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Mourinho: Ronaldo is fine

Comment: 0 January 11th, 2012 by: admin

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho rushed to the defence of star player Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been criticised lately for his comparatively dispassionate attitude during matches.

The striker has been under heavy scrutiny for apparently not showing elation or any other sign of celebration when scoring goals.

Speculations are pointing to this lack of reaction as a sign of the striker’s loss of passion for the Spanish Primera Division.

The latest related incident took place during Real Madrid’s 5-1 victory against Granada last week, during which Real Madrid supporters jeered at Ronaldo who simply walked away nonchalantly after scoring a goal in the 89^th minute.

The widespread reaction apparently further frustrated the striker, who in response made an angry gesture meant for the crowd.

‘He seems fine to me,’ said the manager.  ‘I think it’s more relevant that he celebrates the goals that win games and not the 5^th goal in the 90^th minute.

‘I saw him celebrate the other four that were the most important ones,’ Mourinho continued.

‘If there are going to be criticisms of a player for not celebrating goals, then why not criticise me because I didn’t celebrate any of the five goals.  I didn’t even get up.’

Ronaldo has recently been the subject of crowd dissatisfaction, first during Real’s defeat to Barcelona last month when the striker failed to find the net.  The last two home games have also shown massive scrutiny towards the Portuguese, who has been accused of selfishness.

Suggestions that the striker’s passion at the La Liga is beginning to wear and, thin has been leading some experts to imagine Ronaldo’s possible return to Manchester United.

Some also point to a development in Spain’s income tax law that mandates foreign players to pay 54 percent, following the abolishment of the Beckham Law (named after David Beckham) that required only 24 percent.

Repealing the Beckham Law is expected to result in disastrous consequences for squads and players, including Ronaldo who currently receives £250,000 weekly.

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