Skip navigation
Site powered by
Latest news:
msnbc.com: Top msnbc.com headlines: Spartans hand Buckeyes rare home loss

Real Madrid Coach Jose Mourinho Insists Cristiano Ronaldo Doesn't Dive

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has insisted that star forward Cristiano Ronaldo is not a diver and also identified Group G opponents Milan as serious contenders for the UEFA Champions League this term.

Speaking at a UEFA coaches forum in Nyon, Switzerland, the self-proclaimed Special One suggested that honest players get less protection from match officials than those who simulate. Mourinho also credited Ronaldo's honesty to his time at Manchester United under the tutelage of Alex Ferguson.

"Cristiano is a player who does not have the culture of the swimming pool, he has no culture of simulation, he is a British-trained player, Ferguson trained," he insisted, as quoted by AS.

"In some cases, the simulators are given more protection, and those who are honest are often the losers. I'm not a hypocrite if I say that they [defenders] hit Cristiano very hard, and that the yellow cards do not arrive or are slow in coming."

On the Rossoneri, Mourinho declared that with the new arrivals the Serie A outfit have one of the best attacking lineups in world football, worthy of adding to their six European Cups.

"An attack with [Alexandre] Pato, [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic, Robinho, and Ronaldinho is one of the strongest attacks in the world and they are candidates, certain candidates, to win the competition," he noted.


For all the latest transfer news visit Goal.com's Transfer Zone and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!

© 2010 Goal.com

advertisement
More news
Image:
AP
Man U prevails as tempers flare

  Luis Suarez's refusal to shake hands with Patrice Evra overshadowed Manchester United's 2-1 win over rival Liverpool that lifted the defending champions to first place in the Premier League on Saturday.

Image: Alex Morgan,  Abby Wombach
AP
Alex the great

Alex Morgan's 2 goals, including the winner in stoppage time, lift the U.S. past New Zealand 2-1.

Slideshow
Sylvie van der Vaart
  Just for kicks
Take a look at soccer wives and girlfriends from all over the world.