Ronaldo: Goal Made Me Sad
Sun: CRISTIANO RONALDO felt sorry for Sporting Lisbon as his header sank his former club in the Champions League.
The Manchester United winger kept his celebrations muted after scoring the only goal of the game.
And he said: “Manchester is my team. But I like Sporting — it’s my second home and I am a little bit sad.
“These people are very important to me. But I am happy for the victory.
“It was a perfect night — I score, I win, it was great for Manchester United. It is always important to win away.
“It was a fantastic game that everyone enjoyed and I think the result was fair.”
United boss Alex Ferguson revelled in this victory, then cried: “Bring on Chelsea.”
It was the Red Devils’ fourth 1-0 victory in a row and sets them up perfectly for the league visit of the Blues to Old Trafford on Sunday.
Ferguson said: “It is not going to do us any harm going into Sunday on this run of victories.
“That is a massive game for us now and we are going into it with a good continuity of play and consistency. We have also got a lot of players coming back into the team to also improve our chances.”
Ronaldo, 22, got a special ovation from the Sporting fans after his goal and at the end of the game.
Fergie added: “I am delighted for Ronaldo. It is rare in modern football to get a reception like that when you go back to your old club.
“But they recognise that they helped in the development of an incredible young talent.
“We are fortunate to have him in the best years of his life but the Sporting fans deserve great praise for their actions.
“That is his first goal of the season and there is no reason why he cannot go on and better his total of 23 from last season.”
