Cristiano Ronaldo: I'm booed because I'm rich, handsome and brilliant

NK Dinamo Zagreb vs. Real Madrid

UEFA Champions League - 1 year ago

• Real Madrid forward reacts to hostile reception in Croatia
• Portugal star makes no mention of reputation for play-acting

by Jamie Jackson 1 year ago

Cristiano Ronaldo has reacted to being booed by Dinamo Zagreb supporters on Wednesday night by claiming that the hostile reception the Real Madrid playmaker receives from opposing fans is only because he is "rich, handsome and a great player". The Portuguese made no mention of his reputation for play-acting and diving.

The 26-year-old drew particular notoriety for his wink when his then Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney was sent off during England's defeat to Portugal in the quarter-finals of the 2006 World Cup. Ronaldo did not subsequently receive the tournament's award for the best young player due to a concerted email campaign from England fans, with Fifa's technical study group awarding the honour to Germany's Lukas Podolski, while citing Ronaldo's behaviour as a factor in the decision.

Five years on from this incident Ronaldo, speaking after Wednesday's 1-0 Champions League win at Dinamo Zagreb, cited only his success and appearance as reasons why he is jeered. He also stated that he was angry regarding a lack of protection from referees. In the Group D opener in Croatia he was the target of some tough challenges, including one that drew blood on his right ankle.

Asked about the behaviour of the Dinamo fans, who gave him a welcome that the Portuguese can attract on a regular basis each week in La Liga, he said: "I think that because I am rich, handsome and a great player people are envious of me. I don't have any other explanation. We are very happy with the three points we took, but I'm not so satisfied with the refereeing.

"I hope we never have this referee again. People talk of fair play, of protecting good players, but I never get any of that. I don't understand a thing. I'm sad because I hear referees saying they will protect skilful players, but while some are untouchable it seems I can be mauled."

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KidIllusionist

(Liverpool)

1 year ago

The more we sit here bickering about him, the more arrogant and up his own ass he will get. Pick your hating wisely.

Styka

(Manchester United)

1 year ago

LOL..

You are all just being trolled by him..

he is probably laughing his ass over this..

*epic trollface*

Footyusa

(Tottenham Hotspur)

1 year ago

when does messi ever get booed. never. is it because he's not as "good looking" as ronaldo? umm i doubt that.

Deevolution

(Manchester United)

1 year ago

THey say whatever they want about ronaldo and ronaldo say whatever he wants also, freedom of speech, except yeah he's alot richer, good looking and talented than all of the haters

JoegMUFC88

(Manchester United)

1 year ago

He's not booed because He's rich, handsome and brilliant, He's booed because he says rich, handsome and brilliant and thinks he deserves special treatment. Great Player though.

JoegMUFC88

(Manchester United)

1 year ago

He's not booed because He's rich, handsome and brilliant, He's booed because he says rich, handsome and brilliant and thinks he deserves special treatment. Great Player though.

Gtbanana

(Arsenal)

1 year ago

They see me rolling... They hating.

Gtbanana

(Arsenal)

1 year ago

They see me rolling... They hating.

Audio

1 year ago

This comment has been removed.

Samelnino

(Liverpool)

1 year ago

gross

Pasta88

(Lazio Roma)

1 year ago

No, Ronaldo you are wrong! If it was like you say why is not everyone hating on Beckham for example who is also rich, handsome and skilled. The reason everyone hates CR is because he is arrogant, stupid and disrespectful!