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.