Unfazed ... Jose Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo (Getty)
Real Madrid coach
Ronaldo has been at the centre of intense gossip about his future after revealing since Madrid's home win over Granada this month that he did not celebrate his two goals in the match because he was "sad" for professional reasons, but without elaborating.
The Spanish media was quick to suggest the 27-year-old, who has scored 150 goals in 149 matches for Real since his world-record £80 million ($123 million) move from Manchester United, was eager to leave the Bernabeu, while his desire for a new improved contract was also mooted as a possible reason for Ronaldo's discontent.
The
Asked about the situation at the pre-match press conference for Monday's (AEST) league trip to
"If Cristiano's sad and he plays like he plays, then that's perfect for me.
"Cristiano works at 100 per cent, plays at 100 per cent. At times he does better and other times worse. He cannot be the match-winner in every game but he's always a team player, who in every training session and in terms of discipline is exemplary.
"I don't have to worry about things that for me are supplementary and not fundamental."
Mourinho also urged the media and public to judge Ronaldo on his performances and not speculate on other issues.
"I think you (media) have had 15 days to speculate because there hasn't been any football or special international matches,'" he said.
"Now Cristiano needs peace and tranquility to play football, which is what he knows and likes most.
"You, the Bernabeu and the public, we must evaluate his performances on the pitch and nothing more.
"If tomorrow in the 75th or 80th minute he has played a horrible match, or he's tired, then he'll be taken off and someone else will come on, that's how it is."
Madrid travels to
Primera Division
Sevilla wants more for Alberto
Sevilla appears to be holding out for a better price for midfielder Luis Alberto, despite sporting director Ramon Verdejo admitting Liverpool has made a 'very good' offer.
Australia v Iraq
Australia hosted Iraq at Sydney's Stadium Australia in its final AFC Group B FIFA World Cup qualifier with a place at Brazil 2014 on the line.
0 Comments
The Da Vinci Cup (DVD)
Join Pauly Falzoni of Fat Pizza fame as he takes us behind the secret conspiracy of the world’s biggest sport.
The Fabric of the Cosmos (DVD)
A mind-blowing new exploration of space, time, and the very nature of reality.
VideoNEW
Podcasts
Blogs





