Ronaldo not a Diver

Cristiano Ronaldo insists he is not a diver!

Speaking to the Press in Manchester ahead of their crucial Champions League match against Benfica, Ronaldo poured scorn on all the media speculation that he is a diver, and said he is used to being victimised after the World Cup fiasco!

"Southgate stopped playing football last year. He needs to understand football much better," said the 21-year-old Portuguese international.

"I was trying to get past the goalkeeper. I lost my balance. I realise people criticise me for anything I do. They love to do that ever since the World Cup. But it doesn't bother me."

Sir Alex Ferguson agreed "it is revenge for the English press," he said. "They have been waiting months to do this since the World Cup. I have seen it a million times and Cristiano lost his balance completely."

The Scot went on: "As I have said time and time again, we do not condone diving and Cristiano knows that.

"But it is difficult for players who run as quickly as he does. For instance, if you were driving at 70mph in a car and another car comes out in front of you, do you brake or carry on? The interpretation is down to the referee but, to me, it was a clear penalty."

"All I know is that Cristiano is the most fouled player in the Premiership and the stats are there to back it up."