Alonso cools Ronaldo concerns

Xabi Alonso insists Cristiano Ronaldo will not let emotion get the better of him on his return to Old Trafford.

Last Updated: 05/03/13 at 19:38 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  Champions League. Click here to bet.

Xabi Alonso: In action in the first leg against Manchester United

Xabi Alonso: In action in the first leg against Manchester United

Real Madrid ace Xabi Alonso insists team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo will not let emotion get the better of him on his first return to Old Trafford.

Ronaldo makes his first return to Old Trafford on Tuesday since his departure in 2009 for the second leg of their last-16 tie against old club Manchester United.

The Portuguese star is expected to be afforded a warm welcome from the United faithful with Patrice Evra revealing last week that Ronaldo had told him it would be difficult for him to return to his old stomping ground.

However, Alonso believes Ronaldo will cope with the atmosphere and focus on doing his best for Real.

"I don't think so," said Alonso when asked if emotion might get the better of Ronaldo on Tuesday night. "He's really looking forward to the game.

"Before the game I think he'll get a great reception but once kick-off starts, he'll just be thinking about doing the best for our team. Hopefully it will be a great night for him.

"It's very different to play with Cristiano than against him. I've against him and with him, and I'm lucky enough to say he's on my side and I'm pleased to have him on my side.

"He's in terrific form and he's looking forward to it. In his mind is just to play a good game and to get through this stage."

Alonso claims the game is not just about Ronaldo and that there are other players on both sides who could decide the outcome of the tie.

"We'll have more chances to win if Cristiano plays to his best, but if we don't defend well then United will have chances to win," added Alonso.

"It's not just about Cristiano, other players can have a really important impact on the game."

Alonso is not worried about the reception he might face due to his Liverpool connections and insists all the focus will be on what is an eagerly anticpated encounter between two European titans.

"I spent five years playing in England with Liverpool and there was a special rivalry," continued Alonso.

"But you don't really need to add anything to this match. Everyone will be glued to the television watching it, wherever they are."


Win £60 for your free £10 bet if Wayne Rooney scores first!


Bet with SkyBet  Champions League. Click here to bet.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

W

hat's a Bebe??

godsaveourkeane
Bebe seeking Sporting switch

W

hips, harness and saddlery ? This IS an Onion article.

v. profane
Bale set to trademark logo

I

want to trademark the word football .

herculezbotak
Bale set to trademark logo

Footer 365

Transfer news: Andy Carroll passes West Ham medical ahead of Liverpool exit

Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has passed his medical with West Ham ahead of his proposed £15million move to Upton Park.

European U21 Championship: Thiago treble secures glory for Spain against Italy

Spain captain Thiago Alcantara hit a hat-trick to help his side secure U21 Euro glory with a 4-2 victory over Italy.

Jermaine Pennant agrees new one-year deal with Stoke City

Jermaine Pennant has put pen to paper on a new one-year contract with Stoke City to end speculation he was to leave.

Mail Box

Twas The Worst Game I Ever Did See...

In this Mailbox it's England v Algeria in 2010 that is seen as the nadir, but there's potential for worse, surely. Plus, one man says we should praise Rooney's honesty...

Why Doesn't Suarez Request A Transfer?

The morning mailbox ponders Luis Suarez's current predicament, cool footballers, the Lion City Cup, Spurs' transfer policy, Kanu's absence and lots more...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved