Is Ronaldo the new Columbus?

Never accuse Carlos Queiroz of resorting to cliche. The Manchester United assistant manager has contributed to the row with Real Madrid by claiming that their pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo is fuelled by Spain's centuries-old rivalry with Portugal.

Speaking to Jornal de Noticias, a Portuguese newspaper, Queiroz said Real were trying to naturalise the Portugal winger as a Spaniard and compared his situation to that of Christopher Columbus, the explorer who both countries claim as their own.

"They already did the same with Christopher Columbus, and it now seems they want to naturalise Cristiano Ronaldo," he said.

With Portugal preparing for Euro 2008, Queiroz knows the furore surrounding his compatriot's future could not have come at a worse time for their national team. "It's being done in a manner to distract the Portugal team, at the height of their preparations for the European Championships," he said. "But I am convinced that despite pressure from the Spanish sporting press he will not accept to change his nationality. It is an attack with a well-defined strategy and Portugal should be worried about that."

He may have gone a long way over the top, but the United No 2 can calm down now. Real have promised to end their pursuit of the forward in order to maintain a cordial relationship with the Premier League champions. Good news, we don't want an international incident.

Comments

[JayDee]

Columbus was Italian. Move along.

[Fernando (Madrid)]

Spain's centuries-old rivalry with Portugal?? CR the new Columbus?? Oh sure, and I am Philip II.
Some people have too much free time, I think.