Kaka: I never wanted to leave Real Madrid, and Jose Mourinho insisted I should remain

The Brazilian midfielder, who is finally hitting the form which earned him a move to the Santiago Bernabeu two years ago, has maintained his desire to stay in the Spanish capital.
Real Madrid midfielder Kaka has revealed that he never considered departing the club, and remains fully committed to their cause despite a difficult start to life in Spain.

The Brazilian star spoke of his admiration for his employers and how he has ambitions of lifting silverware with the Spanish giants.

"I am indebted to Real Madrid," Kaka told reporters. "It would have been very easy to have left, but that is why I chose to raise my game. I have a dream of succeeding at Madrid which I want to realise."

The 28-year-old put in a man-of-the-match display against Ajax in the Champions League on Tuesday, and admits he is delighted to have repaid the faith shown by both president Florentino Perez and coach Jose Mourinho.

"Many reports have claimed that Madrid wanted to sell me, but he [Perez] told me he wouldn't and kept his word," Kaka continued. "I owe a lot to the president."

"Three parties decided [on me staying]. I did not want to leave, Mourinho did not want me to go and the club did not want to sell me either.

"After the game [Perez] gave me a hug and congratulated me. He has always supported us, even through in bad times."

Kaka arrived from AC Milan in the summer of 2009 as one of Perez's first signings after returning to Real Madrid as president, but a mixture of injuries and poor form initially prevented him from living up to his price tag.

What if Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi switched teams? A fan’s view

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi are two of the best players in the world. They play for two of the best teams in the world. Both players and teams have celebrated much success. But what would happen if Ronaldo and Messi switched teams? Here are some thoughts on what might happen to Ronaldo, Messi and the two teams.

Sharing the Ball
The system at Barcelona is dependent on passing and possession. It is orchestrated by their world class midfielders Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta. Xavi and Iniesta maintain possession by holding the ball and making strategic passes. Messi fits in well with this system since he supports Xavi and Iniesta possessing the ball. However, Ronaldo would have to adjust. With Real Madrid, Ronaldo is allowed to be more selfish with the ball. He is asked to beat defenders off the dribble. Ronaldo would have to learn to share the ball more on Barcelona.

Goals Scored
Ronaldo and Messi are prolific goal scorers. Ronaldo is a clinical finisher. He would flourish on Barcelona with Xavi and Iniesta setting him up. Messi is a proven scorer on Barcelona. But a big reason for his success is the superior midfield that he plays with. Messi has not had the same goal scoring success with the Argentina National Team. This suggests that Messi may rely on his teammates more than Ronaldo does. If Messi and Ronaldo swapped teams, I think Messi would have less goals and Ronaldo would have more at this point in their careers.

Best Team in the World

Barcelona are regarded as the best football club in the world right now. That probably would not change if Ronaldo and Messi changed teams. I think Ronaldo would improve the Barcelona offense with his finishing skills. Messi would be the best player on Real Madrid, but he would not elevate the team above Barcelona.







Best Player in the World
In 2011, Messi won the FIFA Ballon d'Or trophy, crowning him the best player in the world. He also won the 2011 UEFA Best Player in Europe Award. These recent distinctions are primarily due to his performance with Barcelona. Ronaldo could have been the winner of these awards if he was on Barcelona. On Barcelona, Ronaldo would have a better supporting cast. That would make him even more dangerous. Messi might not be as successful on Real Madrid since many of his goals are a result of the support from his excellent Barcelona teammates.


You Decide Who do you think would flourish more if Ronaldo and Messi switched teams? Would Barcelona or Real Madrid have more success? Leave a comment below. If you are not sure, here are two videos to help you decide...

Cristiano Ronaldo right about jealous fans – Levante's Javi Venta agrees with Real Madrid star

Cristiano Ronaldo was right when he said that Dinamo Zagreb fans booed him because they are jealous of him, Levante defender Javi Venta has exclusively told Goal.com.

The Portuguese winger was subjected to intense booing from the crowd during Real Madrid’s Champions League victory in Croatia in midweek, and afterward said that “it was surely because I’m good-looking, rich and a great footballer.”

But Venta told Goal.com that while Ronaldo had a point, he should have thought twice about saying so.

“Honestly, on one hand I think what he says is right,” the 35-year-old admitted.

“Unfortunately it’s true that a lot of people are jealous, but the reality is that you have to be careful what you say.

“Many children set a lot of stock by what they hear from people like him, Messi and others, so you have to be polite when you speak.”

However, the defender’s manager, Juan Ignacio Martinez, believes the comments were a heat-of-the-moment mistake.

“Cristiano is an icon, but the moment he said what he did he already started to regret it, because what he said goes against the values of Real Madrid,” the Levante coach told Marca.com.

“He was affected by the stress of the match and upset by what has happened. Nothing more than that.”

Levante are Real’s next opposition in La Liga, although Ronaldo himself is a doubt for the game.

'A great player like Cristiano Ronaldo should get more protection from referees' – Real Madrid defender Ricardo Carvalho

Portuguese centre-back says his compatriot gets unfair treatment from officials, pointing to the torrid night he endured in the Champions League at Dinamo Zagreb.

Real Madrid centre-back Ricardo Carvalho has called upon referees to give his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo more protection during matches.

Carvalho believes Ronaldo was on the receiving end of some harsh treatment from the opposition during his side's 1-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb - a match during which he was left requiring stitches following one robust challenge for which there was no punishment.

"Marcelo was sent off, Cristiano took many hits and we feel we got very little justice from the referee, who left a few things," Carvalho told Real Madrid TV.

"The challenge on his ankle was wrong, and it's natural for him to get angry. A great player like him should get more protection."

The former Chelsea man also spoke about the ongoing row surrounding his sudden international retirement at the end of August.

"The Portuguese know it was honour for me to wear the shirt - I love Portugal. I made a mistake and people make mistakes. It's a bad time," he said.

The 33-year-old also pledged his support to Jose Mourinho.

"He always wants what's best for the club," he said.

Real Madrid travel to Levante on Sunday as they look to keep up their 100 per cent start to this season's league campaign.

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Real Madrid's Mesut Ozil will one day be World Player of the Year - Lothar Matthaus

The former Germany international claims his compatriot has the ability to win the prestigious award and that he is at the right club to achieve such success.
Lothar Matthaus believes Mesut Ozil could be crowned the World Player of the Year in the not so distant future.

The Real Madrid playmaker has been in superb form for club and country and was nominated for the Fifa Ballon d'Or last year, with Lionel Messi eventually winning the crown.

Matthaus was the last German player to win the award back in 1991, but the former midfielder, who now coaches the Bulgaria national team, is confident Ozil can take the trophy.

"Mesut Ozil has the making of a German world footballer of the year," the 50-year-old told Sonntag-Express.

The former Bayern Munich and Inter player is adamant that playing for a club of Real Madrid's stature will only aid Ozil's hopes of becoming the best in the world.

"Real Madrid are seen internationally as an even bigger club than Bayern, just as the Italian league was stronger when I won the award," he added.

Matthaus also hopes to agree a new deal with the Bulgarian FA to carry on his role as national coach, despite the recent defeats to England and Switzerland.

"I've verbally agreed with a handshake to be given a contract extension. For me it is clear the contract will be extended until 2013 because two gentleman have shaken on it," he concluded.

Real Madrid Transfer News: Ronaldo, Neymar, Suarez and Hernandez in Today’s Press

All the latest transfer rumours from Real Madrid for Monday 5 September 2011. Real Madrid are rumoured to be ready to make bids for Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez and Luiz Suarez in the January transfer window. Ronaldo has told Neymar to join Real Madrid in the next transfer window whilst Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed Real Madrid is the world best team in an interview with UEFA.

Brazil and Real Madrid legendary striker Ronaldo has told Neymar that he should join Real Madrid over rivals Barcelona this January.

Reports over the weekend claimed that the Brazilian forward was poised to join Barcelona but Santos has dismissed the rumours. Ronaldo has told the young striker that whilst both options are favourable for the development of his career, Real Madrid is the club for him.

"Both options are great, but I still hope he goes to Real Madrid, where I spent five years," Ronaldo told Terra. "I think it would be better for him," he added.

Neymar has always affirmed he is in no rush to embark on a move in Europe, but two-time World Cup winner Ronaldo says the 19-year-old needs to leave his homeland sooner rather than later. "Brazil has become too small for Neymar," Ronaldo added. "This is his moment and he needs to have the ambition to conquer the world, rather than just be the best in Brazil," the Real Madrid legend continued.

Jose Mourinho is said to be keen to sign Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez.

The Mexican international was a revelation for the club last season and has attracted attention from Real Madrid with Jose Mourinho said to be ready to test Manchester United's resolve to keep the forward. Javier Hernandez's agent earlier this year revealed that any offers for 'Chicharito' would have to be considered, but the former Chivas Guadalajara striker is happy at Old Trafford and is not looking to leave the club.

Caughtoffside.com also reports that Jose Mourinho and his Real Madrid side will make a move for Liverpool striker Luis Suarez. The website claims that Mourinho is keen o land the Uruguayan international in January after missing out of Neymar in the transfer window and will play on the fact that Madrid can offer the player Champions League football.

Cristiano Ronaldo has told UEFA that it his belief that Real Madrid are the world's number one side.

According to Goal.com, former Manchester United star man claims that despite Barcelona's recent dominance at home and abroad, Real Madrid still remain the side to beat.

"Real Madrid are the best club in the world and [there is] a lot of envy," he told UEFA in a recent interview.

Jose Mourinho's side started their 2011-12 campaign with a 6-0 away win over Real Zaragoza, with the 26-year-old netting a hat-trick, and he feels that it could be a successful season in the Spanish capital city.

"I think this will be a great year for us," he continued

Ronaldo hopes to end his career at Madrid (Hala Madrid)

MADRID: Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed a desire to stay at Real Madrid for the rest of his career.

The former Manchester United striker has only won one major trophy in two years at the club, but speaking to British television station, Sky Sports on Tuesday, he insisted he would be delighted to end his career at the club.

"I would sign for another 10 years, until the end of my career," said Ronaldo, adding a rider.

"Nobody knows what will happen in the future, I can't lie and say I will be here another 10 years with Madrid, or that I will never play for United again. We will have to see what the future holds in store for me," he clarified.

"I am not going to close the door on a possible return to the English Premier League, as I know it well, the players and the atmosphere. I most like Manchester United, but I can't guarantee that I will return, because I am happy at Madrid," said the striker.

Ronaldo admitted he had a close relationship with Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson who, he said, had helped him develop as a player. He also added that he remained in contact with some of his former teammates at the club.

"I am not going to stop speaking to old friends and when I have the chance I speak to Alex Ferguson. He was important for me and it is good to speak to him," said Ronaldo, who explained why he had moved to Real Madrid in 2009.

"There is a beginning and an end for everything, what I did at Manchester closed a chapter. I won nearly everything there and I am always looking for new challenges. I didn't join Madrid for money but for the challenge and also to be closer to my family, for questions of language and for the climate," said Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo voted the most handsome football player in the Spanish La Liga

Cristiano Ronaldo was voted the most handsome football player in the Spanish League "La Liga", in a voting poll made online, by the newspaper "Marca". Ronaldo collected 22,8% of the votes and was followed by Fernando Llorente (19,1%) and Gerard Piqué (16,6%).

Besides being one of the best football players this sports has ever seen, Cristiano Ronaldo also manages to be ranked #1 when it comes to ellect the most handsome football player in Spain. In a sort of beauty contest that Marca.com put online, Ronaldo won the first prize, proving once more that his fame and reputation doesn't have any parallel in football. CR7 finished this voting poll in first place, leaving the second place for Athletico Bilbao's Fernando Llorente and the third place to Barcelona's Gerard Piqué (Shakira's boyfriend).

Even though this doesn't help him much on the pitch, Cristiano Ronaldo has always been known for caring and paying attention to his looks. The Portuguese player, who is currently dating the Russian topmodel Irina Shayk, certainly has a lot of people who hate him in Spain (may that be for envy or just because they are Barcelona fans), which somehow makes this "prize award" being even more surprising, coming from an online voting poll with a huge Spanish representation.

In the other hand, Marca.com also opened a poll for the ugly side of the game. Real Madrid also ended represented in these rankings, with Angel Di Maria and Mesut Ozil taking the first and second places. Parejo and Puyol (Barcelona), finished 3rd and 4th place respectively.

Cannavaro: Cristiano Ronaldo is hotter (Cannavaro's visit to Singapore)

AsiaOne caught up with Italian football legend Fabio Cannavaro while he was in Singapore this past week.

While regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation, Cannavaro's stunning good looks are not to be ignored.

The blue-eyed heart throb had many female fans lining up to snap photos with him at a private party at Raoul's Paragon store on Friday night.

Speaking exclusively to AsiaOne, Cannavaro broke into a wide grin as he was asked who he thought was sexier, Cristiano Ronaldo or himself.

Sharply dressed in a black suit, the Naples native said in Italian, "Oh, Cristiano Ronaldo, now I'm a retired player so..."

This answer was the second example of Cannavaro's modesty when it comes to his sexy physique.

When asked about being voted sexiest player of the 2006 World Cup earlier that day, Cannavaro told AsiaOne that he had always tried hard to be recognised for his skills on the pitch but is also grateful for his good looks.

"My parents gave me the blessing of having good looks and that's just something extra that I am grateful for."

So does the chiselled Italian have a training routine to keep his body in such great shape?

Definitely not right now he says.

Cannavaro, who turns 38 in September said, "I'm on holiday so I just want to enjoy myself. And I just keep myself physically active."

The 2006 winner of the Fifa World Player of the Year also credited his facial care routine to products of a shaving brand he used to publicize for for many years.

Cannavaro broke female hearts everywhere when he married his sweetheart in 1994. He had met Daniela Cannavaro when he was 18.

They now have three children together, two sons aged 12 and seven, and a daughter aged 10.

The happily married man revealed that the secret to a successful marriage in a footballer's lifestyle is not just love but patience too.

"At the base of every good marriage there is love, but it needs a lot of patience and attention to have a good marriage".

Full Story & Cannavaro's visit to Singapore's Photo CLICK HERE