Ronaldo is a coward to react to fans’ criticism

Cristiano Ronaldo refused to celebrate his goal during last weekend’s La Liga clash between Real Madrid and Granada. That he was reacting to taunts from the Real fans, who are unhappy with his recent performances. The Portuguese striker has been under fire since his below-par showing in the El Clasico in December last year, and some fans feel that he can be quite selfish at times, and I totally agree with them. Real Madrid are sitting very comfortably at the top of the table with a five point lead over bitter rivals Barcelona, thanks in large part to 21 league goals from the Portuguese star. Statistics suggest that the former Manchester United winger-cum forward has done quite a lot since arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu. This is his third season. In his first season, he scored 33 goals in all competitions, and last year, he netted a staggering 53 times (including 41 in La Liga) and he’s so far found the back of the net 26 times this season, goals that helped put Real Madrid top their Champions League group with six victories from six. But the monster in the room with CR7 is his uninspiring record against Barca, something that supporters in the Bernabeu were reminded of in December during the 3-1 home defeat to the Catalan club. Scoring his 21st La Liga goal of the season (Madrid’s 5th) in the 5-1 victory, Ronaldo simply bowed his head and trekked back to the halfway line almost as though he’d scored an own goal, refusing to acknowledge his team mates! It can be frustrating for any professional sportsman to be jeered by his/her team’s own fans, but to react the way of the Portuguese star leaves a lot to be desired. Excuse me for taking this route, but I think it’s cowardice to react that way just because a small section of fans aren’t happy with your day’s shift. Inevitably, the world’s most expensive footballer has been warned by the Madrid influential daily, “Cristiano is a wonderful player but sometimes his pride let’s him down in some aspects.” “If Cristiano doesn’t like how the Madrid fans express themselves, the worst thing he can do is show it during the celebration of a goal.” And I can’t agree more. Even Real Madrid’s President of Honour, Alfredo di Stefano, added his weight behind the fans’ action by claiming that “the public have the right to do what they want as they are paying.” There is some murmur that the Ronaldo is actually feeling threatened by the improved form of fellow strikers Benzema and Higuain recently. He feels the pair is stealing some of the limelight and glamour from his display. I have said it before and will continue to say it, Ronaldo a selfish player, which makes him believe that every time he gets possession he will score, and this belief often blocks his team mates in better positions from his mindset. So, instead of sulking, the only way for this confidence to return, and believe me, he can have it aplenty, is to play well, and with Benzema and Higuain alongside him, the more sensible option would be to share the attention with them and assist, rather than shooting every time he faces the opposition goal. nku78@yahoo.com