Showing posts with label Heros. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Heros. Show all posts

"Ronaldo can Make History". Uefa Champios League Final 2009


Ronaldo, who admits his affection for Spanish football, claims that means much more to him than winning the world footballer of the year trophy last season when he beat Barcelona's Lionel Messi into second place.

Ronaldo said: "I like the Spanish league.

"I feel well in England in the Premier League, it is the strongest league. Barcelona have a great team which deserves respect but I believe we are better than them and we will show it.

"I respect Barcelona profoundly. Messi is playing marvellously well. I want to be sincere. I have to play well tomorrow for the team and the supporters. I look forward to it and I think it will be really special.

"I don't care about the Ballon D'or. What I want more is to win the Champions League. That's it.

"I just want to be the first team in history to win it twice."

Ronaldo has dismissed any fears about playing in white, like the Real Madrid side who were annihilated 6-2 by Barcelona recently.

He also insisted he is happy to carry the burden of the spotlight which constantly surrounds him.

"It's normal that people speak about me but I am 100% focused on this game," he said.

"I try to help my team 100%, score a goal and win the game. That's it."

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson also gave an insight into what makes Ronaldo United's most potent threat and why he constantly conjures up feats such as the 41-yard free-kick screamer which broke Arsenal hearts in the semi-final second leg at the Emirates.

Ferguson said: "There's no mystery. He's always out there after the team training has finished, practising his shots. The great players don't rely on their natural ability, they practice to make sure they have that something extra.

"In the semi-final against Arsenal I could tell he was going to hit it, from the body shape, even though it was so far out."

Heros Of Champions League Final 2009


CRISTIANO RONALDO (forward)
Ronaldo is United's most potent attacking force and their main goal threat, whether it be from set-pieces or open play, but much depends on his attitude - although he is unlikely to get as rough a ride from Barcelona as he would in the Premier League.

Heros Of Champions League Final 2009


WAYNE ROONEY (forward)
Rooney's drive and determination, coupled with his immense talent, make him the most all-round player in the squad and although Ronaldo steals the headlines, it is the versatile England forward who is at the heart of everything.

Heros Of Champions League Final 2009


PARK JI-SUNG (midfielder)
The South Korean's high-energy game and unstinting running mean United's workhorse is consistently reliable and he will be keen to make up for the disappointment of not being selected for last year's final.

Heros Of Champions League Final 2009


RIO FERDINAND (defender)
Despite a couple of niggling injuries Ferdinand has, with regular partner Nemanja Vidic, provided the platform of United's success this season and an improvement in his reading of the game has undoubtedly helped that.

Heros Of Champions League Final 2009














EDWIN VAN DER SAR (goalkeeper)

The former Holland international has brought a consistent excellence to a position which had been United's weak spot and has been on top form this season.



GARY NEVILLE (defender)Injury and age are catching up with the veteran club captain but his experience is invaluable and with one Champions League final and numerous European campaigns behind him, a placeInjury and age are catching up with the veteran club captain but his experience is invaluable and with one Champions League final and numerous European campaigns behind him, a place in the squad is more than justified.

Heros Of Champions League Final 2009


THIERRY HENRY (forward)Arsenal's all-time record goalscorer took his time to settle in Catalonia following his switch in summer 2007, but has now found his feet and bagged 25 goals in all competitions so far this term. Doubtful for Rome after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament strain in his right knee in 6-2 win at Real Madrid on May 2.

Heros Of Champions League Final 2009


LIONEL MESSI (forward)Runner-up to Cristiano Ronaldo in the 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year voting, the diminuitive Argentina forward has continued to blossom over the past 12 months under Guardiola. Sure to strike fear in the heart of any defence - whether playing up front, just off the main striker or on the wing.

Heros Of Champions League Final 2009


ANDRES INIESTA (midfielder)Talented midfielder in the Xavi mould, Iniesta is less defensively capable but has a composure and intelligence beyond his years. A useful dribbler with an excellent passing range, Iniesta broke Chelsea hearts in the semi-final with a stoppage-time away goal past Petr Cech to earn Barca their place in Rome.

Heros Of Champions League Final 2009


XAVI (midfielder)Often underrated in the past, the 29-year-old was recognised as the player of the tournament after Spain's triumphant Euro 2008 campaign and has gone from strength to strength under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola. Composed on the ball, a danger from set-pieces and simply one of the best passers of a ball in the world.

Heros Of Champions League Final 2009


CARLES PUYOL (defender)Only 5ft 11in but with immense physical strength and a fine turn of pace, Puyol is the rock at the heart of the Blaugrana defence. A Barcelona boy through and through, he was a frustrated spectator in the semi-final second leg at Chelsea through suspension and will be chomping at the bit at the thought of getting his hands on the Champions League trophy for the second time.

Heros Of Champions League Final 2009


VICTOR VALDES (goalkeeper)

The only Barca regular uncapped at senior international level, Valdes' tendency to make the odd error has led to him being viewed in some quarters as a weak link. But he is a fantastic shot-stopper, and the 27-year-old has rarely missed a match in La Liga or the Champions League this term and generally been a solid performer throughout.

Heros Of Champions League In Action

Heros Of Champions League In Action

Heros Of Champions League In Action