I will never bend it like Beckham, says United’s Ronaldo

CRISTIANO Ronaldo admits he will “never take free-kicks like David Beckham” — but believes he can still be as successful as the man he replaced at Manchester United.

Ronaldo is also viewed in Portugal as the man who can take over Luis Figo’s mantle as the national team’s icon and the 20-year-old insists the Euro 2004 runners-up have a real chance in next year’s World Cup.

Ronaldo said: “I am my own man. I will never take free-kicks like Beckham or dribble in the style of Figo but if I am allowed to do things my own way I hope to be just as successful as both.

“I try not to think about stepping into their shoes when I play for either United or Portugal. They are both world-class players and as far as I can see Beckham is still a hero in Manchester and Figo will always be a legend in Portugal.

“We did not expect to be out of the Champions League so early. But I still believe success is just round the corner for both my club and country.”

Ronaldo and Portugal are on course for next year’s finals in Germany and play Slovakia in a Group 3 qualifier next week.

“My dream is to win the World Cup.

“People think Portugal will struggle without Figo and Rui Costa but try telling that to the current squad.

“People forget we still have a world-class coach in Luiz Felipe Scolari not to mention players like Deco, Maniche and (Ricardo) Carvalho who are all coming to the peak of their powers.

“It is an honour that fans see me as someone who can carry on where Figo left off. We all hope this new generation of Portuguese players can go one better than the golden generation and win a tournament.

“We came so close last year that I think the players and the coach think we can do it next time. Scolari is an incredible coach who has winning in his blood,” the youngster said.