Cristiano, Sevilla's worst nightmare

Cristiano Ronaldo has notched up an impressive 327 goals for Real Madrid, but one team have conceded more goals than any other: Sevilla.

He opened his goalscoring account against Sevilla with one of his most memorable individual performances to date. On 7th May 2011, Real Madrid were locked in a battle with Barcelona for the title and a world-class CR7 put four goals past Sevilla at the Sánchez Pizjuán. Unfortunately, they did not help Los Blancos win La Liga.

However, there is always time for a re-match in football, especially for someone as competitive as CR7, who returned to Sevilla in December that same year. Despite only scoring three in that match, Real Madrid did go on to lift the title.

La Liga record
The Portuguese continued scoring against Sevilla season after season. Next it was on to the Bernabéu. Firstly, in the 2012/13 campaign with three crucial goals. Then, in the 2013/14 season with yet another hat-trick. The goals just kept coming, and soon it would be time for Cristiano to return to his favourite hunting ground, the Sánchez Pizjuán.

Fast forward to last season. Real Madrid were once again in the race for the league title and again Ronaldo got the better of Sevilla, who found themselves on the end of yet another defeat and, of course, another CR7 hat-trick.

That was the fifth time he had fired three or more goals past Sevilla. It also made him the first ever player in the Spanish league's history to score five hat-tricks against the same opponents. On top of that, it took his tally to 19 goals. No other team has suffered as badly as Sevilla at the hands of CR7.

Real Madrid annoyed at Cristiano Ronaldo's insinuations

The 30-year-old forward has made several cryptic comments over the last week or so.

Real Madrid are annoyed with Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese player, knowing he is coveted across Europe by big teams, has made several interesting comments recently. 

He told FHM that he wouldn’t rule out playing in other leagues, while Le Parisien have reported that he told Laurent Blanc he would like to work with him after Madrid’s win over Paris Saint-Germain in midweek — he was pictured whispering something to the French coach. 

His quotes, which have created a wave of speculation and rumours, have become an annoying subject for Madrid. 

Even Florentino Perez has deciding to get involved with his star player. In the build up to the Champions League game with PSG, he was captured by television cameras asking the 30-year-old about other comments which had been made to BILD about not ruling out playing for another club than Los Blancos.

Those comments to Blanc after the game merely served to add fire to the situation.  

Perez not sure Cristiano Ronaldo will end career at Real Madrid

The short term future of Cristiano Ronaldo is very clear, but the same cannot be said of the long term. There ae many interests at stake, the football market has changed a lot and this is the moment to start looking for good contracts. 

Hence, the possibility that Cristiano Ronaldo ends his career at Real Madrid is less likely than it was a few years ago. 

Ronaldo has a deal until 2018 and is their star man. but big European clubs with strong owners behind them could make a multimillion dollar deal that the Portuguese star could not refuse. 

Therefore it is not surprising that Madrid president Florentino Perez speaks about Ronaldo in a different way. 

Two years ago he said: "Rest assured Cristiano will retire at Real Madrid, like Zinedine Zidane and many other great players."

But now Perez says: "Cristiano Ronaldo is under contract and we want him to stay here in the future, but in life you cannot guarantee anything. Today it's impossible to have a Madrid without Cristiano. He's the most emblematic and the best in the world."

Ronaldo: "Those five goals are yours too"

Yesterday wasn't just another Sunday down at Real Madrid's Valdebebas training complex. It was the day after a game in which Cristiano Ronaldo had netted five goals - a feat he has now managed twice in his career, Granada were the victims last season - and with it secured his place as Real Madrid's record goalscorer in La Liga.

This explains why somewhat of a party atmosphere reigned during the return to training in the wake of the rout of Espanyol.

The Real Madrid changing room were there for their teammate during his seven-game goal drought, which was brought to an end in the most spectacular fashion at the Power8 Stadium. With the support that he had received during his dry spell in mind - which, particularly for a man with Ronaldo's competitive streak, can have been far from easy for him - CR7 was quick to show his appreciation to his teammates.

Prior to taking to the training field, the Portuguese star addressed the rest of the squad, dedicating his goal haul to them: "Those five goals are yours too".

Ronaldo's words went down a storm in the dressing room as not only was it the opportunity for the squad to celebrate their teammate's achievement, but also because it is clear after Saturday's performance that the former Manchester United man's hunger to find the back of the net remains very much intact. Deep down everyone at Real Madrid knew that it was only a matter of time before Ronaldo would produce as he did against 'Los Periquitos'. After all, it's not the first time that he has done it and as the old adage goes, form is temporary but class is permanent.

Cristiano Ronaldo Purchases Apartment in New York Worth USD 18.5 Million

Cristiano Ronaldo has bought a luxury apartment in New York worth USD 18.5 million.

Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has bought a luxury apartment in New York for a staggering USD 18.5 million. (Is Cristiano Ronaldo the Greatest Footballer of all Time?)

The Real Madrid striker, ranked by Forbes as the highest paid team athlete in the world, has purchased a 2,509 square feet compound in Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue, according to a report in the New York Post.

The exclusive apartment, which reportedly inspired the setting of the novel '50 Shades of Grey', belonged to Alessandro Proto, an Italian real estate tycoon and business partner of owner and Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump.

The three-bedroom apartment is situated on 5th Avenue, 56th Street and is regarded as one of Manhattan's most prestigious and secure places to live.

Trump Tower residents have access to a large fitness centre, in-house valet services and the building's restaurant, bar and shops.

In May, Forbes rated Ronaldo as the world's highest paid team athlete and the highest paid footballer after earning USD 79 million last year in salary, bonus and endorsements, putting him ahead of his rival, Argentine football icon Lionel Messi.

In pictures: Cristiano Ronaldo buys $18.5m Trump Tower apartment that 'inspired 50 Shades of Grey'

The big-money property is in the tower owned by US tycoon and presidential candidate Donald Trump, on New York's Fifth Avenue

Cristiano Ronaldo has completed the purchase of an $18.5million (£11.8m) flat in New York that was reportedly the inspiration behind the novel '50 Shades of Grey'.

The big-money property is in 'Trump Tower' owned by US tycoon and presidential candidate Donald Trump, on Fifth Avenue in the Big Apple.

The news has again fuelled the rumours that Ronaldo wants to play in the US before he retires.

A move to LA Galaxy was touted by Sports Illustrated when Ronaldo's Real Madrid contract expires in 2018, while nascent franchise LAFC are known to be "obsessed" with his signing.

But his newest purchase may make the ears of the hierarchies at New York City FC and New York Red Bulls prick up.

Season-opener:Cristiano Ronaldo vies with Sporting Gijon's Nacho Cases on Sunday

Entrance: A security guard and a doorman outside Trump Tower

Living room: Almost every single room has superb views of New York

Dining room: Mind you don't get vertigo

Kitchen: It's not very big for that kind of money

Office: You'd probably spend a lot of time staring out that window

The flat was bought from Italian real-estate mogul Alessandro Proto, a partner of Trump.

And it was Proto's old apartment, the New York Post reports, that was the inspiration for sex-obsessed sadist Christian Grey in the novel 50 Shades of Grey, written by E.L. James.

The Real Madrid star's new pad is spread out over 2,509 square feet and features views of Central Park.

Plush: The hallway in Ronaldo's new flat

TV room: This is where he'll, er..

Bathroom: Plenty of mirrors - perfect for Cristiano

Bedroom: This is where the magic happens (sorry)

Central park: A room with a view

Bathroom: It's not often you get a window that big in the shower

Cristiano Ronaldo Puts His Un-Retouched Body on Display in New Underwear Ad Campaign—See the Hot Pics!

Cristiano Ronaldo is celebrating the launch of his fourth CR7 underwear collection in the only way he should be honoring it—posing shirtless, of course. But the soccer star is taking his ad campaign to the next level by going where many would never go.

Rather than release photoshopped images of himself modeling his underwear, Ronaldo opted to share un-retouched pictures. That's right, the images you see are all Ronaldo in his real and natural glory. Those insane abs? All real. The chiseled muscles? Not photoshopped! The athlete poses in some of his favorite soccer positions to show consumers just how versatile his line of unmentionables really is.

"The new campaign is all about body movement. The product features the lightest and most comfortable materials and has a great fit, no matter how your body moves, so we really wanted to bring this to life," he explains. "The way the product looks is key, but how it fits is equally important."

In one photo, Ronaldo prepares to kick an imaginary soccer ball while wearing royal blue boxer briefs with orange stripes. In another, the Portuguese star looks ready for anything while donning his blue and red grid-style underwear. As expected, the CR7 label is front and center, just above his un-retouched bulge.

In a previous campaign for his underwear line, Ronaldo opened up about his workouts that keep him in tip-top shape. Giving fans and aspiring athletes his best and most accessible tips, Ronaldo advised:

-Set yourself goals. It will help to keep you focused and work towards something.

-Working with a training partner is a good way to add a bit of competitiveness and help push yourself. If you train with someone who is a similar level to you then you will help push each other.

- Proper sleep is really important for getting the most out of training. Sleep helps muscles recover which is really important.

-Warming up properly prevents injury.

-Mix it up. I recommend a combination of cardio (running and rowing) and weight training to ensure that workouts target all areas of the body and increase both strength and stamina. It also helps to keep it interesting.

At this point, we'll pretty much do anything if it gets us looking this good!

Manchester United receive Cristiano Ronaldo demands as boss opens up on David De Gea deal

MANCHESTER UNITED have given up on their attempts to sign Cristiano Ronaldo after hearing he will cost £80million.

Manager Louis van Gaal reportedly has Ronaldo at the top of his summer shopping list - although the Dutchman is said to be realistic about his chances of landing the forward.

And it appears as though Van Gaal will have to wait until next summer to prise Ronaldo away from the Bernabeu after the Sun revealed Real's asking price.

Ronaldo joined Madrid from Old Trafford for £80m back in 2009 and the player has gone on to break scoring records in Spain, win the Liga and clinch the Champions League.

The Portugal international will be 31 in February and, despite his status at the top of world football, United are unwilling to match Real's valuation.

The news comes as talks over David De Gea's transfer from Manchester to the Spanish capital took another twist.

Van Gaal revealed today he isn't sure what the future holds for goalkeeper De Gea, who has requested a switch to Real and had a below-par performances in a friendly defeat to PSG this morning.

Real Madrid value Cristiano Ronaldo (left) at £85million

"We have a situation that is not favourable for David De Gea but neither for us, or the club. Maybe he wants to go," Van Gaal said.

United have been in transfer talks with Real ever since De Gea rejected a £200,000-a-week contract to stay on past next summer at Old Trafford.

A fee for Real defender Sergio Ramos was also discussed during those negotiations but no move materialised and the 29-year-old is set to sign a new contract.

Cristiano Ronaldo ticks all the boxes as Louis van Gaal ponders Man United transfers

LOUIS VAN GAAL will arrive back in Manchester on Thursday ready to give his transfer merry-go-round another spin.

Van Gaal has so far this summer bought five players and sold five, taking the tally of new arrivals since he took over a year ago to 11 and the number of departures to 18.

But with another month left before the window closes, the United boss hasn’t finished yet.

Despite spending £250m, he has declared he wants more pace, creativity and goal threat if his side are to overhaul Chelsea and Manchester City in the Premier League title race and make their mark on their return to the Champions League.

Cristiano Ronaldo ticks all those boxes and Van Gaal has admitted he would love to bring him back to Old Trafford while admitting he simply doesn’t think it will happen.

United will wait patiently to see if Ronaldo’s relationship with Rafa Benitez deteriorates while they will also continue to monitor Gareth Bale’s situation at the Bernabeu.

Van Gaal thinks it is unlikely that Real will want to weaken their squad by trading either one of the super star pair as they bid to win back La Liga and the Champions League from bitter rivals Barcelona.

Louis van Gaal will arrive back in England looking to complete more transfer business

He will instead concentrate on pushing through Angel Di Maria’s move to Paris St Germain and bringing in Pedro Rodriguez from Barcelona.

United want £46m for Di Maria and only need to spend £22m of it to trigger the release clause in Pedro’s contract.

But until Di Maria finally goes, United won’t close the deal for Pedro.

Everton's Romalu Lukaku has been linked but United have given no indication they are interested.

Van Gaal admits he would love to bring Cristiano Ronaldo back to United

In the absence of a Ronaldo or Bale coming available, Van Gaal hopes a front three of Wayne Rooney, Pedro and Memphis Depay – backed up by Javier Hernandez, James Wilson and Adnan Januzaj – will be capable of drastically improving United’s goal output from last season’s measly 62, their second lowest tally in the Premier League era.

There are plenty of other issues still to be resolved.

United will not contemplate selling David De Gea unless Real are willing a swap with Sergio Ramos.

But if that does happen, United will move for Ajax keeper Jasper Cillesen to battle with new boy Sergio Romero for the No 1 jersey.

If it doesn’t materialse, De Gea will stay for the final year of his contract and United, I undertsand, will not buy another defender, insisting they are not interested in Valencia’s Nicolas Otamendi.

Van Gaal has placed great faith in the Chris Smalling and Phil Jones centre back partnership otherwise he wouldn’t have handed them new long-term contracts.

He also believes that in Marcos Rojo, Jonny Evans, Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett he has another cover at centre back. Plus, of course, Michael Carrick and Daley Blind can comfortably drop back into the back line from midfield.

Two players who clearly have no future in Van Gaal’s plans are right back Rafael Da Silva and goalkeeper Victor Valdes – neither was included in the US tour party and both are expected to leave before the window closes.

But although Everton showed some initial interest, Van Gaal is in no hurry to sell Evans.

Ashley Young, now 30, is entering the final year on his contract and although he was one of United’s best players last season, the club are showing no urgency in offering him the new long-term deal he wants. 

Cristiano Ronaldo and Co sharpen up their shooting skills whilst Real Madrid continue preparations for Manchester City clash

Despite reports in Spain suggesting Cristiano Ronaldo is 'jealous' of Gareth Bale's freedom under new boss Rafa Benitez, the Real Madrid star looked focused ahead of their next International Champions Cup fixture against Manchester City on Friday.

Donning a pair of gloves and a snood as Melbourne experiences its coldest July in 20 years, the 30-year-old joined his team-mates as they sharpened up their shooting skills.

Last season's La Liga runners-up will need to make sure they are on target against their Premier League adversaries in four days' time, after they failed to hit the net in Benitez's first game at the helm against Roma on Saturday, and were forced into a penalty shootout which they lost 7-6.

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo takes part in some shooting practice under to watchful eye of Rafa Benitez

The Real goalkeepers, including Keylor Navas, are put to the test during a shooting drill on Monday morning

Ronaldo strides ahead of team-mate Lucas Silva (left) as they go through some sprinting warm ups

A fan braves the Melbourne cold outside the City Football Academy to wait for a photograph with hero Ronaldo 

Reports in Spain say Benitez is keen to keep £86million signing Bale as happy as possible at Real and it now seems as if the new manager wants to revolve his team around the 26-year-old.

It was reported in June that Bale had asked his agent Jonathan Barnett to express his desire to play through the middle and it would appear is being awarded that freedom, much to the dismay of Ronaldo.

After a slow start Real will hope to get their season up and running as they take on Manchester City at 11am on Friday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

One devoted Real supporter was able to get his idol to sign a framed canvas that he'd brought along with him

The 30-year-old skips past team-mates Nacho (centre) and Raphael Varane (right) during a training exercise 

The Portuguese listens intently whilst he is given some instructions from one of the Real Madrid coaches

Defender Dani Carvajal tries to round Denis Cheryshev (left) as Ronaldo perfects his touch (right)

Real fan favourite Isco (right) sends Nacho the wrong way as midfielder Toni Kroos (left) watches on 

Ronaldo has been in the news recently for his apparent 'jealousy' towards Gareth Bale's new found freedom

Cristiano Ronaldo angry with Gareth Bale AGAIN for not passing in pre-season

The duo didn't appear to get on too well last season and it could be a case of the same again next term if this video is anything to go by.

Cristiano Ronaldo's seemingly fractious relationship with Gareth Bale was partially attributed to the Welshman's poor performances last campaign.

And this video appears to show that their bond hasn't grown any stronger during the off season.

During Los Blancos' pre-season friendly clash with Roma, Ronaldo was visibly frustrated with Bale for not playing him in for a shot at goal.

Bale's decision not to pass to the Portugal star came back to bite him and the team as Roma ended up taking home the spoils.

The two sides played out a 0-0 draw at the MCG - before the Italians won the game on penalties.

In pictures - Roma beat Madrid on penalties:

VIEW GALLERY

It was an uninspiring first game in charge for Rafael Benitez - who saw his side look pretty rusty as they shook off some cobwebs ahead of the new season.

Martin Odegaard was the shining light for Los Blancos - as he started the game alongside Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Eight of the starting XI were subbed at half-time, with Bale and Daniel Carvajal lasting 11 and 25 minutes into the second period respectively.

Both teams scored their first six penalties, with Isco and Karim Benzema among those finding the net for Madrid. However, Lucas Vasquez missed, and Seydou Keita punished him for Roma.

Next up for Real is Manchester City next Friday.

Cristiano Ronaldo shows his friendly side

During the final days of his summer holidays, Cristiano Ronaldo hasn't just shown off his bare flesh as part of an advertising campaign, he's also demonstrated his more human side. The Real Madrid player, who'll start pre-season along with the rest of his teammates on 10th July, enjoyed putting a smile on the face of a damsel in distress.
The young lady in question is called Austin Milan, and she lost her mobile during her holidays in Las Vegas. It just so happens that CR7 was in town at the same time. The Portuguese prince charming found the phone and answered the call she made to her handset when she realised that she had lost it.
Cristiano was happy to return the phone personally. But that's not the whole story, because the Real hero also took the opportunity to invite the cute American girl out for dinner, as she reported on her Instagram account.
"Bad news is I lost my phone two days ago. Good news is Cristiano Ronaldo found it. Better news is he took us to dinner last night", she said on her Instagram account.

Football: Superstar Ronaldo meets near-nude clone in Tokyo

TOKYO: Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo came face to face with a scantily clad life-size double on Wednesday when Japanese scientists unveiled a "cyber clone" of the Portuguese pin-up.

The 30-year-old, who was in Tokyo to promote an electric muscle stimulator for sculpting a washboard stomach, gave the thumbs-up to the doppelganger with moving facial features, created after a 3D scan of his body using 110 micro cameras.

"It's perfect," smiled Ronaldo as he checked out the clone with fluttering eyelids and roving eyes. "I love it."

The silicon dummy, made with the help of a Hollywood studio, was naked but for a black pair of Ronaldo's own brand of underwear and the pulsing "Six-Pad" device attached to its torso.

"I have to say he looks just like me," added Ronaldo. "I would be a liar if I said it doesn't."

Ronaldo, the reigning world footballer of the year, has legions of fans who swoon over his chiselled looks and muscular physique, which he regularly shows off by removing his shirt to celebrate goals.

There was a similar reaction when Ronaldo was wheeled out for Japanese television as studio guests giddily prodded and poked his stomach. A detailed graphic also revealed his "eight-pack" -- not the standard six that gym-goers aspire to.

Celebrities on Fuji TV's "Viking" show cooed "Oh, your face is so small" -- a traditional Japanese compliment for good-looking foreigners -- as Ronaldo appeared in jeans, a tight T-shirt and diamond ear studs.

Ronaldo, who earns an estimated $43 million a year in salary and endorsements, laughed when the male presenter asked about reports the player does 3,000 sit-ups daily.

"No, that's not true," he said. "I hit the gym after training every day, sure. But I do about 300 sit-ups a day."

Asked to show off his belly, Ronaldo duly obliged to approving gasps, while studio guests lifted their own shirts to reveal flabby tummies, one wag shouting "I've got a one-pack!" to Ronaldo's amusement.

Ronaldo visited Japan last year to push a face-stretching gadget designed to enhance the user's smile, although he refused to put it in his mouth as intended, perhaps fearful of a backlash on social media.

Japan is a common destination for European or American stars who are paid big money to sell products that never see the light of day back home.

Many insist on confidentiality clauses, preventing commercials from being shown in their home countries, although the spread of the Internet has now complicated the process.

Dani Alves: Lionel Messi is much better than Cristiano Ronaldo

The Barcelona star says Messi adds to the team's play, while Ronaldo doesn't

Dani Alves has given his verdict on Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi and Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo. Speaking on Bola da Vez, the right-back was asked about the two best players in the world. 

As usual, Alves didn't mince his words, saying: "Messi is much better than Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi has influence on the play, and Cristiano - no. Messi is influential, plays and assists. Messi has a divine gift. Cristiano['s talent] is work. We have our fights but I admire him.

"He's a guy with a lot of dedication, and competitive. There are things that I don't admire, because I play for the team. I think my team is more important than me. I think a bit of what matters goes by, which is the collective. So much so that they criticised us during the celebtation of titles while he celebrated the Pichichi."

"Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't influence Real's game"

Dani Alves has hit the headlines again following his 'Bola da Vez' interview for ESPN, making it clear that, for him, Messi is a much better player than Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Messi is much better than Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi influences the game, Cristiano doesn't. He doesn't influence the game beyond scoring goals and being involved in a few actions. Messi is influential - he plays, scores and makes assists. Messi has a divine gift, Cristiano is about work".

The Brazilian full-back, who had previously revealed Guardiola's interest in heading up the Brazilian national team, went on to criticise the Portuguese star's style of play, which he sees as being too individualistic. "I don't admire the things he does because I play as part of a team. And my team is more important than I am. I don’t think he sees what really matters, which is the group".

Finally, Alves revealed the reason behind the dispute that erupted during the season between Luis Enrique and Messi. "Of course there was an incident but it was about being competitive. Luis Enrique saw an action in a training session in one way and Messi in another. Messi is very competitive and his team lost, so the argument blew up. Even the best families have squabbles".

Real Madrid and PSG have held talks over Cristiano Ronaldo transfer

Florentino Perez was in Qatar to talk with PSG's owners last weekend, with several matters on the table

The chances of Cristiano Ronaldo swapping Real Madrid for Paris Saint-Germain look more real all the time. A few days ago, Florentino Perez visited Qatar to meet with PSG's owners, sparking rumours about what the meeting could have been about. 'France Football' are now reporting that the purpose was to touch base on a possible transfer involving the Portuguese crack. 

'France Football' explain that Perez is ready to negotiate for Cristiano Ronaldo with regards to selling him in 2016. Any operation, it goes without saying, is a long way from being agreed, though, and comes with many complex issues. One of the big issues is that Peter Lim, the owner of Valencia, has recently taken on the player's image rights.  

Having overcome the obstacle of Financial Fair Play, PSG are looking to make a big move in the transfer market and there would be few bigger than securing the sevices of the 30-year-old. Ronaldo's hypothetical arrival in Paris would have a big say on the exit of another star. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, if not this summer, is looking more and more like a man set to leave the French champions. 

However, the meeting between Perez and PSG's owners is just the first of many which will have to take place if the Ligue 1 side want to turn their dream into a reality. 

Messi ahead of Ronaldo, Neymar better than both: Carlos

New Delhi: Delhi Dynamos' newly appointed Brazilian player-manager Roberto Carlos on Thursday acknowledged the brilliance of leading world footballing duo of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo but rated compatriot Neymar as presently the best exponent of the "beautiful game".

The former Real Madrid star defender said both Messi and Ronaldo have their individual attributes to marvel on but Neymar has the potential to overtake the duo in the coming days. Carlos here signed a one-year contract with Dynamos to become their marquee manager-cum-player for the second edition of the Indian Super league (ISL).

"Messi and Ronaldo are both great players. But for me, Neymar is the best. I believe soon he will become the best. He is very talented and has a bright future," the left-back said.

The 42-year-old also said that Messi is at present "a little ahead of Cristiano" because of the contrast in the playing styles of their respective Spanish clubs - FC Barcelona and Real Madrid.

"Barcelona plays around Messi. Their game is revolved around Messi to get the best out of him. But in case of Real Madrid, it is different. They don't only concentrate on Cristiano with several very good players like Karim Benzema, Luka Modrid, Marcelo etc. contributing. But Cristiano is still a top player."

The 2002 World Cup winner also supported illustrious compatriot and FC Goa coach Zico's intention of contesting for the FIFA presidential elections, saying he is the "ideal" candidate for the post.

Zico had earlier voiced his intention of running for world football's governing body's top post with incumbent Swiss Sepp Blatter expected to step down in January next year when the elections are likely to be held.

Being one of the foremost exponents of ferocious swerving free-kicks has enabled Carlos to score several memorable goals throughout his distinguished career. When asked to pick his most famous goal he insisted that all his goals were memorable but said the free-kick goal against France in 1997 occupies a special place in his heart.

"All my goals are memorable - the goals I scored for Brazil against Argentina, goals for my club Real Madrid against Barcelona, Tenerife. But my most memorable goal is against France in 1997," stated Carlos, fondly called the "bullet man" for his booming long range shots.

"Ronaldo will never be like Messi"

Arda Turansays Messi "is the best player in the world".

In his first public appearance since signing for Barcelona, it finally sank in for Turan that he had at last made it to his dream club. The Turk had words of praise for Barcelona star Lionel Messi, describing him as the best player in the world, ahead of Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Messi is the best footballer in the world. Cristiano Ronaldo is good too, but he will never be like Messi", Arda Turan said of his new teammate.

Asked about the difference between managers Luis Enrique and Diego Simeone, he said "With Luis Enrique I still have to work a bit to be able to compare, but Simeone was very special for me and will always have a special place in my affections. It was great fun working with him and I'm sure it will be the same with Luis Enrique".

Arda denied that he had ever felt tired at Atlético because of excessive physical effort. "I have always liked to suffer in order to win, and now I am coming to a new system of play, I am going to change and I hope to adapt. At Atléti I was successful because I worked hard, and I am going to do that here".