Wayne Rooney determined to fill Ronaldo's boots as well as his own

 

The load on Wayne Rooney's shoulders can be judged by a comment from Carlos Tevez just before the Carling Cup final. The Argentinian described the combination of himself, Cristiano Ronaldo and Rooney as "the best forward line in the world". Suddenly, a few months on, there is just the boy from Croxteth left.

Since their season ended in the bitter anticlimax of the European Cup final Manchester United have lost two footballers worth more than £100m who last season provided 41 goals. The challenge of filling the void looms before Rooney but it is not one he was ever likely to shirk.
In United's first game since the departures of Ronaldo and Tevez, played in heat and humidity that Sir Alex Ferguson half-jokingly suggested required medical attention just to watch, Rooney drove into the fray, scoring the first goal in a 3-2 win over Malaysia and setting up Nani for United's second. When with England, Rooney has confessed to disliking friendlies, missing the intensity of a fixture where goals translate into points. However, with 85,000 in the Bukit Jalil stadium which erupted even when he clipped the ball into an unguarded net in the warm-up, Rooney could not be accused of failing to give value for money.
Afterwards he accepted that the season ahead, which may just end in a World Cup final in Johannesburg on 11 July, would be a draining one. "With Cristiano gone, it leaves a huge hole when it comes to goals," he said. "We all need to score more, especially me and Dimitar Berbatov, than we did last year.
"We don't feel let down by Cristiano. I have spoken to him since he left. He was a great player for Manchester United but it was his wish to go and I think the club have respected that. We always knew he was going to go sometime. For the club and for himself it was a good deal and the six years we got out of him were brilliant."
Despite the part Ronaldo may have played in Rooney's dismissal in the World Cup, the two were close, bound by an unfettered love of the game. Before kick-off at Old Trafford they would invariably be juggling a football in the dressing-room. He got on well with Tevez, who remarked that playing alongside Rooney was "an absolute joy" and delighted in teaching him Spanish swear-words. Rooney is more reticent about Tevez's departure: "He was a great lad and it was a shame that it [his contract] never got sorted out. I am sure a lot of people will have a lot to say about him joining Manchester City but I don't want to say too much."
Last summer, as the club toured South Africa, Ferguson confessed to having misused Rooney. The United manager admitted he had fallen victim to the temptation of allowing Rooney to play all over the pitch, sometimes because he always craves the ball, sometimes to do a specific job for Manchester United.
Ferguson promised Rooney he would play as an-out-and-out centre-forward, which did not always happen. Even in the European Cup final he was isolated on the left flank, with Ronaldo operating as a centre-forward. This time he will almost demand to go through the middle.
"We haven't spoken about it but I am sure that is where I will play," Rooney said. "Everyone knows it is my best position and, hopefully, that is where I will be. It is less work, you get more chances and, as a forward, that is what you want." Certainly Rooney has developed his close-range work – the goal he scored against Malaysia was a tap-in, an aspect he scarcely bothered with at Everton. Michael Owen's winner, which ensured the match ended with images of United's most unexpected summer signing on the Bukit Jalil's giant screens, was similar.
Owen remarked before kick-off that, if Rooney could improve his game by "five per cent" and if he could cast off the chains of despair that dragged him down at Newcastle, the gap left by Ronaldo and Tevez could be filled. Certainly Owen seems a more natural partner for Rooney than Tevez and until Owen broke his foot in December 2005 they were England's first-choice strike force. "We are delighted to get him," said Rooney. "He is a great goal-scorer, a good finisher and we are all sure he will bring us some goals. I think the move will give him a new lease of life. Over the last couple of years he has had some criticism but, to be honest, it would have been difficult for anyone to have scored in that Newcastle side."


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Kaka surprised by speed of Real's move for Ronaldo

Kaka was surprised Real Madrid swooped for Cristiano Ronaldo so soon after his own move to the Bernabeu was announced.

The Brazilian completed his switch from AC Milan for a fee of around £56m last Monday.
Only three days later, Manchester United confirmed they had accepted a bid of £80m for Ronaldo from Madrid, although the Portugal international has not completed the move.

''I was quite surprised because everything was sorted so quickly,'' Kaka told Globo TV on Monday. ''It was pleasant surprise, not a bad one. He is an excellent player who can bring a lot to the team.
''To have players who can decide a match on their own is very important and Cristiano can do that.''
Asssuming Ronaldo's deal is completed, the double capture of the Portuguese and Kaka represents a stunning raid to land perhaps the best two players in world football.

The amount of money being spent by Madrid under president Florentino Perez, who returned this summer for a second spell in charge, has come in for strong criticism, but Kaka defended the architect of the 'Galacticos' policy.

''It is a political problem,'' Kaka said. ''Florentino has his project, his way to invest. It is not something negative for football, but positive.

''The Barcelona president (Joan Laporta) has criticised us, but they are very strong. The way Real can be a competitive team again is to have an ambitious project like Florentino's.''

Cristiano Ronaldo is simply the best

Cristiano Ronaldo has come a long way from that slightly gawky 18-year-old who performed almost as many dives as step-overs, and whose final product was somewhat lacking.

He has come a long way, too, from that hate figure for English football, vilified for his part in Wayne Rooney's sending-off during the 2006 World Cup.

Now, quite simply, Ronaldo is recognised as the best player in the world.
And now his career is set for another chapter.

The 24-year-old's world record £80million move to Real Madrid from Manchester United was rubber-stamped last night with the player having agreed a six-year contract with the Spanish giants.

The second 'galacticos' era under Florentino Perez kicked off earlier this month with the signing of Brazil playmaker Kaka, and now Real have sealed another massive coup.

So what will Madrid be getting for their money?

He has it all - proficient with either foot, tremendous speed, brilliant dribbling ability, a vicious shot, a free-kick style that he alone has mastered, a goal-poacher's nose, a powerful physique and strength in the air, which was highlighted by heading home the opening goal in last year's Champions League final.

He even manages that little bit of luck all great players seem to have - his penalty miss in the Moscow shoot-out against Chelsea will largely be forgotten as his team-mates got him out of trouble.

Does he have a weakness? Not even his temperament any more, as the occasional tantrums that sometimes surfaced in the past now appear under control.

Ronaldo, in fact, is as close as you can get to the complete footballer.

The story of his discovery by United is the stuff of legend now.

Sir Alex Ferguson had already been alerted to the 18-year-old's promise by his assistant Carlos Queiroz when United were invited to play Sporting Lisbon in a friendly to inaugurate their new stadium in August 2003.

Sporting won 3-0, and the United players were so impressed by the Portuguese teenager they implored Ferguson to sign him. Within a week, he had done so, for £12.24million - an astonishing sum for such a young player untested in the Premier League.

"In the dressing room after the match the lads were talking about him constantly," said Ferguson.
"On the plane back home from the game they urged me to sign him - that's how highly they rated him.

He was one of the most exciting young players I had ever seen."

Ferguson had to move quickly because by that time Queiroz was at Real Madrid and was trying to persuade his sporting director there, Jorge Valdano, to move for Ronaldo, but United swooped first.

Born on the island of Madeira, Ronaldo began his career with FC Andorinha, who turned down an offer of just £175 from Maritimo for an offer of two seasons' worth of kit and equipment from Nacional.

His move to Sporting was equally low key - as part-exchange instead of cash when a defender called Franco moved the other way.

Ronaldo did not settle in well on the mainland, though, and was expelled from his first school.
"When I arrived at Lisbon, the teacher was making fun of my Madeira accent. I didn't like it and I threw a chair at her," he confessed later.

Sporting agreed the precocious talent could concentrate on football and, on August 15, 2001, he was handed his senior debut as a 16-year-old.

Once at United, taking over the number seven shirt that had belonged to David Beckham was no small task, and initially there were some doubts about his tendency to over-elaborate, not to mention his propensity to dive.

Ferguson worked on both weaknesses, and soon they were ironed out - even if opposition fans still believe the way he sometimes collapses under a challenge is over-dramatic.

Any lingering doubts were dispelled by the 2004 FA Cup final, when he dazzled during United's 3-0 win over Millwall.

After the World Cup three years ago, there were serious doubts whether he would return to United or join Real Madrid, such was the public loathing following the England v Portugal match.

It was partly thanks to Rooney, who made it clear there were no hard feelings on his part, that Ronaldo was rehabilitated.

And, although the Portuguese forward came in for some grief from opposing fans, soon they realised that actually they were being given an opportunity to witness true footballing genius.

He scored 23 goals in 2006-07, and as importantly was credited with 20 'assists', and won both major Footballer of the Year prizes.

In the 2007-08 season, he almost doubled his goals tally - an astonishing achievement - although his assists' total was around a third of the previous figure, which was perhaps an indication he was being played in a more direct role by Ferguson.

Once again, he was the only real candidate for both domestic gongs.

After missing the start of the 2008-09 campaign through injury, he went on to bag another 26 goals in all competitions to help United retain their league title and reach the Champions League final for a second year in succession.

In December he picked up the Ballon d'Or and in January added the 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year accolade to his personal haul - official recognition that he is the best footballer on the planet.

CRISTIANO RONALDO FACTFILE
1985: Born February 5 in Funchal on the Portuguese island of Madeira.

2002: Makes his debut for Sporting Lisbon in the Portuguese Super Liga at the age of 17 after winning international caps for Portugal's youth sides.

2003: August 6 - Scores in pre-season friendly against Manchester United.

August 8 - Completes a £12.24million transfer to United, taking the number seven shirt following the sale of then England captain David Beckham to RealMadrid.

August 16 - Makes his debut as a second-half substitute in opening-day 4-0 win over Bolton at Old Trafford.

August 20 - Plays for Portugal's full national side in 1-0 win over Kazakhstan.

November 1 - Scores his first goal for United in the 3-0 victory over Portsmouth at Old Trafford.
2004: May 22 - Dazzles in United's 3-0 FA Cup final victory over Millwall.

June 24 - Scores in the shoot-out as Portugal knock England out of the European Championships 6-5 on penalties.

July 4 - Plays in Euro 2004 final, which Portugal lose 1-0 to Greece.

2005 October 19 - Arrested and questioned by police after an allegation of rape at a London hotel is made against him. Ronaldo asserts his innocence. No charges are brought.

November 18 - Agrees two-year extension to his United contract, keeping him at the club until 2010.

2006: July 1 Protests to referee Horacio Elizondo after United team-mate Wayne Rooney clashes with Ricardo Carvalho in the World Cup quarter-final between Portugal and England. Rooney is sent off and television pictures catch Ronaldo winking towards the bench. Scores the winning penalty in the shoot-out to knock out England.

July 8 - After losing the third-place play-off to Germany, Ronaldo reveals he wants to leave United. Admits he would like a move to Spain, having been linked with Real Madrid.

July 7 - United stress there is "no possibility" Ronaldo will be sold.

2007: February 6 - Named captain of the Portugal team for a friendly against Brazil a day after his 22nd birthday.

April 13 - Agrees new five-year deal with Red Devils.

April 22 - Voted both the PFA Player and Young Player of the Year - the first player to land the double award since Andy Gray in 1977.

May - Voted Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association as United win the Premier League title.

December 17 - Finishes third in FIFA World Player of the Year voting, behind winner Kaka and Lionel Messi.

2008: March 19 - Scores twice in a 2-0 win over Bolton - taking his tally for
2007-08 to 33 - to beat George Best's 40-year-old club record for goals scored by a winger in a single season.

April 27 - Voted PFA Player of the Year for the second year running.

May 5 - United claim Premier League title with win at Wigan.

May 14 - Real Madrid claim they have the funds to purchase Ronaldo.

May 21 - Heads United in front in Champions League final against Chelsea in Moscow. The game goes to penalties and, despite Ronaldo missing his kick, United win the shoot-out. Ends the season with 42 goals.

May 22 - Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster says he believes Ronaldo will play for the Spanish club at some point in his career.

June 2 - Ronaldo is reported to have told Brazilian website Terra that he wants to join Madrid, if they can meet United's asking price.

June 6 - United report Madrid to FIFA over their pursuit of Ronaldo.

June 19 - Unable to prevent Portugal being dumped out of Euro 2008 as Luiz Felipe Scolari's team lose 3-2 to Germany in the quarter-finals.

July 7 - Ronaldo undergoes surgery on his injured ankle in Amsterdam.

August 8 - Tells Portuguese newspaper Publico he will remain with Manchester
United "for at least another year".

August 17 - Makes his return from injury as a 62nd-minute substitute in a home goalless draw with Villarreal in the Champions League.

November 15 - Scores 100th goal for Manchester United with the first of a brace against Stoke.
November 30 - Sent off for two yellow cards in the Manchester derby, the second caution coming after a bizarre handball incident.

December 2 - Wins the prestigious Ballon d'Or, convincingly seeing off competition from second-placed Messi and Liverpool's Fernando Torres, in third.

2009: January 8 - Escapes uninjured after writing off his Ferrari sports car by crashing into a roadside barrier under a tunnel near Manchester Airport on his way to training.

January 12 - Named FIFA World Player of the Year at gala ceremony in Zurich.

May 16 - Helps United win Premier League title with 0-0 draw against Arsenal.

May 27 - Unable to prevent United losing 2-0 to Barcelona in the Champions League final in Rome.
June 11 - United accept a world-record £80million bid from Real Madrid.

June 26 - United and Real confirm they have finalised an agreement for the transfer of Ronaldo. The player has agreed a six-year contract with Madrid.

FIVE MEGA DEALS

Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Real Madrid from Manchester United was finalised tonight with the Portuguese officially joining the Spanish giants on July 1 for a world record transfer fee of £80million.
Here, we look at five other record-breaking deals.

1 Kaka, £56million from AC Milan to Real Madrid 2009
Just three days before Real revealed they had an agreement to sign Ronaldo, they made their first major purchase of the summer following Florentino Perez's return as president with the capture of brilliant Brazilian Kaka. The midfielder had rejected a move to Manchester City in January - for nearly double the fee - but the bumper pay day for cash-strapped Milan sealed the deal this time.

2 Zinedine Zidane, £46.7million, Juventus to Real Madrid 2001
Following the controversial arrival of Luis Figo in the Spanish capital a year before, Perez continued his now-infamous 'galacticos' project with the capture of the then FIFA World Player of the Year Zinedine Zidane from Italian giants Juventus for a world record fee.

3 Luis Figo, £37million, Barcelona to Real Madrid 2000
Perez was elected Real president in the summer of 2000 on the back of his promise to do the unthinkable and bring the star player from arch-rivals Barcelona to the Bernabeu. Upon appointment he was true to his word, breaking the world transfer record by signing Figo for £37million.

4 Hernan Crespo, £35.7million Parma to Lazio 2000
In the summer of 2000, Sven-Goran Eriksson's Lazio were Serie A champions and flush with cash following the sale of Christian Vieri to Inter Milan a year before for a then world-record fee. They spent £35.7million of their money on Parma's Hernan Crespo, who finished top scorer in the league in his first season in Rome but was unable to help the club defend their Scudetto and also left for Inter in 2002.

5 Robinho, £32.5million, Real Madrid to Manchester City 2008
Having been taken over by the super-rich Abu Dhabi United Group on the final day of the 2008 summer transfer window, the new owners of Manchester City made a signal of their intent by beating Chelsea to the signing of unsettled Brazilian star Robinho from Real Madrid in a Premier League record deal worth £32.5million.


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Cristiano Ronaldo can learn a lot from David Beckham

She unveiled a miniature mansion for her 13 dogs, offered to become Susan Boyle's style guru, and jettisoned a Z-list boyfriend.

By an amazing coincidence she also stumbled over Cristiano Ronaldo, the world's most expensive footballer.

According to an understandably breathless eyewitness, they "swapped spit".
Niiice. Wait till Mummy gets you home, young man.

Say what you like about Paris, she's a pro.

Once she surfaced for air, she revealed her intention to name her children Victoria and David after Posh & Pecs.

"They are so hot and I want kids as beautiful as her," she trilled, unwittingly emphasising the pecking order of the world's second favourite game.

In football terms Ronaldo is arm candy, a distracting dalliance. Beckham is roses-around-the-door royalty.
It's the difference between a shell suit and an Armani suit, which for Goldenballs comes free with a £32million underwear contract.

The Winker has lots to learn from him on and off the pitch.

The Beckhams were welcomed to Tinseltown by Tom Cruise, Will Smith, Demi Moore and their other halves.

Ronaldo was a passing fancy for the paparazzi, an extra in a film that will go straight to DVD. He's another wannabe, orbiting the outer reaches of the celebrity galaxy. He might be the world's best footballer, but his move to Madrid has little to do with football.
President Perez is the Noughties' answer to Sam Goldwyn, a film studio boss in the business of selling dreams.

He wants Ronaldo to drive the e-economy, to become a salesman for a new generation of interactive internet content.

Beckham sold a million Madrid shirts in six months.


Ron must shift 30million in six years. He can do that only by building a brand capable of penetrating the favelas of Sao Paulo, the slums of Mexico City and sweatshops of rural China.

Madrid are chasing fool's gold. Since you can buy a counterfeit replica shirt for less than a fiver, revenue from official merchandise in the emerging world is relatively insignificant.

Even the marketing monolith that is Manchester United makes only £3m a year from assorted souvenir sales in Asia.

A stroll down Oxford Street, where homo-erotic images of his waxed torso dominate Selfridges, confirms that Brand Beckham is the real deal.

Ronaldo simply lacks class, showroom sheen.

Becks gives good copy, smiles on cue, plays to the gallery.

I saw him creating a minor riot in the car park of Almaty's Central Stadium.

Children crawled through our legs, pawed at him as if he were a 17th-century saint.

He was so at ease amid the madness. He never missed a beat, eulogising the potential of Fabio Capello's England. It was meaningless, but PR gold.

Don't bet against him making the World Cup squad and returning to the Premier League once he's done the chore of an 11 game spell with LA Galaxy.

Beckham makes sense of management speak, like "There's no I in team". He Walks the Talk. It's "We" not "Me".

In injury time at Wembley in midweek, he tracked back 50 yards to give away a free-kick and stop an Andorran attack.

He provided unnecessary confirmation of his work ethic.

Ronaldo lacks maturity, empathy and strength of character. He's shallow and self-obsessed.
He needs to learn the world does not revolve around him.

A few more nights in Paris should do the trick.