By Olushola Oloyede.
Yesterday's Champions' League tie
between Manchester United and Real Madrid has shown clearly a true test of emotional
display and strict business character on the side of Cristiano Ronaldo who was
playing in his passionate Old Trafford stadium for the first time since he joined
the Spanish giant on a mega splashed 80million pounds transfer in the 2009
season. The match that ended two goals to one in favor of the visitors saw the
Portuguese ending the Red-Devil's Champions' League dream for the season with his
73rd goal at Old Trafford, 72 of which he had scored for United in the past. At
the end, his business with Real Madrid overwhelmed his love and emotion for
Manchester United.
Ronaldo who was given a warm
welcome by the Man United fans on his arrival to the city, was initially
not in his best form during the game last night. It was observed that throughout the first forty five minutes, the former world footballer of the year did not have any shot on target, and his free space shot which has always been the fear of any goal-keeper was not seen throughout the match. Even when he scored the crucial goal that gave Madrid a lead in the second half, he bluntly refused to tamper with his emotion and that of the Manchester United's supporters, by jubilating. An attitude he first exhibited after his equalizing goal in the first leg of the tie in Bernabeu. This of course shows the psychological challenge that this world famous player might have faced playing against a team he has always re-affirmed his love and commitment for.
not in his best form during the game last night. It was observed that throughout the first forty five minutes, the former world footballer of the year did not have any shot on target, and his free space shot which has always been the fear of any goal-keeper was not seen throughout the match. Even when he scored the crucial goal that gave Madrid a lead in the second half, he bluntly refused to tamper with his emotion and that of the Manchester United's supporters, by jubilating. An attitude he first exhibited after his equalizing goal in the first leg of the tie in Bernabeu. This of course shows the psychological challenge that this world famous player might have faced playing against a team he has always re-affirmed his love and commitment for.
Can anyone ever think of a
player who has left a club, yet goes ahead to repeatedly express his love and
respect for those he left? Who has done this more than Cristiano Ronaldo? Since
his leaving Manchester United, this affection has kept enveloping him. The bond
between the Portuguese and the Old Trafford club is so strong that he keeps re-integrating
his desire to come back to the club. In many of his quotes, he has consistently
emphasized on how happy he was in Manchester. His expression such as "no
place like United" is not disputable. Here are some of his words in recent
time: "It would not feel right to play for anybody else in England apart
from Manchester United. They have been my home for so long, and it would feel like
cheating if I played for anybody else"… "Every time I can, I try to
watch United's games on television; I still like to know what's happening at
Old Trafford. Despite being at Real Madrid, I'm always happy when I know United
has won"… "Of course I miss Manchester, I miss especially the apple
crumble and custard they served at Carrington after training… it was amazing".
Before yesterday’s tie, he was quoted saying "Madrid and United are the
two biggest clubs in the world and it's 50-50. It could go either ways. Manchester
was my home and still in my heart. I love it, because when people treat you
very well, you will never forget that. I will never forget United, the people
who work there and the supporters. So I am so happy to be going home, back to
Manchester".
However
despite his emotional attachment to his former team, Ronaldo was on a business
assignment for Real Madrid last night against his loved team, Manchester United
at Old Trafford, playing as a major opponent to the Red-Devils. What a dilemma!
Even though it was difficult, he later sealed the match for Spanish team, three
minutes after Lucas Modric had re-awoken the Blancos with his equalizer in the
66 minutes of the second half, leveling with United who had had a lead in the
early minutes of the second half from a home goal which came from defender Sergio
Ramos, with Ronaldo’s goal making it two goals to one.
It
was no doubt a heart break, not only to Manchester United fans, but also to Christiano
Ronaldo who even though on the field playing against United, still saw many of
the United's fans with his pictures and different captions, welcoming him back
to Old Trafford. The Portuguese could be said to have engaged in a battle of
business and emotion, of which the business part was more powerful than his
emotion to the team of his heart Manchester United. His responsibility was
first to Real Madrid… it was business; therefore, his business had to prevail
over his emotion.
How I wished the two clubs ended the game with 11 players each. Well CR7 really tried by controlling his emotions,which nobody else,even TEVEZ and ADEBAYO cant do. Love u C-BOBO
ReplyDeleteRonaldo shows how humble and human he ıs,rıght there ın Manchester.
ReplyDeleteIt was a very emotional match.
ReplyDeleteYeah, what an emotional game that the CR7 who is very formidable against Barcelona FC couldnt even fire a shot @ Man Divived's goal post... Halla Madrid!
ReplyDeleteWorld class Ronaldo showing great character.
ReplyDeleteLOL! That was really funny! YcDress and DressesForBest
ReplyDelete