Man Utd's Ronaldo stands firm over Roma 'big head' taunts
Cristiano Ronaldo has rejected claims he showed a lack of respect
Thursday, 03, Apr 2008 09:34
Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has vehemently denied claims by Roma midfielder David Pizarro that he is "a big head" and "a show off".
The Chilean international was booked for a foul on Ronaldo in the first half of the Premier League leaders' 2-0 win in Rome in the Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday.
And after the game, Pizarro claimed Ronaldo - who scored United's opening goal - had been taunting him by showboating and showing a lack of respect to his opponents.
However, in response Ronaldo has denied he was "taking the mickey or playing the fool with anybody", saying it is just the way he plays and he will continue in that vein.
"On the field I respect my adversary. If someone thinks my moves are mockery then they are wrong," he said.
"If I've a certain attitude it's simply because I have always had it and will continue to do that. I play for the team and not to show off."
United's victory in the Italian capital puts them in pole position to progress to the last four of the Champions League for the second season in succession.