MANCHESTER: Cristiano Ronaldo insists Manchester United have no
time to rest on their laurels after landing a third successive
Premier League title because they must focus on winning the Champions League final.
Alex Ferguson’s side were crowned kings of English football again
thanks to yesterday’s 0-0 draw against Arsenal at Old Trafford.
But even drawing level with Liverpool on a record-equalling 18 English
league titles isn’t enough to satisfy Ronaldo’s appetite for success.
The Portugal winger was delighted to keep United top of the tree but he
is even more desperate to retain the Champions League against
Barcelona in Rome on May 27.
“We have to enjoy this moment. It is very special. Then in the next few
days we have to concentrate on the Champions League because everyone
wants to win that one,” Ronaldo said.
“It’s a fantastic achievement, the feeling is always brilliant, especially to win it at home with the supporters and family here.
“This is family club, everyone is friendly. That is why everyone loves the club and I love them.”
Ronaldo has repeatedly been linked with a move to Real Madrid over the last 18 months and, although he insists he is happy to stay at Old Trafford, he cast a slight cloud over United’s celebrations when he refused to rule out a transfer in the future.
“The atmosphere here is unbelievable. In the future you never know (if he will leave)
but I am really happy here,” Ronaldo added.
Once the Champions League final is over, United will turn their attention to becoming
the first English top-flight team to win four successive titles.
Beating bitter rivals Liverpool to first place was sweet for Merseyside-born Wayne Rooney and the United striker would love to repeat the feat next term.
“It’s an amazing feeling. To win it three years on the run is unbelievable, especially because it was a great race with Liverpool,” Rooney said.
“Thankfully we got the job done, Hopefully we can continue to do it. I’ve enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to more next season.”
It was Gary Neville, United’s club captain, who lifted the Premier League trophy,
even though he didn’t play against Arsenal.
Neville believes United’s superior strength in depth allowed them to hold off a fierce challenge from Liverpool.
“It’s been an incredible effort all year. It’s a fantastic achievement because Liverpool pushed us hard this season,” Neville said.
“They finished in championship-winning form and we know we’ve got our work cut out to try and get past them next season.
“It’s the quality and depth of the squad that is so important. We never had a consistent team all season, it was 20 players who all contributed.
“Federico Macheda won’t even get a medal and he could have won the league by himself.” — AFP
The Star online
No comments:
Post a Comment