned!!

He's ours though, that's the important thing. He's the difference in this league IMO.

FlawlessThaw · 5th September 2008, 11:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by A1Dan

He did that just a few months back... didn't make much difference to anythinng, did it?

He done it the year before and then there was no speculation about him leaving that summer.

Bilbo · 5th September 2008, 11:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlawlessThaw

Aside from the fact that he can't stop going on about wanting to play for Madrid. It is quite clear that if given the slightest chance he would be off. I don't mind the fact that he wants to leave, just wish he would have to courtesy to not keep going on about it.

He could have forced that transfer through this summer, if he was prepared to sink low enough. That is without question. He wanted to move on good terms, with respect, and when the club resisted he backed down. Not too much wrong with that in my book.

Tevez has been quoted numerous times that he wants to play for Boca Juniors (I think - some club anyway) one day. No-one gives a shit when he says this. I realise that its a slightly different scenario given what happened this summer, but ultimately I'd prefer a player to be straight about it.

Far better than Robinho's sudden 'dream' to play for Chelsea or multiple other instances. At least with Ronaldo we can be fairly sure that Madrid are the only club he would even consider leaving us for.

FlawlessThaw · 5th September 2008, 11:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bilbo

He could have forced that transfer through this summer, if he was prepared to sink low enough. That is without question. He wanted to move on good terms, with respect, and when the club resisted he backed down. Not too much wrong with that in my book.

Tevez has been quoted numerous times that he wants to play for Boca Juniors (I think - some club anyway) one day. No-one gives a shit when he says this. I realise that its a slightly different scenario given what happened this summer, but ultimately I'd prefer a player to be straight about it.

Far better than Robinho's sudden 'dream' to play for Chelsea or multiple other instances. At least with Ronaldo we can be fairly sure that Madrid are the only club he would even consider leaving us for.

Yes but unlike Ronaldo, Robinho never agreed with Sepp Blatter's tasteless comments.

I don't think anyone has a problem with Tevez' comments because they know he will move at the latter end of his career. Ronaldo may or may not have reached his peak yet and he wants to get rid. Course he could have sunk low but he probably would have done if it was any other manager besides Ferguson.

spinoza · 5th September 2008, 11:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bilbo

He could have forced that transfer through this summer, if he was prepared to sink low enough. That is without question. He wanted to move on good terms, with respect, and when the club resisted he backed down. Not too much wrong with that in my book.

Tevez has been quoted numerous times that he wants to play for Boca Juniors (I think - some club anyway) one day. No-one gives a shit when he says this. I realise that its a slightly different scenario given what happened this summer, but ultimately I'd prefer a player to be straight about it.

I think that's fair.

henno · 5th September 2008, 11:53

ronaldo = completely forgiven and understood.

the kid wants to play for his childhood fav team... so what.. let him do it in the twilight of his career.... like what keane did.....

FlawlessThaw · 5th September 2008, 11:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by henno

ronaldo = completely forgiven and understood.

the kid wants to play for his childhood fav team... so what.. let him do it in the twilight of his career.... like what keane did.....

Except his childhood fav team is Benfica. Anyway I don't mind if he wants to play for Madrid, just stop banging on about it when you play for a rival club.

Bilbo · 5th September 2008, 11:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlawlessThaw

Yes but unlike Ronaldo, Robinho never agreed with Sepp Blatter's tasteless comments.

I don't think anyone has a problem with Tevez' comments because they know he will move at the latter end of his career. Ronaldo may or may not have reached his peak yet and he wants to get rid. Course he could have sunk low but he probably would have done if it was any other manager besides Ferguson.

After this season Ronaldo will have given us six years of good service. Not too far off a testimonial, for goodness sake. He has repaid his transfer fee tenfold, delivered trophies, and will earn us a very nice profit when he does go.

I don't think anyone could argue that Ronaldo/United has not been a win-win situation for both parties, and long may it continue. When he moves on, I'll hold no grudges whatsoever.

This isn't aimed at you personally, but I don't understand why so many fans think Ronaldo owes them anything. He has every right to follow his own ambitions. Those same fans who vilified him this summer will be cheering his name at some stage this season, so why on earth would Ronaldo take us seriously?

fatboy · 5th September 2008, 11:57

Sometimes boyhood dreams are just that. Hopefully he can come to realise that Real Madrid is not necessarily the "spiritual" home he believes it to be. When he's done playing football, he'll still be only what? 34? 35? He could retire and live with his family the next 50 years in any Portuguese or Spanish city, in total luxury, for the rest of his life.

Still, if he ever wants to move, then so be it, as long as he does so with dignity. Hopefully we have the grace to allow him to do so as well. But as long as he has that Red shirt on, nothing less than 100% will do.

quethenoo · 5th September 2008, 12:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by fatboy

Sometimes boyhood dreams are just that. Hopefully he can come to realise that Real Madrid is not necessarily the "spiritual" home he believes it to be. When he's done playing football, he'll still be only what? 34? 35? He could retire and live with his family the next 50 years in any Portuguese or Spanish city, in total luxury, for the rest of his life.

Still, if he ever wants to move, then so be it, as long as he does so with dignity. Hopefully we have the grace to allow him to do so as well. But as long as he has that Red shirt on, nothing less than 100% will do.

you are talking about a decade of someones life, if i wanted to move for personal reasons there is no job that would stop me. no beef for me...

5th September 2008, 10:30	#1 (permalink)
Rob Bowman Reserve Team Player Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 1,812	Ronaldo- Does this change feelings... Just wondering if anyone on here can remeber when they were in their young 20s and said and did some questionable stuff? So do his new comments make you inclined to forgive? ************************************************** http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/foo...-Football.html Man United winger Cristiano Ronaldo admits he was 'naive' to push for Real Madrid move Cristiano Ronaldo has attempted to smooth over differences with Manchester United supporters as he gets ready to make his long-awaited return for the club at the end of the month. By Vicki Hodges Last Updated: 9:56AM BST 05 Sep 2008 Building bridges: Cristiano Ronaldo is 100 per cent focused on giving his all for Sir Alex Ferguson and United next season. Photo: AP For much of the summer it was anticipated that United fans had seen the last of their Portuguese star with Real Madrid relentless in their pursuit of the 23-year-old. Ronaldo hardly helped the situation by refusing to commit his future to Old Trafford. But the former Sporting Lisbon winger has since taken responsibility for his actions and admitted being “naïve” to push for a move to Spain. "After we'd won the Champions League I felt that I'd help win everything there was to win," Ronaldo, who is expected to make his return from ankle surgery on Sept 27, said. "I felt maybe I needed a new challenge. "I never hid the fact that I wanted to play in Spain, at Real Madrid in particular, and I thought it could be the right moment. "Apart from the challenge, everyone realises that Spanish and Portuguese culture and lifestyle are more similar. I also have to recognise that my family would welcome the change,” Ronaldo added in an interview with Inside United magazine. "The chance of being an hour's flight from my family was very attractive. The people at United, particularly the manager, understood my reasons. "What I said publicly, which was maybe a little naive, I take total responsibility for. I just said what I thought: I have a dream of playing at Real and I thought it was time to move on.” After winning the Champions League, Ronaldo admits his head was swayed by the prospect of fulfilling a childhood dream and was desperate for United to sanction a move to the Bernabeu. "I knew Real were interested in me and they had, allegedly, made a substantial offer. For a while, I wanted United to accept. If we hadn't been European champions, I probably wouldn't have thought about going to Madrid. And another thing - I never wanted to leave against United's will. "I'm 100 per cent professional and have always given my heart and soul to this club. "If one day I leave, I want to do it knowing I did everything I could to help the club win as much as possible."

5th September 2008, 10:41	#2 (permalink)
Bilbo First Team Sub Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 5,777	Nothing much to forgive, if you ask me. I always backed him over the summer.

5th September 2008, 10:47	#3 (permalink)
MUFCgal Reserve Team Player Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Belfast,Northern Ireland Posts: 4,150	A lot of the opposition fans are creaming themselves over Ronnie coming back because they think he isn't gonna give a 100% for us. They are gonna be in for a huge shock because I don't expect anything less than full committment from Ronnie. He will come back and give it his all, he will put his heart & soul into winning for United and he'll want the fans behind him again.

5th September 2008, 10:48	#4 (permalink)
ThatOldRedMagic Reserve Team Player Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Diss, Norfolk Posts: 2,399	There's not a lot that can be said that hasn't already been said. But much of the negativity surrounding his summer saga was media-fuelled, and the denouement of the stories of certain other players towards the end of the transfer window seemed to cast Ronaldo in the light of honour and integrity. There's nothing to forgive in my book. To expect professional footballers in today's game to put loyalty to club above personal career is not merely naive on the part of the fans, but arrogant and conceited. Viva Ronaldo!!

5th September 2008, 10:49	#5 (permalink)
FlawlessThaw most 'know it all' poster Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: London Posts: 10,545	He's still a cock unless he signs a new contract. If he is off next season it feels wrong cheering him on but I agree with MUFCgal, I envisage Ronaldo giving his all on the pitch because that's the type of player he is. If he was giving less than 100%, Ferguson wouldn't stand for it.

5th September 2008, 10:50	#6 (permalink)
Virtuoso Reserve Team Player Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: London, England Posts: 636	There wasn't that much to forgive especially after that long interview he did in the Portuguese mag I think it was, but more importantly when Sir Alex cleared most of it up just before that. I was never hugely upset or angered by Ronaldo, more disappointed. At no point did he even attempt to make his position at our club untenable by taking a swipe at the club or management, he felt he wanted to move and he never destroyed all the bridges with the club over it as others this summer have. In my honest opinion, he's handled the whole situation better than any other player this summer in the Prem who was in one of these long will-he-won't-he sagas and thinking of moving from their club. At the time of all the fuss, he stayed quiet which was frustrating for us fans but at least the main thing was that the club and him were in contact and at the end of it all - the best outcome for us has come out. He definitely could have handled the whole situation better, but he's been completely honest about his part in the whole affair unlike the vast majority of players in similar situations (Lampard?) and though having been frustrated, my respect and support for him is still well and truly in tact.

5th September 2008, 10:52	#7 (permalink)
Red For Ever Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 1,644	Someone is giving him good advice ( at last ) it needs to be done but it will take a lot more than one piece in a magazine

5th September 2008, 10:52	#8 (permalink)
Trippin_Stoned Reserve Team Player Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 1,798	Ronaldo is many things but when he goes on the pitch I've never questioned his desire to win, I don't think anyone can. I'm sure that won't change. I forgive him for his role in the whole Real Madrid saga. Others might not yet but the way to get them back on his side is to do what he does best, and better than anyone else. Play football. Can't wait to see him back in action, its been too long.

5th September 2008, 11:09	#12 (permalink)
born&raisedred Youth Team Player Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 273	I think his high profile meant that the media blew a lot of what happened out of proportion, berbatov did far worse to spurs, forcing a move against their will, but these are professionals playing hundreds of miles away from their home towns, can you really expect the same loyalty as local lads.

5th September 2008, 11:21	#13 (permalink)
Tibs Reserve Team Player Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 2,864	Viva Ronaldo.

5th September 2008, 11:29	#16 (permalink)
Jacob ralugeR maeT tsriF Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: I'm here Posts: 12,259	Yet again he has opened his mouth in vain. And yet again has he reiterated his stance to join Madrid one day. Please Ronaldo shut it and let the football do your talking.

5th September 2008, 11:43	#20 (permalink)
cw1984 Reserve Team Player Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: X-Box 360 gamertag = CW1984 Posts: 2,718	He's a young lad and about 200k a week was being waved under his nose. I dont blame him for having his head turned!! He's ours though, that's the important thing. He's the difference in this league IMO.

5th September 2008, 11:53	#25 (permalink)
henno Reserve Team Player Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: over there ----> Posts: 1,166	ronaldo = completely forgiven and understood. the kid wants to play for his childhood fav team... so what.. let him do it in the twilight of his career.... like what keane did.....

5th September 2008, 11:57	#28 (permalink)
fatboy Reserve Team Player Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 2,295	Sometimes boyhood dreams are just that. Hopefully he can come to realise that Real Madrid is not necessarily the "spiritual" home he believes it to be. When he's done playing football, he'll still be only what? 34? 35? He could retire and live with his family the next 50 years in any Portuguese or Spanish city, in total luxury, for the rest of his life. Still, if he ever wants to move, then so be it, as long as he does so with dignity. Hopefully we have the grace to allow him to do so as well. But as long as he has that Red shirt on, nothing less than 100% will do.