20 August 2007, by Lorna Danion

Ronaldo praises quick Nani adaptation

Winger claims he did no wrong in red-card incident

Cristiano Ronaldo feels that Nani has adapted well to life at Manchester United, while admitting to being frustrated at the suspension that is currently keeping him out of action.

Nani joined United from Ronaldo’s former club, Sporting, during the summer and has impressed during his early outings for the Red Devils, having been thrown into the team following injuries and suspensions.

“He is in good shape,” Ronaldo said of his compatriot. “He’s done good things, he’s played a lot and he’s very confident. I hope he continues because like that he will help the club.”

Ronaldo also added his view on Nani’s somersault celebration, which is rumoured to have been discouraged by Alex Ferguson. “Personally I like to see the celebration, but this is a matter between him and the coach,” Ronaldo said, before adding that “A player of his quality maybe feels disappointed,” when asked about his team-mate’s omission from the recent Portugal squad.

With United currently sitting in the lower reaches of the Premiership after two draws and a defeat from their opening three league games, Ronaldo admits to still feeling frustrated by the red card he received against Portsmouth.

No wrongdoing

“The cameras show that I did nothing at all. I didn’t do anything and I’ve been punished with three games, which I find absurd. Now I have to think about the future and train well so that when I come back I’m at my best.”

“I have to continue to work calmly because I know the people who work with me at my club and in the national team are my friends. I’m completely calm.”

“There are some people who want to prejudice us, but we have to put that out of our mind. I am always prepared for all bad things that may happen to me. That is why I do not see any problem.

“My conscience is clear because I didn’t do anything much, but when a person wants to prejudice someone else they always arrange some way to do it. I’m not an aggressive player and things sort themselves out in the best way.

“We (United) wanted to start well, but the most important thing is to keep working. Of course we didn’t want to start with two draws, but it isn’t how you start that counts. It is how you finish and I am certain that things will turn out well.”


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