The Hindu : Sport / Football : Cristiano will be able to cope: Ferguson

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Wednesday, Jul 19, 2006

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Cristiano will be able to cope: Ferguson

MANCHESTER: Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is confident that Cristiano Ronaldo will be able to cope with fans berating him for his recent behaviour.

The Portugal winger was vilified in England for his part in the sending off of Wayne Rooney — his United teammate — in Portugal's win over England in a World Cup quarterfinal. Rooney was ejected in the 62nd minute after stomping on Portugal defender Ricardo Carvalho. Ronaldo ran up to the referee to protest Rooney's actions, and the England striker shoved him away. TV cameras caught Ronaldo winking towards the Portugal bench after Rooney was dismissed.

``I haven't spoken to him since the World Cup, but there have been other players down the years who have had stick,'' Ferguson said on Tuesday.

``David Beckham came back after the World Cup in 1998 and had it, while Eric Cantona had it all the time — everywhere he went. They can only boo for so long, and if you're playing well and winning, it quietens them down.''

Ronaldo's future at United had been in doubt after the incident and the 21-year-old said he wants to end his three-year stint at Old Trafford to move to Real Madrid. However, Ferguson said Ronaldo wasn't affected when he was jeered during the World Cup and would be at Manchester United when the English Premier League season kicks off on August 19.

Fantastic attitude

``He's got a fantastic attitude and he's a really strong character,'' Ferguson said. Without any question, Ronaldo will be our player next season and for the rest of his contract. I haven't paid much attention to what Cristiano is supposed to have said about his future, but he will be back on July 31 to start training again with us.''

The team is currently on a pre-season tour of South Africa. — AP

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